Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form by Bira Alameida (aka Mestre Acordeon)

Mestre Acordeon is one of Mestre Bimba's most prominent students, and as one of the first capoeiraistas to teach in the US, probably the most renowned. His book, Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form, then, will be of interest to any student of capoeira. Above and beyond his sterling credentials, however, Mestre Acordeon is also an attentive, reflective and wise student, teacher and practitioner of capoeira. He has thought long and hard about the effects of the ever-growing popularity of Brazil's national sport, and its transformations as it adapts to diverse cultures and historical moments. His insights makes this book required reading for any capoeirista.

In a clear and conversational style, Mestre Acordeon invites you to relive his first class with the legendary founder of Capoeira Regional, and conveys his own awe and thrill at discovering the dynamic grace and force of the art. His evocative writing makes the foundational figures of Regional come to life, and the streets of Salvador teem with color and characters. Capoeiristas of all stripes are included: he conveys the appeal of life on the streets as a malandro, as well as the effects of the social and political influence wielded by upper class students.

Capoeira delineates why Mestre Acordeon is determined to keep capoeira alive, to pass down the essence of the art in all its multi-various, contradictory elements. The intersections and interweavings of self-defense, language, music, spirituality, creativity, improvisation, and gymnastics are all essential to the formation of our multi-dimensional sport, an expressive and practical art, a culture of individualism and mutual support. However, he highlights the musical and spiritual aspects of the tradition as the most vital to preserve as the art spreads across the globe.

He underscores the crucial role of growing as a musician on the journey to become a well-developed capoeirista. His chapter on music translates the lyrics of many songs he considers especially illuminating, and the songs are revealed to be poems about the essence of the art or key lessons in the tradition. He also dives deeply into what it means to progress as a student, focusing on the internal changes, the self-development that pulls a capoeirista to a higher level.

To ground students of capoeira's diaspora, he outlines capoeira's history, making every best effort to separate myth from fact, and filling in much of the detail of its 20^th century growth, consolidation and dispersal. He portrays the social context of Mestre Bimba's teachings vividly, ensuring that gringos have a solid context for their training.

Mestre Acordeon concludes with a fable, a dream sequence, evoking his own journey to mestre. In this evocative, abstract passage, he draws a clear road map for students to direct their training, a GPS to locate themselves on the path to becoming a fully participatory and well-rounded capoeirista. He captures and examines the heart of capoeira, baring it for any and all students on the path of malandragem, courage and self-discovery. If you have a serious interest in the Brazilian art of capoeira, this book is a joy and a requirement. It is essential knowledge for students wishing to keep the roots of the art alive.

Capoeira: A Brazilian Art Form by Bira Alameida

Previously:
Book Review: The Little Capoeira Book

Britt Carlson is an editor and former literary agent. She is also a YA certified yoga teacher specializing in alignment-based vinyasa and yoga for children. She teaches at Mala Yoga, Shambhala Yoga and Dance and for Bent on Learning, all in Brooklyn, NY.