Chico State Capoeria

Welcome to the new and improved Chico State Capoeira website!

Chico State Capoeira is a part of Grupo Capoeira Malês, founded by Mestre Curisco and Contra Mestre Lua Branca, formed in the interest of playing and spreading information about capoeira. We offer classes at several locations in the Chico area.

I hope everyone is having a happy holiday season and enjoying the time off. Currently InMotion classes will be tentative classes until January 3, 2008. If anyone is interested in training please feel free to call myself or Selvagem to have a roda or just a get together. Also Wednesday classes will unfortunately be cancelled until further notice. For all of those that have been attending those classes, we have really appreciated your dedication to Capoeira and the group.

-Javier

I hope everyone had a great break. Just wanted to let you all know that there are a few events coming up over the next couple of weeks, that anyone that can make it, should go to.

The first event coming up is Mestre Canguru's group, up in Humbolt, will be holding a batizado. Here are the details:

Humboldt Capoeira
Workshops and Batizado
Nov. 30th - Dec. 2nd

*All Level Workshops and Rodas
Friday workshops & open roda 3pm
Saturday workshops 10am-4p
Batizado & Show 5pm!
(total weekend price $80)
Directions from the south: Take 101 north towards Eureka.
Arcata is 7 miles north of eureka on the 101.
Exit Samoa blvd and take the second right.
Turn right on K st.
Turn left on 8th st.
The Arcata Dance Center is on the right hand side of the second block. Look for the Capoeira sign.

The following weekend will be the batizado for Raizes do Brasil:

"Hope all is well in Chico and the class is growing, I'm sure it is... Just want y'all to know about our event coming up in December on the 9th it's a Sunday. It's our Fifth Batizado and Troca; if you would like to attend then you'll be my guests. Just let me know how many and I can work something out and if ya can't no worries! We've got Mestres from Brasil coming and our local Mestre from Santa Cruz. Hey maybe even come for a workshop! Let me know... "

Axe! Joshua "Superman" Horner Raizes do Brasil

The second week in December, the same week (which I believe is the same weekend as the second batizados), we're going to have visitors from Seattle here, as well as potentially another guest from down south. So if anyone has space, just let us know.

And thanks to Curujao and Ousado, we have the lyrics to a new song to go over in class: Please print this out for class.

UM DIA NA SENZALA
Quem ja foi na Senzala um dia
Sabe me dizer como e
Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao

coro: Moendo cana e - Socando pilao

Negro era escravizado
Sobre o olho do capitao
De dia trabalhava
Descalco com os pes no chao
Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao
coro: Moendo cana e - Socando pilao

Negro sofria na senzala
Na vista to coronel
Onde olhava da sacada
Como um raio vem do ceu
Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao
coro: Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao

Mas que vida era aquela
Hoje ja nao existe mais
Como era ruim ficar
Na mira de um capataz
Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao

Moendo cana ee - Socando pilao


See you all Tuesday.
Robert Washington
(Periquito)

Well, it's Friday and many members of the group will be leaving for home this weekend. Tuesday class will still be held at In Motion, but the Thursday and Wednesday class (at Studio One) will be cancelled. Everyone have a great holiday and see you all soon. Also, there are more videos posted in the "video" section of the groups' website, thanks to Javier. Check them out if you haven't already.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

You all did great in class tonight. Great energy! I hope you all remember the song we went over in class, and I'll see you all soon. I can't be there in class this Thursday, but I would like to get together this weekend to do movement or music, let me know. Below is the link to the batizado video on you tube. It's also going to be up on the Chico website very soon.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

As you all know, I decided to take a little bit of time away from capoeira for several reasons. Some are personal, others are due to injury and school. But I want you all to know that just because I won't be in class for a while, doesn't mean I don't want to train, and I don't know whats going on. So, if anyone wants to meet up with me, just give a call.

I heard that the performance went well last Tuesday. That's great. But... You all, no matter what the situation is, need to be wearing the uniform. If 90% of the group has the uniform (shirts and pants), and 10% doesn't, the 10% doesn't perform that night. That's the rules, and Mestre just said the same thing less than 5 days ago. You all need to have the uniform before you come to class, do workshops, batizados and performances. Multicultural Night was a big performance, not a roda in the park. You guys needed to be in uniform, not batizado shirts (or without shirts). And, whoever has the batizado shirts, I need those back, along with the signs from In Motion.

