THE BLACK POWER OF CAPOEIRABorn in bloodshed, nurtured in hell, this martial art has played an important part in Brazil's much-harried history. Now Brazilians are facing up to it and accepting it as. . THE BLACK POWER OF CAPOIERA By D. DAVID DREIS HE NATION OF BRAZIL is taking a long, hard look at its checkered past: Some of what it sees is in need of a whitewash, cleaned up and scrubbed so that it makes good reading in history hooks, Slave uprisings, the likes ‘of which were steeped in bloodshed, are part of its folklore. ‘And Brazil is finally accepting Capolera as the true Black Power ofits nation For several years now, Brazil has skisted sts heritage with Capoiera. Tt has been overlooked, disregarded and dismissed. Historians battled against bureaucratic red tape to find the clearing, some gaps in history had to be filled in. A few years ‘ago an 81-year-old Potuguese, an eyewitness to the open gaps in history, told his story; the story was about Capoiera Vincente Ferreira Pastinha was the man who did the fling What he talked about at length were the slave uprisings against the cruelty of persecution and the tool of self-defense em- ployed by the slaves, created by the blacks Now that Brazil staking its reluctant look itis learning about Gapoiera and wincing at what it has leamed, Deseriptions aptly outlined by the old man attest to fast moving arms and legs Dattling the onslaught of intemperate slave ovimers, fighting ‘against the huge organization of oppression only to be pressed down in bloody defeat. Capaiera had its most terrifying results in the slave uprisings against the plunderers of human dignity, tho landowners who wese is operation since the colonization of Brazil by the Portuguese. With each suppression came more and more restrictions until at last, weaty and beaten, the in surgent African natives, the Slaves, were defeated. As the white populous worked om the ledgers of history, they erased the Dlack marks of Capoiers, pretending it never happened. ‘Pastinha remained live and brought the reality of the past Into full focus Kept alive in the secrsey of hardened souls the martial art continued to be taught and leaned, and if movements were displayed they were said to be a harmless native dance. This ‘was the way Capoiers sundved the torture of time. Pastinha revealed how the cultural aspects of the art seemed to vanish and how desperate students used the art to break down the statutes which were placed in their way. That they used Capoiera for damage and destruction without chyme nor reason is also part of the Razgard history. Without the culture and the Heritage, mach as that taught in the world of the‘TAKING A TRIP — Edyaldo Siva trips Ezequiel Martins in a Capoiera demonstration of Brazilian martial art while music accompa: ries the ection, Below, both fighters prepare upside down Kicks from ground to face, part of trappings of art born in bloodshed. martial arts, there was nothing save destruction and demolition. Again and again, insurgent blacks were put down in one after another bloody encounters. Capoiera’s heritage scemed to vanish for good. Now, 81 years old and blind, destitute save for the income which has been secured from devoted followers of the art, Pastinha is cared for with the respect of students who look at Jhim with the same dedication that Japanese karate and judo students look toward their sensei, He lives in Salvador and still ‘partakes of the martial art although the years and the disregard have taken their tol on his prowess. Tut, as Pastinha has revealed the past, a 68-year old instruc- tor known only as “Master Bimba” is advancing itto the future swith his instmction in the martial art. Since he hag been in- structing Capoiera, many practitioners have passed through his Jrands and are advancing the art further stil Five years ago, a group headed by Benjamin Muniz started to make a true and schematic study of the “kata” of Capoiera, transferring what Pastinha celated into viable and teachable terms. Reluctantly, the nation began to recognize Capoiera and accept it for what it was although they have staunchly 7rofised to accept it as a national sport, knowing all too well ‘that Capoiera is not a sport at all. Today, it has been “washed down? as a cultural, native dance. In this manner Capoiera is, to the Brazilian hierarchy, “acceptable.” International Prestige ‘Mumia and his group, the Olodum, are performing demon- Strations wherever they can find an audience. Their efforts at folklore festivals have gamered them intemational prestige, despite the backhanded help given them by national officials In 1968, the Olodum represented