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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
MESTRE CABOQUINHO & T.A.B.C.A.T.
(Centro T.A.B.A.C.T. Detroit, MI / Nov, 2004)
We hope this F.A.Q. will help you find the answers to all your
questions about our group and what we do.
Q: What is T.A.B.C.A.T. Columbus?
A: T.A.B.C.A.T.
COLUMBUS is a Capoeira training group at The
Ohio State University, and an affiliated chapter of the Tribo
Afro-Bahiana de Capoeira Angola Tradicional (T.A.B.C.A.T.) of
Mestre Caboquinho, based in Detroit, MI.
[More
about the T.A.B.C.A.T. organization]
Q: What is Capoeira?
A: Capoeira is a dance-fighting game from Bahia, Brazil.
[More about
Capoeira and its history]
Q: Who teaches the group?
A: The Columbus group is currently coordinated by Edward Luna
(Treinel Fuça Fuça), who has been recognized as
Mestre Caboquinho's official trainer in Columbus.
[More about Treinel Fuça
Fuça]
Q: Who can attend T.A.B.C.A.T. classes?
A: Classes are open to all students and community members.
You do not need to be a student of Ohio State to attend.
Q: What is the recommended age range?
A: We welcome students of all ages and sizes. Our own members
have ranged from ages 7 to 55.
Q: Can I take my first T.A.B.C.A.T. class at any time?
A: Yes. You can drop in for individual classes whenever they
fit your schedule.
Q: What if I'm interested in Capoeira
but nervous to try it?
A: You do not need any previous experience with Capoeira, dance,
or martial arts to train with us. In fact, beginners are
preferred!
Q: Is Capoeira safe for me (or
my children)?
A: Of course it is. Unlike some martial arts that are designed
for fighting and/or killing, Capoeira developed more indirectly
as a way to disguise a fight through dance. Faced with
the oppressiveness and violence of slavery, Africans and their
descendants used Capoeira (along with other movement forms and
religious practices) to channel their rage into a playful, subversive
game. Through Capoeira, slaves could therefore laugh in the
face of their own adversity, and share this laughter with a
community. In many ways, this is the purpose traditional Capoeira
still serves today. As such, T.A.B.C.A.T. will teach you how
to play Capoeira, not to "fight." No striking
or full-contact techniques are ever taught in T.A.B.C.A.T. classes.
Q: Is Capoeira an effective form
of self-defense?
A: Yes. The game of Capoeira it is very useful as an evasive
form of self-defense. Through our classes, you will be taught
to respond creatively to physical or psychological "attacks"—without
getting your clothes dirty (literally and metaphorically).
Q: What kind of shape do I have
to be in to do Capoeira?
A: Each T.A.B.C.A.T. class is designed to teach to all levels
of students simultaneously. So if you have at least three limbs
and a head, you can train in Capoeira.
Of course, healthy knees, strong wrists, and flexible spines
are helpful to start with, but our classes are designed to help
students make individual improvements in all of these areas.
Q: What is the average class like?
A: The average class lasts over 2 hours, which consists of a
music/discussion section and a movement section. The movement
section begins with light calisthenics and strengthening exercises,
followed by an introduction or review of Capoeira movements
and sequences. After learning movements, students are usually
asked to work with partners and/or demonstrate sequences. We
often include a short training "roda" (circle)
as part of our sessions.
Q: Can I just come watch a class
to see if it's right for me?
A: T.A.B.C.A.T. classes are participatory. We believe
you can only understand Capoeira by physically getting
involved. It is also a question of respect for the traditions
of Capoeira. However, you may contact the instructor
if you have extenuating circumstances.
Q: Do you have an open circle or
"roda" I can come watch?
A: Our rodas and public performances are always announced
on our
news page. Unless otherwise noted, all capoeiristas
are welcome to play with us.
Q: Do you have a mailing list?
A: Yes. To receive updates about our activities, email tabcatcolumbus
[AT] gmail [DOT] com.
Q: How much do classes cost?
A: The first class is $5. Drop-in classes are $8 thereafter.
Q: What should I wear?
A: Comfortable pants, a t-shirt long enough to tuck in, and comfortable non-marking shoes.
Q: Are you the first capoeira group
at OSU or in Columbus?
A: Yes. T.A.B.C.A.T. Columbus began as an informal "Capoeira
club" established at Ohio State in 2001. The club lacked
a formal leader, and drew from a mixed bag of training. By early
2002, the group was officially under the supervision of founding
member and current T.A.B.C.A.T. instructor, Ed Luna.
In the middle of 2002, Luna began training with Mestre Caboquinho,
and soon decided to secure the group under the Mestre's guidance.
After a period of debate and transition, T.A.B.C.A.T. Columbus
was formed in late 2003. Those who did not want to follow Capoeira
Angola formed their own Capoeira group under another teacher.
T.A.B.C.A.T. Columbus was officially recognized by Mestre Caboquinho
in early 2004, and has since become a student organization at
Ohio State.
Q: I have more questions. Who do I contact?
A: For questions that have not been answered here, contact Ed
Luna through the group's general email, tabcatcolumbus
[AT] gmail [DOT] com.
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Class information