I also heard that the class was locked out of Studio One on Wednesday. The person leading the class on Wednesday, should be trying to get in contact with the owner, Luke, to unlock the doors. If the person leading class doesn't have Luke's number, they are responsible for getting that information from the Studio One website, or from myself or Luke. We've been in that location for over 6 months, there's no reason for not having his contact information. If the instructor decides to move class to another location, they need to let Luke know this 1. out of respect, because he is the owner and 2. what if other people (members of the group, or someone else interested in trying capoeira) shows up and nobody's there? BE RESPONSIBLE! Don't just move the class.

You guys that just got your belts, congrats!! I can't say it enough. Those that have higher belts should be asking the most questions in class. If you don't know something to be a fact in capoeira (tradition, what Mestre wants you to do...), don't make an assumption (or make something up) to make yourself sound in charge. 95% of you guys just started capoeira less than a year ago (regardless of cord level), If I hear of one more person giving false information about anything, such as "you can't touch your belt in class," I'm coming after you. Like I said, those that have higher cords, need to be asking more questions than anyone else. Next time I see you, I'll ask you something, or to do something, that someone of your level should know. This may require you to know music...there are numerous people in the group with CDs and instruments...ask them. The higher up you are, the more responsibility.

If you need to finish paying off batizado, or for a white uniform shirt, I know who you are. I need that money in ASAP.

If there are any questions, call or email back.

Robert Washington
(Periquito) Hey Everyone,

First off congratulations to everyone that participated in Chico's first batizado and encounter this last weekend, and congratulations to those students who received belts this year. Just a reminder to everyone we have the Multicultural Night Performance dress rehersal this Monday night and the actual performance this Tuesday. I need to have everyone at the rehersal no later than 7:00 pm in full whites on Monday and the same on Tuesday night, so obviously class will be cancelled Tuesday night because of the performance. I am going to assume that everyone will be at the performance, so email me if you cannot attend for some reason. See everyone soon and thanks to everyone that helped out with this weekend with the batizado and supporting our group here in Chico, and a special thanks to Periquito for all his hard work in organizing the event.

Muito AXE,
SELVAGEM

Hello Everyone,

Due to some recent confusion I am writing this email to inform everyone of the details for the batizado and this weeks schedule.

The workshops for this event are as scheduled:
Thursday 8:00-9:30 pm In Motion Fitness
Friday 4:00-9:00 pm In Motion Fitness
Friday Night after the workshop Party/Fundraiser at Studio One
Saturday BATIZADO 2:30-5:00 pm CSU Chico PAC 134

This means that if you have NOT paid for batizado you will NOT be allowed to participate in the workshops, unless you are a visiting student from out of town or from another capoeira group in which case the cost for both workshops is $35 combined. Everyone is allowed to go and watch the batizado as a spectator and attend the party/fundraiser Friday night, but only those who have paid for Batizado can participate in the workshops. Sorry for the confusion but the schedule and details were still being worked out up until this week. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to call either myself or Periquito to help clarify things further. Thank you and hope to see you all soon.

Muito Obrigado,

Selvagem (Jeff Oji)
(530)591-4305

Periquito (Bobby Washington)
(530)520-5504

So, for sure there is 8 or so members of the Seattle school that will be coming down for our batizado. If you are able to provide housing for these individuals, they will begin arriving on Friday morning, so let us know as soon as possible. Well also have a unconfirmed number of people comming in from the bay area and So Cal, so housing will be needed for those folks as well.

Also we need people to pick up the instructors, professors, and mestres at the airport. Here are the times:

Tuesday: Mestre Curisco and Professora Tigresa will be arriving in Sac. @ 8:30 am Alaska Airlines.

Thursday: Instructor Jabar will arrive in Sac. 11:30 am

Thursday:Contra Mestre Lua Branca will arrive in Sacramento at 11pm Thursday night. His flight is Delta Airlines 1079.

Friday: Professor Nego, Instructor Guerreira and Instructor Mala will be arriving 8:30am.

Tell everyone you know about the batizado on Saturday, PAC 134 @ CSU Chico (same location we held the April show). And get as many people as possible (at least two friends) to come to the party at Studio One Friday night after the workshops. There will be a $5 fee at the door.

This Wed. night, we have a audition for M.C. night starting at 7pm. And remember, we perform next Tuesday (after batizado). Everyone needs to be in full white uniform. If you don't have the uniform yet, Mestre will have them with him this week.

Everyone should try to make it to every class and workshop this week, which will be everyday starting Tuesday. For people (guest) not taking part in the batizado, but want to take workshops, the fee is $35 for everything.