Brazil at the Third Latin, American Folklorie Festival staged in Argentina and took see- fond place after finding themselves winners of three gold medals and one silver. This year, they gamered a fist place win at the Latin American Festival held in Peru, So com- mancling was thelr performance, supported by musical instr ments which are part of its clean-serubbed look, that the i MEMBERS OF OLODUM are considered top fighters in Capoiera. Brazilian Ministry is paying homage to the art with the in- Hi They are, lr: Ed Bomfim, Onies Comardeli, Femmando Pallos and i Eavaldo Siva. These men are most proficient in this martial art Meeting opponent, Capoiera dodges a punch by flip to the ‘ground and uplite 2 kick to ‘opponent's face. All of this is choreographed in. demonstra tions, but unleashed it serves, a8 an extremely fine defense Dodging a kick, Capoiera dives, to the ground, whips out a kick and throws opponent off-bal: ‘ance. Good batters of Capoiera are always on the move, al: ways on guard against attacks MASTER BIMBA is foremost teacher of the martial art. He | has Built @ following and re: ___spect for Capoiera's ability and i culture to heritage of Brazil, ei aa oes ‘hesclusion of Capoiera demonstrations on its “Official” schedule cof national demonstrations. But its homage is to the development of the black man in the martial arts. Althongh the students today are members of all races, much like many of those studying Oriental martial arts are Cancasians, the Neuyoes are paid the mest homage ‘through their development of Capoiera Nothing is making the black man walk tall more than his tie in tho culture of the martial arts. This heritage has become: entrenched in the folklore of the martial arts history. And theres nary a tinge of the Oriental in its makeup. How strange it was for the heritage to start in Brazil and seemingly end there since slaves-were traded and deposited all, ‘ver the world, Quite possibly, had there heen instructors in the martial art in the United States, Capoiera might have ‘changed the face of history in North America. ‘This is not a treatise on civil rights; itis a testimony to an austere and legitimate martil art which identifies with all of fhe traditions of the other martial arts forms. AS the Japanese warlords oppressed the Okinawan populace, causing them to seek an elective means of self-defense, so its with Capoiera, eveloped from the Black African who was trained to fight the elements in his homeland but turned to use his training to fight against the tormentors of human dignity In Brazil Representative: of Brauil, those who wish t0 look with pleasure on the history of their nation, would lke the demon- strations of the dance to continue and be treated as @ dance. Indeed, Capoiera, because of its potentially dangerous aspects, must be practiced asa dance, as “kata,” but there cannot be a “kumite” The practitioners know the law and are forced to sccept it, but they earnestly believe thatthe art could be a dy- namie spor if the reigns of government myopia were zemoved Admittedly, there have been many practitioners of the art who are warking out with no punches or Kicks pulled. Tt hasresulted in some damaging elfects and even they recognize that the unleashed power of the art must be tempered some. what for a sport in which the nation could take pride, As Funakoshi tempered karate, Kano tempered judo, the leaders of Capoiera, perhaps “Master Bimba,” are looking for that ‘combination of sport-art. ‘The emphasis on Capoiera is on muscular strength, joint Acaibility and rapid movernents, All of these are calculated to subdue — and subdue fast — any threat, any battle Quick Body Movements Capoiera makes much of quick body movements ax most of the martial arts do. But, it places a greater emphasis on the ower of the legs, strong weaponry in the employ of trained fighters. A Capoiera man may meet a fighter face to face, but Ina fraction of a second he can filp to the ground, shooting a strongly placed foot into a vital attacking area. It has been Said that the Capoiera fighter, trained to put punch-power in his foot, can effectively destroy a man mortally with a well. placed Kick! ‘That it whets the interest of those who see it has been fairly ‘well documented. In Los Angeles to attend a Folklore Festival the members of Olodum were besieged with requests from students to demonstrate at Jocal colleges amd universities, At every demonstration there was much interest in bringing the ‘martial at instruction to the United States — and many of those Capoieras meke much of the flop-kick which when used fast cam disarm surprised opponent. After