On August 2oth through the 23rd, Contra Mestre Lua Branca and the students of Grupo Capoeira Malês Toronto held their 6th Batizado & Troca de Cordas. The energy was high and positive as many masters and professors were visiting for the event. Students from several groups across the city and Vancouver, Seattle, Detroit and Florida took part in the workshops and rodas. Mestre Curisco fom Seattle, long time colleague of Lua Branca, was cheif among the guests invited to lead classes and rodas.

Both Mestre Curisco and Contra Mestre Lua Branca are originally from Ipatinga, Minas Gerais in Brazil. On their website the group’s description follows: “Grupo Capoeira Malês was founded by Mestre Curisco and Contra Mestre Lua Branca with the mission of disseminating our culture both within and outside Brazil and teaching our students better techniques. This will develop qualified professionals committed to the preservation and values of capoeira as an art, and create educators attuned to the needs and reality of their people, as well as students who are able to contribute to the growth of our community. In addition, we also welcome those who come our way just looking to socialize or for some physical education so they can fulfill their expectations and take away a knowledge and respect for capoeira and our culture.”

The most impressive thing about their batizado was the amazing raw energy conveyed in their rodas. An intense competitive showmanship coupled with camaraderie flowed through the capoeiristas; beginners, advanced, men and women. certainly one of the highlights of the event was the women’s roda, where women capoeiristas from various groups showed up to play. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get any pictures of this! If anybody has any please post a comment with a link to where they can be found online! This year’s batizado celebrated Contra Mestre Lua’s 25th year as a Capoeirista.  Obrigado Lua Branca and Capoeira Males Toronto.

The batizado was full.

Contra Mestre Lua holding some Rio Mate. Below is a little montage some students put together to give thanks to all Contra Mestre Lua’s efforts.