If there are any questions, which I'm sure there are, call me at (530) 520-5504.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

The Seattle Batizado is this weekend, so I won't be around for Thursday's class. Next Tuesday, Mestre will be down and the special guest will be flying in throughout the week. We need people to go down to Sacramento to pick up the guest. So if you're able to do email Selvagem or I back as soon as possible, and I'll give you the flight information.

Reminder:

The Tuesday after the Batizado weekend, is Multicultural Night. This is one of the largest performances of the year, so everyone needs to be there. It's during normal class times, so I'm assuming that most of you can make it. If you need time off of work, do it now.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

This Thursday we're going to have class at Athletic Horizons. If you need directions to the location it's 220 Meyers St. Also, we have the location on the website (map included). The cost for use of the gym is $10, but if we bring 12 or more individuals, the cost goes down to $8.

Our next demo is Oct. 11. This will be for the Dr. Chase's class in front of Butte Hall. If you can make it, let us know. Once again, the Seattle batizado is the weekend of the 20th next month. I encourage you guys to try and make it. Many of them are going to be coming down to support you guys, its only right that we do the same.

Also, I have a long list of people on my email list. Many of whom I haven't seen in a while. If you're one of those names, and you want to remain on the list, let me know right away.

Robert Washington
(Periquito) Hello Everyone,

This Thursday Sept. 20 there is going to be a Brazilian dance and music performance here in Chico! There are going to be workshops in dance and music in the afternoon and a performance that night starting at 9:00 pm. We have been invited by the organizers of this event to perform capoeira at 10:30 pm. They are going to give us 8 tickets for the show for anyone that wants to be in the performance and anything over that we will have to buy additional tickets for each performer over 8 people. I would like to know who would be able to do this performance and if we have more than 8 people we can work out who uses the free tickets. Let me know ASAP so we can work out the details. There will still be practice that night as scheduled, but it will probably be done early so we can get to the performance in time. Hope to hear from you all soon and we'll see you at practice.

Muito AXE,
SELVAGEM

The date of the batizado has been pushed back until October 27, and the new deadline for payments is September 25, this is the last extension. As you remember the original deadline was August 1st , so an almost 2 months has been added on. This is the group’s first batizado here in Chico, and we need to make this work out for next year and the years to come. I’m a big advocate of free will, and if you decide not to go, its alright, but you’re really going to be missing out on an amazing experience, that all capoeiristas should take part of.

For the rest of you (the ones attending), if you need time off from work, do it now. If you need money, cover someone’s shift, sell stuff on eBay, ask you’re family, drive less, don’t eat out so often...

Since 2003, we’ve had to travel to Seattle for our batizado. Our first year, we had 9 people attend from Chico, 2004 had 9 people go, 2005 had only 4, and 2006 had 5. This year, 18 people have said that they wanted to go to the batizado. But the size of the group wasn’t the deciding factor in having the batizado here. It was because of how impressed Mestre was with you all on his last visit.

Just know that Mestre isn’t punishing us by pushing back the date. We decided that overall its better for everyone, because its more time for you and the visitors to save up and more time for me to do the paper work.

Also, this Tuesday (Sept, 11), everyone taking part in the batizado needs to be in class. Mestre has asked me to take videos clips of everyone so he can see your progress. This use to do this a lot more often in previous years, just not as often as of late. Don't worry, the clips aren't going up on youtube.

Reminders:
This Saturday - we’ll try to get a street roda together. 6:00pm at the downtown plaza. Call me so I know who’s coming, in case we change locations.

Tuesday - We have the information booth at Chico State from 10:00am until 2:00.

Wednesday - Class at Studio One. We really need you guys to make it to that class. Luke (the owner), was kind enough to give us a time slot (during peak hours) so that for those of you that can’t make it to Tuesday or Thursday classes, can have a day to train, and for the die hard, to have an extra day. He was even kind enough to make it “In Motion” prices, thus making the capoeira class the most affordable class there.

Thursday - I’ll be leaving for Seattle. Class may be cancelled depending on India’s and Selvagem’s schedules.

Saturday - the performance at the Boys and Girls Club. We plan on offering classes there really soon, so this is an excellent way to introduce ourselves. If you have questions about this, reply back, or ask Tranquillo.

**If you guys have any fund raising ideas, let Selvagem, India, or I know.

October 20th (Seattle Batizado):
I know that everyone is focusing on the Chico Batizado, but Seattle’s is the weekend before ours. I encourage everyone to go and support them, just as you expect them to support us. We’re going to start arranging a car pool very soon. If you would like to go, let us know.

And finally, I noticed that I have about 40 people on my email list. I can’t attach the "@hotmail" names very well to people in the group. So, if you want to stop recieving emails, because you can't make it to classes or "you're over it," now is the time to tell me.

