[ WEEKEND ]
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STAR-BULLETIN.COM
Nadia Ribeiro, left, Austin Labajo, Carlos Gonzalez and Alyssa Sager practice the Brazilian dance and martial art of Capoeira.
Brazilian music is pumping from a boombox from an upstairs martial arts studio on a Monday night. With window fans blowing through a still-warm studio, a diverse mix of students are whooping and clapping in time with the music, encircling a pair moving fluidly through a combination of acrobatic dance and martial arts moves. Musical martial art
A practice born on the streets and
beaches of Brazil makes its way to HawaiiBy Gary C. W. Chun
gchun@starbulletin.comAnd that is exactly what makes up "capoeira." Thanks to instructor and California transplant Rod Ussing, this Afro-Brazilian sport has been transplanted from the parks, beaches and streets of Brazil, through the mainland and out to the middle of the Pacific Ocean.
With 70 students at all levels, Capoeira Hawaii makes for a lively group. About 20 of them will be showcasing their skills tomorrow as part of the Contemporary Museum's Artspree 2002.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STAR-BULLETIN.COM
Kainha, from Brazil, leads the students in a chant playing the berimbau.
Even though capoeira can be taken to a combat level, its purpose is to demonstrate the skill of winning a "game" rather than relying on punching or kicking power. Artists demonstrate their superiority over opponents through body control, either barehanded or with sticks, and command of sweeping kicks, head and handstands, somersaults and the like.
The musical and rhythmic element of capoeira is integral to its popularity. Ussing's expert Brazilian "nester" (master) Kainha gets on the conga or "berimbau," a one-stringed buzzing gourd instrument, to lead the students with some hearty chanting to sustain the intensity level of their "battles."
Still, it's a very supportive atmosphere as men, women and even a couple of youngsters go through the exercises, always giving approving glances and handshakes to each other.
The Contemporary Museum's Community Open House Artspree 2002
Where: The Contemporary Museum, 2411 Makiki Heights Drive
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. tomorrow
Admission: Free
Call: 526-1322
Capoeira was brought to Brazil by African slaves in the 16th century. "There's a predominant theory that capoeira evolved because the African slaves were not allowed to practice their native martial arts, so they concealed it within the dance and music without tipping off their overseers," Ussing said.
"Capoeira was also used to help slaves escape from their captivity, as well as a way of settling differences without getting into a major fight. Capoeira gives people the ability to take others down without hurting them."
Depending on a student's skill, capoeira can include a lot of acrobatic moves in the "dance fights," either in barehanded grappling, or in the dance fight with sticks called "maculêlê."
"Size, body type and age is no limitation for anybody who wants to get involved," Ussing said. "Obviously, my 18-year-old students are a lot more flexible than myself, and I'm 44. But you can still do capoeira without the acrobatics -- it's just the frosting on the cake." He also said that a good 60 percent to 70 percent of his students are women.
Ussing's classes have grown since he started here in 1994, teaching one person in a park setting. He's especially glad he was able to bring Kainha from Brazil, and hopes he can keep him here.
GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@ STAR-BULLETIN.COM
Capoeira instructor Mestre (master) Kainha, left, shows why he's the man with this acrobatic handstand and kick combo.
Kainha, a 25-year champion in Brazil, has worked with street kids in the notorious slums of Rio de Janeiro, and Ussing also works with "challenged" youths at the Ewa Boys & Girls Club. "Capoeira helps gives these kids some sense of discipline and respect for each other's space," Ussing said.
"I think there are some similarities between the local and Brazilian cultures in light of the growing popularity of capoeira. Both cultures love rhythm and music, and, with the martial arts influence, the Japanese population in Brazil is one of the largest there."
Ussing said the group's program at the Contemporary Museum will start with solo demonstrations, building up with more acrobatic moves, and ending with the "samba de roda" (samba in a circle) that invites audience participation.
>> Masked Creations expression sessions (starting at 10:30 a.m. and every hour afterward) SCHEDULE
>> All-day hands-on activities in glass blowing, music, wire and cardboard sculptures, screen printing, ceramics, fiber and face painting
>> Music, dance, storytelling and performance art:
On the museum grounds:
>> 10 a.m. -- Jon Osorio
>> 10:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. -- Helen Lee
>> 11:10 a.m. and 1:35 p.m. -- Tangentz
>> 11:30 a.m. -- Makana
>> 12:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. -- Fay Chun and Cora Yamagata
>> 12:30 p.m. -- Rea Fox
>> 2:45 p.m. -- Margery Sauvé
In the galleries:
>> 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. -- Stephen Fox and Michael Tannenbaum
On the cafe lanai
>> 11:30 a.m. -- Eleven Gallon Hat
At the King Kalakaua Plaza:
>> 10:45 and 11:45 a.m. -- AKIRA
>> 11 a.m. and noon -- Chris Planas Trio
>> 12:45 and 1:45 p.m. -- Capoeira Hawaii
For more information, call Capoeira Hawaii at 732-0178 or go to www.capoeirahawaii.com.
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calendars and events.
