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Capoiera

tambourine

Frank on the tambourine

 

Capoiera has breathed
new life into my husband…
has invigorated him,
filled him with joy,
laughter, music, culture,
and a sense of community
that he readily connects to and identifies with

Capoiera—a Brazilian
martial art of African origin,    

Frank & Mairead playing

 

combines elements of dance, 
acrobatics, self-defense and music

Depending on the style
it can be slow and deliberate played low to the ground—
or fast-paced, 
high and exciting                  
filled with jump kicks,    
flips, escapes and trickery…Capoiera                                        
is alive and well      
in our small town 
of San Pancho

Liam & Pato enjoying the game!

 

Classes are offered
for all levels—
for the tiniest of tots
up to adults,              
beginners through advanced

Capoiera meets you where you’re
at…                                         

berimbau

Frank on berimbau

 

connects with you on a core almost primal level
with the beating of the drums, the bellowing 
of the berimbau,
chimes of the agogo bells
and steady beat kept by both the clamoring of the tambourines
and the clapping of hands 
which are considered an instrument in and of themselves                                                                                        

Capoiera knows no creed, race, gender, nationality
or age
It finds you, beckons you,
and grounds you—
to yourself,
to the Earth                   

community, culture, family

Community, Culture, Family

 

Capoiera has roots,         
history, ‘sabor’, depth,
community,
that all together combine
to create an extended family
and for some, including my husband,
a deeply spiritual
connection 

Frank

is soon to be 51…
I have never seen his kicks higher     
his body more agile
his spirit more connected and joyful

The energy and culture of Capoiera
spills into the fluidity
of his every day life

It is safe to say that Capoiera has ‘enhanced’ him

high kicks

Frank practicing his high kicks!

 

and greatly improved
his quality of life

He is cultivating 

his own tribe
down here
in Mainland Mexico
in this little jungle pueblo
of San Pancho

Handstands at 51! Retirement is breathing new life into my husband!

 

amidst the coconut and mango trees
barefoot 
on the town basketball court
under the fullness
of the jungle sky
drumming
dancing
playing to his heart’s and soul’s content
breathing vitality 
color
and a new-found love for life
into who he is….

 

 

About the author: Together with my Retired Firefighter Husband and our now 19-year-old twins who were just 8 when we immigrated to Mexico in 2012, we have created a joyful life of design and freedom South of The Border. Welcome to Los O’Gradys in Mexico! Saludos, Katie 🇲🇽 ☘️

{ 7 comments… add one }
  • fo August 18, 2013, 4:00 pm

    Very cool honey….. a good capture of just one of the many rewards of living in our little town.

    There is a lot of hidden substance to San Pancho.

    • fo August 19, 2013, 3:00 pm

      :>)

    • Katie August 19, 2013, 5:02 pm

      And with your permission, I shall share here what you shared today on Facebook:

      “This evening while I was watching the sun go down over a tropical Pacific and the almost full moon rising over the jungle through wispy clouds I couldn’t help but reflect how this time last year I went on a few strike teams on fires that didn’t really seem to matter much and how profoundly different and better my life is now.
      So rich now….
      All this while playing a little soccer and capoeira with my daughter and a group of people who, even though I don’t speak their language yet, are not just accepting me for who I am but welcoming and teaching me without judgement and with encouragement…. It is an interesting and gratifying feeling.
      As the light from the sun was being extinguished by the horizon we all joined in a circle with birembau’s, a pandiero and agogo and we all started singing and feeling the energy of the experience… There is something so organic and powerful in that gathering of capoeiristas.
      I can’t explain it but it is akin to being completely alive and in a moment without boundaries.

      So, I guess I am saying that I am fortunate and blessed with a richness in my life that I marvel at.”

  • Unknown August 19, 2013, 1:59 am

    LOVE!!! What inspiration! Makes my heart swell ….. cant WAIT to take part and imbibe some of that deliciousness. xoxo

    • Katie August 19, 2013, 6:31 am

      You will see for yourself, how Grand it is…
      🙂

  • Shani MacArthur August 19, 2013, 3:12 am

    Sounds wonderful Katie! Primal and loving <3 shani

    • Katie August 19, 2013, 6:32 am

      Thank you Shani! It truly is wonderful…. divinely so.

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