Ate logo,

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

For anyone that went to Chico State today, I wasn't able to get a booth up because of the limited amount of time between finding parking and the deadline to have the booth set up. We'll try again next Tuesday.

I know I said in the last message that Monday was the deadline. So if you don't have a payment, or the entire amount tonight in class, and you want to be apart of the batizado, you need to give me a call as soon as you get this message, or talk to me in class tonight. I talked to Mestre earlier, will speak to him again after class, and I may be leaving for Seattle before class on Thursday, so this is the best time to ask any questions you may have about the batizado.

If you have anything to sell, I would like to get a capoeira yard sale. A certain amount of the profits will go towards the batizado. Let us know in class, or email back if your interested. If we do this it will be the weekend of the 21st, so everyone has time to go through their stuff to find out what their willing to get rid of.

Thanks again to Corujao for visiting us again over the weekend. It's always great to have him up here leading class and being apart of our rodas.

So, we'll see you tonight in class, and talk to you soon.

Robert Washington
(Periquito) Hey everyone,

I just spoke to Mestre, and we all need to have the money in by Monday. If you just found out about the batizado, let me know so we can talk to Mestre and try to work something out. The deadline was at the 1st of the month, so there was a month grace period for those of you that were almost there.

If you dont have the total amount yet, turn in what you have. I'll keep track of it all until mestre needs us to send it to him. Keep in mind that this is all to help pay for special guest, shirts, rooms for workshops and other cost.

I'll talk to you all more about it in class tonight,

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

Hey everyone, I'm sending out this email to announce our new Chico State Capoeira president, Kalene "India" Gorospe! Over the last couple of years, she has held positions as the treasurer and vice president, played a vital role in organizing the last two big spring performances, and is the designer of the 2007 Chico Batizado shirts. India has been a member of our group since the Fall of 2003, and is perhaps the best technical capoeirista in the group.

Also, we have to thank Corujao for coming up to visit us over the weekend, and teaching Thursday's class. He was one of the founding fathers of the Chico group, and a spectacular capoeirsta. He currently trains in Southern California with the prestigious group Cordao de Ouro. It's not everyday that he's able to visit us, so I encourage those that haven't met him yet, to do so on his next visit.

Batizado is coming up fast. If you haven't got your payment in, or let us know that you plan on participating, you need to do so as soon as possible. As of right now, we have a head count of 17 people that plan on attending, but we're going to need confirmations very soon.

Chico State classes start very soon, so we're going to need help with the information booth. If you're interested, email back or let us know in class.

Talk to you all later,

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

How's everyone doing? I just wanted to tell you all that this Saturday, Studio One (where we hold our Wednesday classes, holds a "club cafe," in which people are able to go and dance from 9:00pm until 1:00am. We'll meet up at Mountain Mikes at 9:30pm, eat some pizza and hang out, then go to studio one. That way, by the time we get there, there will be a larger number of people. Feel free to just wear your normal street clothes, because this isnt a formal performance. For those of you travelling from out of town, if you need a place to stay for the night, just let us know.

Also, Sunday practices in the park are no longer weekly. Instead, the practices will be anounced in class, and sent out in an email, a week prior.

If you have paid for the Batizado, please let me know in class Tuesday, or email me back, because I need to ask you questions regarding uniform sizes.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

As you all know, the batizado is in October, but the payment deadline is in a few weeks. Most of you are interested, but haven't sent any payments. Remember you don't need to pay the whole amount right away, but we do need the full amount as soon as possible so that we can make contracts for shirts, food, studios for workshops, and with Mestres and other guest who will be travelling here.

We also need a head count, so for all of you that are out of town right now and for those of you that are here, please reply back to this email as soon a possible. If you have any concerns or questions, call, reply back or ask in class.

Talk to you all later.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)
Reminder to everyone,

Sunday Roda will NOT be at the Downtown Plaza. We will be meeting by the pool at One Mile Park.
Time: 7:30 p.m.

Reminder to everyone,

Class at Studio One will be CANCELED for the 4th of July. Enjoy the day and see everyone at class on Thursday, July 5 at InMotion Fitness.

So just a reminder to everyone, there will be no class at In Motion Fitness on Thursday due to the Thursday Night Market performance. I know we have quite a few new members, but everyone needs to wear the white abadas (the uniform pants) and a plain white t-shirt at the performance and in class. If you don't have a pair of the abadas (pants) we will have those available at the performance. They cost $20, and are the required uniform for most (if not all) capoeira classes anywhere. Mestre was planning on making it down for the performance, but issues came up in Brazil and he had to leave a bit earlier than he had expected.