kick — and focus is stressed ~ fighter jumps up and readies his own barrage of kicks and punches, turning defense into attack, This colorful set of movements captivates all who see it eople making the requests were, to no one’s sumprise, from the black community In Sao Paulo Waldemar Dos Santos is the man in charge of making Capoiera popular. His is a mission which has seen the face of determination muddied by blockades to his erserverance ‘Waldemar, a shor, strong man with searred hends and fore= hhead, learned his Capoiera on the streets. But he isthe fore ‘most teacher in this city where study tn judo and karate have reached a new high in interest and attendance. At 37, the man fs determined to have Capoiera become even more important than these other martial ars, “This is Brazilian,” he says with assuredness, “This fighting art i in the blood.” So pronounced is Dos Santos about Capoiera and its nation alistc ties that more than 100 students are studying with him. He learned the martial art in the beaten-earth clearings which were to become “academies” for Capoiera in Rio, but having now retumed to Sao Paulo, the young man is determined to ‘make the art “official.” Hr, too, has suffered from the oppression of red tape author ity, He has titled his “course” a “Brazilian Folklore Movement.” His students practice in what was once the parlor of a towne hhouse, its walls now smeared with dirty palms and feet. After ssismonths of “dance” movements, which in reality is the “Kata,” Dos Santos instructs his students into the violent phase of the tur. “T admit,” he says, not too proud of the statement, “that Brazilian Capoiera is one of the dittiest, formalized fighting styles known.” How “dirty” has Capoiera been or become? The historybooks ate not clear on this point either. There are many legends surrounding the martial art and explaining how it was used by Brazilian sailors who picked it up and “adapted it” from the slaves before them, According to some sources who reluctantly admit it, the sailors used Capoiera to “fight for keeps,” taping knives and razor blades to their bare feet and Inds before centering a fight, Dos Santos shrugs his shoulders on this facet Perhaps that was how the art was “bastardized” by the Bi zilian sailors, but he has enough confidence in “empty hand” and “empty foot” facets of the art to bypass that addition, Recent Police Records Recent police records in Rio show what happens when Capoiera gets out of hand. Military police tried to arrest a drunken Capoiera (the term is used for the fighter as well as the art) named “Master Satan.” “Satan” took on a 24-man pla toon and fought them to a draw, Seven policemen were hos- pitslized, tovo with broken arms, and to with split livers When “Satan” still stocd defiant after a battering by 24 billy clubs, police had to decide whether to shoot him or let him sloep it off. They decided to try the latter ‘The feet are man’s most deadly weapon,” says Paulo Romero, a Rio Capolera, “The head is the weakest. Capoiera sims at bringing the strongest weapon to the point of weakness.” “Master Bimba” has defined the modern sport-art and out lined 72 separate movements which have colorful names, sim. ilar to those given in ‘Tai Chi Chwan, such as "Daddy's Scissors.” “Banana Plant,” and “Tail of the Dragon Fish.” “before World War TI,” says Bimba, "Capoiera was illegal. Police were called wherever it was practiced. Now, at long last, it is being appreciated for the thing of physical beauty that it really is, Speed, agility and multiplication of force is the key.” “Master Bimba” knows that this defnition isin conflict with the view taken by the fighters in the art. “Capoiera is as graceful as « ballet, but it was invented to kil,” he admits. “In ‘street fightin old Colonial Brazil Capoiera was a fight to the finish, A knife, a razor, a broken bottle made a Capoiera the equal of 20 men Pastinha, however, shirks the contempt against the art. His: torically it belongs to Brazil and it should be recognized, in his ‘opinion. “As a Brazilian,” he says, “I am proud of this friendly ‘country. The Capoiera meeting his adversary has the possibil- ity by means of lightness and quickness of the art to disarm any opponent, either taking the weapon from him or vanquish ing him by throwing the armed adversary to the ground.” Pastinha is still the prime authority on the art and he has seen it develop to a point of respectability. “Master Bimba” is the foremost practitioner and teacher in Brazil and his students ate as enthusiastic over the techniques as students anywhere. ‘There are some who are unhappy that it is locked into