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Product Description
Capoeira is a synthesis of dance and personal defense from Brazil. The Little Capoeira Book presents some of the popular theories of how and why capoeira began and profiles the most famous capoeiristas and their contributions to the art. The book contains diagrams showing various positions and movements and discusses attacking and defending strategies and the critical aspects of feinting. Over 100 photographs and illustrations are included.
Customer Review:A1AES697PC2IW5
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Summary: Graceful Health-Defense "Dance" +++
I frequently walk-by an amphitheater [semi-sunk arena] which is used frequently by some Capoeira folks to engage in their "Combat Dance" -- they look to be having a good time in their collective musical graceful "Dance". With Brazilian Jiujitsu so popular recently [for good reason], I am happy that another fine Art from Brazil [and Africa] has taken-root in the world-at-large as well. The appearance of Capoeira as a graceful "Dance" may put-off some seekers of "direct self-defense" -- which may be exactly one of the purposes of this collective graceful "Dance". Some things are best hidden in clear view -- especially some precious things. Aikido LOOKS gentle and quite graceful -- with participants mutually "dancing" thru the Kata-flows -- and so a sceptic may be very surprised to be thrown easily to mat by someone quite smaller. Aikido-type Arts are increasingly used by defense professionals -- as they do work well. Recalling the history of Aikido makes this not surprising -- as dance-like as it now appears -- it is in fact a direct offspring of a thousand years of Japanese Civil War -- as is Brazilian Jiujitsu via very early [circa 1900] Judo in its more Kitoryu Jiujitsu like Combat Judo days.
As "The Little Capoeira Book" explains -- Capoeira is coming from a rich Africa-to-Brazil history, involving under-class folks who needed and wanted a way to survive and thrive via their ancestral skills -- in newer country to urban locales in Brazil. So it does appear as a "Dance" -- but does include some hard-core self-defense as good as any. Capoeira IS famous for its "Ground Dance" [which may or may not apply to mostly standing urban self-defense versus armed foes]. The book under review shows quite a variety of these ground kicks, turns and twists. YET, as shown in this book, I see at least two other great aspects -- the standing-methods are fluid, clear and sharp -- and the "Ginga" seems especially worthy to me -- altho the basic "holding pattern" -- it looks to be a dynamic [moving] On-Guard -- in CYCLIC COUNTER-ROTATION -- with "wing elbows" always in front -- that could catch an unwary foe much like favorite Krav Maga elbow-slams. It is INGENIOUS to to have "Ginga" as THE BASE for standing Capoeira. A fine presentation of the "Ginga" is on pages 62, 63 and 64 of "The Little Capoeira Book" under review. This fine book by Nestor Capoeira covers much ground to verify and further the above impressions of Capoeira. I really like Bimba's Sequences starting on page 86 [using the "Ginga"] and the section on [standing] TAKEDOWNS starting on page 108 +++
Customer Review:A35Q7IDXEF7SG8
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Summary: An excellent introduction to the art of Capoeira
I cannot recommend this book enough. It is highly readable and full of useful advice on how to perform techniques properly. The illustrations are simple, but they do a more than adequate job of getting the point across to the reader. I find myself referring back to this book constantly as a supplement to my Capoeria training. The insight the author provides into the unique culture and history surrounding Capoeira make for interesting reading as well. I can't wait to order and read the second book in this series. Nestor Capoeira has done a great service to the Capoeira community via this book.
Customer Review:A1JFEWB2VD483T
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Summary: Very nice book.
I'll be perfectly honest. With my short attention span I have at times, I havn't done much in the way of practicing through the use of this book. But what I have practiced using it, I was able to figure out easily thanks to the diagrams and explanations in it. This book was also able to make me hold the interest I first had in Capoeria before finding it with the additional sections that talk about the styles history and the philosiphies behind the art.
If you want a book on Capoeria that will hold your attention for a good long time, than you'll deffiantley want this one! Just don't assume that you'll be able to catch on to the style immediatley though, this book also proves that Capoeria isn't something you can pick up right away. ;D
Customer Review:A2UNFZA8S3S5P1
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Summary: great for new capoeiristas
great read for people new to capoeira that want to have a more comprehensive review of the history, music, and game. also has an interesting review of a conference that discusses capoeira in US and Europe, which is very useful to read to learn about the different trends and mestres around. definitely recommend it!
Customer Review:A1UVI6TCMRN91T
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Summary: Discusses and teaches the Game on many levels
I found this book to be an entertaining and informative read which discusses the game of capoeira on many levels from the philosophy through to movements and drills. It's a well rounded book and I reccomend that you give it a read if you are interested in capoeira (and even in philosophy).
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