The recent Roda Aberta or Open Capoeira Roda, hosted by Instrutor Falcão and supervised by Contra Mestre Lua from Malês Capoeira, was a huge success, with lots of axé (good energy). Present were various groups from around the city of Toronto, and even a contingent from Rochester, New York. Some of the most notable attendees were Professor Paraiba from Axé Capoeira, Helio De Souza from Semente do Jogo de Angola, Monitor Sací and  Graduado Curioso from Capoeira Camara. Groups present were the host group Capoeira Males, out in full force, Semente do Jogo de Angola, Capoeira Camara, Axe Capoeira, União da Capoeira, Capoeira Mandinga (from Rochester), and even a representative from Capoeira Sul da Bahia Quebec city nucleus.

For more info on this open capoeira roda (circle in which capoeira is played) see our feature blog post. Please comment below if there is anything missing or if you want to share any links.

This is not the first time people have tried to have a roda involving and includingeveryone. União da Capoeira often has rodas that are open to all groups. They even had a successful 24hr roda in the summer. However, this was the first time that an individual, with a lot of Toronto capoeira experience, has taken the initiative to… hmm let’s say ‘articulate’ and ‘market’ a roda towards all groups and especially, towards beginners. Instrutor Falcão went to every single academy or training space and personally delivered the invitation posters, speaking to all the teachers. If they were not present, he made a point of getting in touch with them. He made it clear that his focus for the event was the beginners. This effort so that beginners could feel comfortable playing with members of other groups.

The roda began with a slow rhythm, in a slight Angola style, with slightly longer games played carefully and low to the ground. With only one capoeira angola group present, (see blog post) this was in homage to them (contemporary capoeira groups also like to dabble in playing the angola style). The rhythm soon increased and the games turned into more contemporary capoeira, with impressive displays of acrobatic artistry, and shorter games between capoeiristas as people “bought in” to the games (someone cuts-in and takes over play from another). Still, there were only more advanced people playing, and Falcão, leading the roda (with Contra Mestre Lua Branca at his side) said nothing. Interesting. What about the beginners?

Well… soon enough, after all the elder students had played and gotten their anxious energy out, Falcão restarted the roda, this time with an emphasis on the beginners.

There were so many people present that they divided the room into two rodas, side by side. This was so everybody would have the chance to play several times. The games were more bengela, at a mid-pace, not to slow, but not fast, and still controlled. This lasted almost 40 minutes. Soon after the roda became one again. A couple more angola games played. After this the rhythm once again sped up and people played in the contemporary style. One of the highlights of the roda was Pantera’s (hostess of Males Capoeira) game with her daughter (pictured). It was really cute. I myself played a beautiful game with Contra Mestre Lua Branca. A friend of mine took a video of it but of course in my excitement to transfer it to the computer I accidentally erased it!! hrmph!

A short video on the opening of the roda, which was just music lead by Falcão (singing). For more photos from the roda, see the Rio Máte Facebook page, and this Facebook album.

Congrats Falcão and Capoeira Males on a wicked roda! Of course after people were refreshed with the taste of real Brasil, Rio Maté.

Alex Bordokas