TRADITIONAL AND BCV CAPOEIRA ETIQUETTES

These are not all the "guidelines"; however, they are the more important ones. PLEASE pay attention to others for more subtle traditions, for many of them are "unwritten" and are only a problem when they appear in the roda. You must be receptive to criticism when learning some of these traditional ways. THIS IS NOT WRITTEN IN STONE. This is to serve as a guide to you - a checklist of behaviors that are appropriate in Capoeira and in this school.

CAPOEIRA TRADITIONS

MUSIC and RODA

1. Know the difference between and acknowledge the different rhythms and types of Songs
2. The GUNGA is the lead Berimbau – it sets the tone and rhythm for the game. The medio can also lead pending the arrangement
3. The person playing the Berimbau (and singing) is the one in control.
4. The transition from one student passing on an instrument to another should be almost unnoticeable. Change only one instrument at a time.
5. You MUST sing and clap WITH ENERGY in the roda (This is not optional)
6. You MUST learn how to play instruments in order to advance... Never put down an instrument while the roda is in progress. It must be passed...
7. When playing Regional (traditionally) use, 1 berimbau and 2 pandeiros… and a full orchestra (three berimbaus (low, medium, and high), 1 pandeiro, 1 atabaque, (1 agogo bell and 1 reco reco), for Angola...
   • When playing BCVC rhythm, we can have two atabaques, for they become the more prominent instruments
8. Always be aware in the roda and maintain the shape of the roda
9. Only an instructor (or leader) can stop the music in the roda
10. Always Squat at the Boca da Roda (entrance where the instruments are) before entering the roda… and ask permission from the leader to enter the roda
11. Shake hands whenever possible after a game with the other capoeirista. Especially when someone gets hurt in the roda.
12. NEVER CUT AN INSTRUCTOR or another student in a higher level
13. QUESTIONS should be asked after the roda and there is no other talking to other students in the roda...

1. We are Grupo Ondas - BCV Capoeira . We are Capoeiristas who teach both Brazilian and Cape Verdean cultures. Our main and ultimate goals are to: help bridge the gap between the Brazilian and Cape Verdean cultures through Capoeira and use the art to teach New Wave Judeo-Christian Values (the 10 principles), for they are values that we should all share in order to grow as better people, which will also reflect in our game and our being. Another goal of our group is to gain the reputation of positive, respectful, humble, open, non-discriminating Capoeiristas who are committed to the development, education, and integration of the two cultures.
2. If you are late… you are to stand on the side of the class and wait for acknowledgement for the instructor or assistants before entering class
3. Greet others when at school – COMMON COURTESY!!
4. Must know your universal creed and the ten principles
5. You must wear our abadas, corda, and black t-shirt for all classes (unless otherwise specified )
6. The Chief Instructors of schools should be addressed by their title (Sombra, Graduado, Formado, Profesor, Stagario, Monitor, Contremestre, Mestrando(a), Mestre, Grao Mestre - etc). Other instructors may also be comfortable with being called by their Capoeira name only; however, you should check with that instructor what he or she prefers.
   • I prefer that you call me Tigri.
7. You must know and address each student by their Capoeira Name
8. Never fight during demonstrations. It is best to demonstrate by playing Benguela and Regional in a cooperative manner.
9. You should support your group through: Demonstrations, Purchasing equipment, Attending events, Being the best student you can be - Train hard – 100%, NO MATTER WHAT at all times.