A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life

by Nestor Capoeira

A Street-Smart Song delves into the boundless philosophical depths of capoeira, the fascinating synthesis of Brazilian dance and self-defense. Drawing from a wide range of sources—the streets of Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, the teachings of the old masters Pastinha, Bimba, and Leopoldina, and the brutal economic realities inflicted on the poorest of Brazil—Nestor Capoeira paints an indelible portrait of this living art, its spiritual heritage, and its vital place in a world hypnotized by media and crushed by poverty. The traditional poems and songs of capoeira are here, along with the author’s lively discussions of everything from the space age and television’s impact on third world culture to Candomble and capoeira’s life-changing lessons. Rounding out this absorbing cultural survey are historical photos, sketches of weapons and instruments, and fully illustrated fighting movements, taught step by step.

Genres: Martial Arts

344 pages, Paperback

First published June 2, 2006

Reviews

[Abby]

The writing is intentionally conversational, which I found distracting. The English was translated too directly, so it reads like a non-native speaker sounds. Generally, it meandered a lot, and hammered at a few points that the author feels strongly about. The second half was structured like a thesis or dissertation (it was based on his M.A. thesis), but lacked the directness that should characterize academic writing. That said, the second half was still much more interesting than the first (originally written in the early 1980s). It was worth reading, for the perspective of someone who's been involved with capoeira for decades, so I recommend it for curious capoeiristas. There is also another section (similar to those in his first two books) showing some capoeira moves, complete with explanations and diagrams, which may be worthwhile for many capoeiristas.

[Haru]

The last of the trilogy by Nestor Capoeira.

[Precious Sullivan]

A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life offers a fascinating exploration of capoeira as more than a synthesis of Brazilian dance and self defense. Nestor Capoeira connects the art to its spiritual heritage, history, philosophy, traditional poems and songs, and the lived realities surrounding its development in Brazil. The inclusion of historical photographs, sketches of weapons and instruments, and illustrated fighting movements adds depth to this engaging cultural and martial arts exploration.

[Dan]

This book makes you want to play Capoeira like crazy every time you read it. So for me, that`s good. More later when I stop thinking about how much I want to play Capoeira right now.

[Erin]

An essential for any capoeirista