the demonstration aspect, colorful though it may be with its musi- cal accompaniment and bright costumes, ofttimes striped trousers which give off a garish and more “carnival” appear- ance than most, At least the artis being nurtured and someday perhaps, fit continues to live and gain in popularity, Capoiera ‘may grow into full-Hed ged martial art anda nationallendeavor Right now, one university accepts it as part of its cursiculum within its folklore program, Moving it over to physieal educa tion may be a tricky accomplishment, but until that day does ative, the followers of the art will continue to demonstrate it, allowing people to forget it s really an example of Black Power a OFF THE OF By &. Ravid Reis Menating Editor, Brack Bex George Hudson of the NY Kungfu group, hosts to [OMA in NY. he. 749, ening to trek to dojos around the country to whip up ent sletm of whe he assures there's plenty... Alen La, sifu of the organ tation, was extremely gracious In fis support. ...A meeting in LA. by 10 Karate promoters inited by Bob Wall turned into o formlating goup for ‘a natinde Herate association slthough ono of the biggest names was nat invited to the party... BB writer John MeGee almost suffered a critcal headeche when annie shureken zoomed up from 3 demo and zipped past his toad by 2 faction of an inch... Sallacidental said demonsirator Ronald Duncan . Jerome Mackey invited to patcpste in TOMA still won- ering wets he's venturing info “enemy taritny” Not inthe Teast, Jerry Hulon Wil? grandiose support of IOWA the spoke last yea”) was suc that he care al the way up from Vina to help out in preconventon Ceremonies -- Tak Kubota rors that he's upped his student schedule to ‘oven aye até seven nights. T00 heavy 2 denang, sensol Aaron Banks has ted in with more than 200 dojs the sey) and is going al out to bring rep from all of them to the ICMR. Ill be Peter Urban ard Maing @f boll caiman the muchaeeded karate referee clic and Joe wis hwo cleine t's baer "Tebbed” too many tines) may attend Chick Mors and Fumi Domura wil defintely make this one.» Noris fying high onthe nag system as used in th NY provkarate outing David Moons win 2t the Glf Coast Tourney and his dazzing effort inthe os should metk him #8 = major name... Charl Lambur is stl tying {o get lewishjuclas forthe Maceabish Games in ical... Elims set for Chi. Last time aut, the US. rope mace ita sweep... Baara Britton, 18yearold No Dak, Uni, Homecoming Gueen, is a judoka .. Learned it in Korea where ner ftir, a Major, was stationed... Studes i atthe nivetsiy ,. Suno great Sadai Toktsuke died atthe age of 56... His Tecord of £8 wins in aro (sored inthe 1930s) is stil unbroken... Count Dante reports hel br contact bouts in upcoming Chicago meets Ths arent Book on the culure of the marl arts, “Bushido,” long out of Drint Gk wat originally published in 1900) wil be reprinted very soon Nick DiNapall tock pot sot at BB in “Sienca and Machancs” magazine Claming thst notody could lac from a magazine and that what we show too dangerous... AW cinon » .. OiNapol teaches in NUL.» Stoe Sstaya in frm Wppa, raved ovr the Makvara Supreme whic acheres to the wall witout ais» Took 2 few Back with him... Fumio Demara, Tefeesing in NY, was so anfoyed atthe rulings ofthe judges that he owed ut at anzry, ust dsapoined, but Peter Urban walked off the stege with 2 poorteste grandiose speech leaving th toutney In a shanbles Tw of Urbans students, readying for @ ils bout, walked with him . Sheen Roe stod frm elaning thatthe rules of the tourney had it that judas ‘enild over the referees and that was it... Urban should have wore to Sy doing IOWA and we hope tat Rhea wil contbute.. . Demand has been a/hevy for alkid traning that Rad Kobayashi in LA decided to shuck tis Cnginesrngorofstion forthe world of the sansa... rts of those wio feel aikido could make a great tourney sport believe that this mata art could be toa lotal Baron Powers stormed into BB re: articles shut him Fete And why ml, really?. Gene Label had to cancel out his par. tigation ina Forum» Sig mova work at Universal Pictures - . Ineltad 1 appea’ In Dai at Alen Sens US. Invitational, Joe Lewis figured up the sost of sir fare, cab, dinmrs, ee, an shucked the whole thing. “For trophy?” he asked... Dont tel anyone (yet) but BB is readying KARATE ILLUSTRATED, a whopper of a magazine... You deserve the best and weve been sweating for months on it ta give you something of which you'l be proud. 28 wil stil be covering the fil, but KI (get i?) should enlarge Upon that seene . . Chuck Harris, Richard Kim, Holon Wiis slated for columns on 2 regular bess eh wot? NeXT ‘WONTH. MORE! 21