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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #348303 in Books
• Published on: 2003-05-06
• Released on: 2003-05-06
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9781556434402
• Condition: USED - LIKE NEW
• Notes:
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Review
"Capoeirista, historian, sociologist, actor, author, teacher, and inquisitive traveler, Nestor Capoeira presents the reader with a unique and personal vision of capoeira. I hope all students of capoeira will have the opportunity to use his teaching for their own growth and understanding of this art."
-Bira Almeida (Mestre Acordeon)

"Capoeira has been in the States for twenty years, but there are few books—Nestor's is of interest not only to capoeiristas, but musicians, anthropologists, and lovers of capoeira. This book will help a new generation of capoeiristas on their path."
-Mestre Jelon Vieira

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Portugese

About the Author
Nestor Capoeira was initiated by Mestre Leopoldina, a living legend. Later he joined the Senzala Group and in 1969 received the coveted "red-rope," Senzala'z highest graduation. In 1990 he left Senzala and started to teach his personal approach to the Game at his own school. He has been a pioneer at teaching capoeira in Europe, and his books have been published in France, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. He has worked in film, theater, and television and currently teaches at the Planetario de Gavea in Rio de Janeiro.

Customer Reviews

The Best
This is most definitely the best Capoeira book that I have read and many will agree with me. The book starts off by giving an in-depth history of the Brazilian art. No one knows exactly how Capoeira started or what its original purposes were. However, there are many theories. Unlike most books that present one theory and proclaim it to be the truth, this book gives the most popular theories and gives reasons why they may or may not be true. This book also discusses some of the most famous Capoeiristas and what effects they have had on the art. In addition, it goes on to describe how the two major branches of Capoeira (Angola and Regional) came about and what their differences are.

Next is a description of the jogo or game. This is the actual application of Capoeira. It is vaguely similar to sparring, but is very different in purpose and style. The music of Capoeira, which is played during all jogo is also described along with its main instrument the berimbau.

The last half of the book deals with the movements and techniques of Capoeira such as: offensive and defensive movements, basic kicks, takedowns, advanced kicks and movements, head butts, hand strikes, and knee and elbow strikes. Each of the techniques and maneuvers are vividly depicted by drawings that are very easy to understand and learn from. There is also an explanation of both Angola and Regional versions of most of the techniques. This book gives a very good description of the history, game, and philosophy of Capoeira. While at the the same time it is the best training manual out there. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is in the least bit interested in this brazilian art.

The Little Capoeira Book: the bible for beginners
This book is an extremely useful source on finding information on capoeira, and is very useful for beginners and/or self-teachers such as myself and my friends. Half of it deals with the roots and philosophy of capoeira, from the music to the history. The other half shows how to do moves and good exercies to help get them down good. If you someday hope to be a capoeirista, but don't have anyplace to learn it get this book, it's useful.

love it!
If you yearn to actually practice Capoeira and not just learn its history,buy this book.I have a nice martial arts library and this is my favorite book on Capoeira.Quite a few movements are illustrated here and you get a very good idea of this art form.
Buy it and you'll be pleased with your purchase.