Comments on: Mandinga and Mandingueira: What’s in a Name?

By: Capoeira Philosophy: Mandinga « Angoleiro’s Blog

Capoeira Philosophy: Mandinga « Angoleiro’s Blog — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 11:51:40 +0000

[...] they are secular or more part of the mystical world. Source b) is actually a very good elaborated post from the site Mandingueira, a highly recommendable blog for Capoeiristas. And here she goes into the [...]

By: Joaninha

Joaninha — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:00:58 +0000

Thanks, Compromisso! As for your questions…I have to say that in my grupo at least, we don’t seem to focus on the theoretical/philosophical concepts of capoeira as much as angola groups do. We learn about them, but not necessarily super early on in training; they will come up or be talked about from time to time but I wouldn’t say it’s overtly integrated into our everyday training and way of life capoeira-wise.

Thanks again for the link Shayna; I think it’s going to be a really valuable resource, not to mention fascinating read. Also thank you for the advice about going to Brasil…I’m sure I will be using it some time in the future!!

By: Shayna

Shayna — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 19:21:50 +0000

It was a 3-month exchange program run by SIT. I wouldn’t recommend it… I had a pretty bad experience and others did too – not because of Brazil, but because of the program’s (dis)organization making life crazy!

If you’re a student, I’d recommend simply taking a summer and spending it down there – tourist visa’s good for 3 months, and it’ll probably be cheaper than doing an exchange. Plus, you’d have complete freedom to take Portuguese classes, go to lectures and cultural events, volunteer somewhere, etc. all on your own schedule

If you’ve already graduated from college to the “real world,” then the best way to get to Brazil for an extended period of time is either to work in a field where you can do your work remotely, or to get a job or volunteer with someone. I hear work visas are rather hard to get though.

Aaaanyway, if you (or anyone!) wants more info on how to get to Brazil, where to go, etc. feel free to e-mail me!

By: Balanca

Balanca — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 04:00:07 +0000

Ooh! I’m so excited to read it, Shayna!

Will write/comment when I’ve had a chance. Thanks for posting it!

So this was a paper you wrote while you were taking classes in Salvador? Did you get a degree there or was it an exchange program? I’m jealous!

By: Shayna

Shayna — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:34:51 +0000

Found it!

http://capoeira-connection.com/main/downloads/malicia_paper_english.pdf

The similarities and differences were very striking. In the paper, I refrained from making a value judgment about which group’s interpretation of malícia was “better,” though obviously I have my own opinion on that!

By: Shayna

Shayna — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 19:08:19 +0000

Hey Compromisso, guess what I just found? The research paper I did back in 2004 comparing malícia/mandinga in both theory and practice between FICA and Capoeira Topázio in Salvador – I think I was telling you about this the other night.

It’s 50 pages long and in Portuguese but I know I did translate it to English at some point, so let me see if I can find it in my files… if so, I’ll post it; I think you’ll find it quite interesting.

By: compromisso

compromisso — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 21:46:03 +0000

Very nice Blog Post! I wish I could help and expand more about what they talked about at the Conference, but I was only around for 2 days. I don’t exactly remember everything, and I’m sure they talked more about this throughout the week. What you convered is about everything that stuck in my head. Next time around I should probably take some notes.

I would really like to get some insight as to what more Capoeira Regional\Contemporary perspective is on Manginga and how much do they emphasis this in class. As an Angoleiro I feel that this is something I practice and focus on everyday in my training, at home, in class and in the roda.