QUINTALBRAZIL2011

QUINTAL BRAZIL2011

Group photo from Mestre Nô’s “Seminário Internacional de Capoeira Angola Palmares,” Salvador, Bahia

NewYorkCapoeiraCenter.com

In August 2011, members of Capoeira Angola Quintal went on a two-week cultural retreat to Brazil.

We visited the cities of Recife and Salvador, and we experienced first hand the rich roots of capoeira and Afro-Brazilian culture.

QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

THE MESTRESTHE MESTRESGrand Mestre NôKnown as the "Mestre of Mestres," he graduated dozens of capoeiristas and continues to guide practitioners throughout the world with his wisdom and unique style. With over 60 years experience in Salvador, he is a living legend, one of the most respected elder mestres in the angola tradition, and his experience has developed a deep expression and understanding of "malandragem".

Mestre OmbrinhoMestre Ombrinho is a disciple of Grand Master No and the first North American to be graduated to mestre. For over 22 years, he's been teaching at his Academy Capoeira Angola Quintal in NYC. Traveling annually to Bahia and throughout Brazil since 1985, Mestre Ombrinho speaks fluent Portuguese and has acquired extensive knowledge of cities and towns while participating in capoeira events and classes # making friends everywhere.

Mestre MagoMestre Mago, Ricardo Dias de Sousa Pires, is a capoeira mestre with over 20 years experience. He founded and runs the non-profit organization # academy Centro de Capoeira Cinco Salomao, teaching capoeira angola and regional while promoting cultural events celebrating local Brazilian traditions of music and dance. Today he lives in Recife with his wife, Professora Bel and children.

QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

Destino, 007, Macarrão, Pavão, Mestre Ombrinho, Alex, Caimãn, Mestre Mago, & Energia in Olinda, Pernambuco (near Recife)

LEMBRANÇASMEMORIES

LEMBRANÇAS MEMORIES

View of the lighthouse and beach in Barra, Salvador

Church near the Mercado São José, Recife

Batata Doce “One of my favorite moments was playing in the farewell roda at Mestre Mago's academy on Monday night. Playing Mestre Mago's sister in law, Baby especially. She midwifed my swag. “

Macarrão“It was an honor and inspiration to visit Mestre Mago's academy in Recife. He and his students were all very welcoming and excellent hosts. It was great to see how Mestre Mago has been able to cultivate excellent capoeiristas regardless of age or gender. Definitely a high bar to aspire to.”

Destino“Salvador was amazing! Watching Mestre Ombrinho and Mestre Nô interact was like watching my father and grandfather at a family gathering. To top it off we got to be a part of Mestre receiving a new cord, with his Mestre, in Salvador, a once in a lifetime opportunity. Watching our Mestre playing in his unique signature style with other big time Mestres was definitely the most inspirational moment as far as Capoeira goes and absolutely reinforces in me a style and game that i aspire to have.”

Energia“The best part of the trip for me was making new friends and getting to know old friends better. What a great opportunity to enjoy the Quintal family! Feel free to rip any of my pics and I will try to send the one's I like best.”

Mestre Ombrinho’sTop 5 Memories

1. Our walk with Mestre Mago into the brackish mangrove swamp followed by two stray dogs fighting over who gets to walk with the gringos

2. Walking, for the first time, with 10 students into Mestre No's academy in Boca do Rio

3. Our seafood dinner with fresh cut potato fries, moqueca, cold beer, maracuja liquor by the bay, with a view of Salvador, as the sun sets

4. Our private tour of the liquor factory in Cachoeira

5. Seeing how well everyone got along and how we all looked after each other

Beach day with Mestre Nô near his home on the island of Itaparica