Thirty-nine-year-old Brazilian Luis Claudio Pinto de Faria lives in Ljubljana, where he teaches and discovers the mysterious world of capoeira in Ljubljana. He was born in the Brazilian city of Ubá in the state of Minas Gerais. The martial art of capoeira has found its way in Brazil both in sports and health centers, primary schools, kindergartens and ...
Thirty-nine-year-old Brazilian Luis Claudio Pinto de Faria lives in Ljubljana, where he teaches and discovers the mysterious world of capoeira in Ljubljana. He was born in the Brazilian city of Ubá in the state of Minas Gerais. The martial art of capoeira has found its way in Brazil both in sports and health centers, primary schools, kindergartens and universities, while here it is an increasingly popular form of recreation.
When did capoeira first appear and when did it experience a revival in Brazil?
I don't know the exact time period. Some sources say that it first appeared in the seventeenth century. She came to Brazil through the descendants of African slaves. It developed in the daily life of slavery in colonial Brazil among members of African tribes and other indigenous peoples, who in this way preserved their tradition, culture, maintained vitality and thereby strengthened body and spirit. After the abolition of slavery, it developed into an urban phenomenon, moving to cities. It was also banned for a while. Now it has grown into a global phenomenon that has more followers every day.
Music and capoeira?
In the beginning, music was not part of capoeira. The instruments we use today in capoeira were introduced only in the twentieth century. Before that, it was performed to any kind of music. Today, the primary instrument is the berimbau, which is similar to a stringed bow with a resonating gourd at the bottom. He is accompanied by the percussion of the pandeira, or tambourine, and the atabaquia, an instrument similar to a conga drum. A circle is formed - a clan that defines the field of struggle, within which two people "play" according to the music. Along with the music, the game develops the coordination of movement, rhythm, strategy, cooperation and skills of two individuals within the genus.
Why do you think capoeira is gaining popularity in the western world?
She always charmed people. It came to Europe in the 1970s, first to London. The people who came from Brazil wanted to bring their culture closer to the people in Europe. People's interest was piqued by movements that were very different from anything they had seen before. This is how learning about Brazilian culture began through dance, because learning capoeira is not only learning about movements and skills, but also learning to play Brazilian instruments, learning the language, dancing, singing...
Does the practice of capoeira vary from country to country?
The genus is the same no matter where we are. May vary depending on
music and teaching techniques of a particular school. The behavior of the players
it can vary within the genus, but the rules are the same. Some schools work more on acrobatics, others emphasize fighting more as a skill. I think that if you develop a certain aspect of capoeira too much, it becomes incomplete. It is difficult to maintain integrity, because family behavior is a matter of personal culture. Capoeira will always adapt to the place where it develops. In Ljubljana, it will develop differently than, for example, in France, as you have a different economic, political and cultural context.
Are there unwritten rules within the genus?
The student learns the unwritten rules on the fly during training, which are: behavior in the clan, when and how you can approach the game, how instruments are changed, etc. How the participant approaches the genus is up to each individual. Some cross themselves, others bow to the instruments... It happened to me that my student was a Muslim. He saw the other students cross themselves. He himself bowed before entering the family, as Muslims do, because crucifixion would be against his religion. Joining a clan is a personal thing and everyone can find their own inner way to show respect.
How do you experience Slovenia and can you compare it to Brazil?
I love your country, especially Ljubljana and its architecture. The streets are clean and well-kept, Slovenians are beautiful and cultured people. Nature in Slovenia is beautiful, it reminds me of the region where I was born. I like Lake Bohinj, it is calm and beautiful there. When I'm close to nature, I feel like I'm at home. In any case, this is a country in which I would like to live (regardless of the cold). It is difficult to make a comparison, as each country has its own strengths and weaknesses. As a Brazilian, I see Brazil differently from the average tourist. I also don't experience Slovenia the way tourists experience it. Our culture and customs are different. Capoeira could help the Slovenian soul to become more Brazilian, and the possibility for Slovenians to change their life routine. The love for Capoeira is certainly the link between Slovenia and Brazil.