The show times are: 6:45 / 7:45/ 8:30 . Everyone should be there at 6 to warm-up, ask any questions, and relax. We'll be meeting at the downtown plaza (where we have classes on Sunday). If you need directions, we have a link on our website or call one of us.

We've started planning for the first Chico Batizado. Shirts and posters are being designed by Kalene (India) as I type. The fee once again is $250 and could be paid in portions until August 1st. We're also going to need a head count of everyone interested as soon as possible so we have enough shirts made and so we can tell Mestre Curisco.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

I just wanted to let you all know that Mestre has decided to have the first ever Chico Batizado in October! For those of you that don't know what a "Batizado" is:

A Batizado is a formal induction into a given Capoeira group. Batizado itself means baptism, although there isn't any direct correlation between capoeira and Christianity. What typically happens at our group's batizados in Seattle and in other locations, is that different Mestres, Professors, Contra-Mestres, and students from the area (different cities), will come and show their support and join us in our rodas. The visiting Mestre's will teach workshops, so that you can see what their schools style is like, and so you can become more diverse in your "game." Everything else that takes place (at the batizado), is up to the Mestre of the group (our group), but there is much more than that.

This Batizado, being that its the first one in Chico, will be rather small and is for the new students. This is a batizado only, not a troca de corda, so if you have already been belted, you will not be advancing.

Everything is still being worked out, but the fee for this batizado is $250. This cost goes towards flying in the different Mestre's and Professors from different locations, having them teach you, and for other expenses. You're not buying a belt (like in other martial arts). You can make payments of however much you can, but the deadline is the beginning of August.

If you all have any questions, ask in class or call.

On a side note, I just wanted to mention that we've been a part Capoeira Males for over 4 years, and this will be our first batizado here in Chico, and that says a great deal about your group (since we've been at In Motion Fitness). I have never seen a more solid core of individuals here that truly enjoy this beautiful art, and put so much energy into training. I can't speak for Mestre, but it seems like you all have really impressed him.

Many of you come to the Sunday rodas, and often spend time, sometimes an hour, after class working on movement, asking questions about the philosophy and history of capoeira...and that truly means a lot to me and Selvagem. Even when I lecture to a handful of you guys long after the class had ended, I see that you're all listening and taking it in (even when I know your tired and hungry).

We teach you all capoeira, because its something that we love. Its a part of our lives and we want to share it with all of you. Even though we're not Mestres or Professors, we do the best we can, and your making us have to work much harder to stay ahead, but as I mentioned in class last night, we really aren't that far ahead of all of you.

Sometimes, it gets hard. By now, many of you have seen people show up to a class, and never return. This happens all the time. Sometimes the movement is too complex, something's wrong with your kicks, or we work the same movement/kicks all night, whatever the issue is for you, just keep working through it. That's how your capoeira will grow, even when you feel it hasn't. Your all are doing an amazing job.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)

Hey everyone, just wanted to remind you that this Thursday we won't be meeting at In Motion, instead, we will meet at Athletic Horizons. This is so people can work on movement they wouldn't normally do on the hardwood floors of In Motion.

Also The Sunday classes will be moved back to 7:30 because its still very hot outside at 6. If you all would like to meet up later than that, just let us know what works best for you.

And, Wednesday classes at Studio One began at 5:30 and last until 7:00pm. The primary idea behind Studio One was that we have a great deal of people that are interested in learning capoeira, but find it difficult to make it to a Tuesday or Thursday class. They could only make it to one, or neither one. Although this is the case, it would be great if the In Motion students can stop by every once and a while to show some support for the new group, check out the place, and get some extra practice in. If you need directions, reply back or ask in Tuesdays class.

June 28th is the Farmers Market performance downtown. We need you all to be there for that, even those that have just started capoeira, or those that haven't been at class for months. Get as much training in before that as possible (which shouldn't be too hard since we now meet 4 days a week).

Thats all the news for now. We dont have a confirmed date, or a 100% confirmation, but Mestre is planning to visit us in a few weeks. All the details are still being worked out, but everyone needs to be here for that, unless you're going out of town, or you broke your legs... whatever.

Alright see you all later,
Robert Washington
(Periquito)

Starting the first Wednesday of June, we'll be offering classes at Studio One (at 5:30- 700). This class is for people that can't make it to the Tuesdays and Thursday classes at In Motion. If you have questions about directions or anything, call or send an email.

We will soon be offering classes at the Boys and Girls Club of Chico somewhat soon, but the details need to be worked out still.

Our next Thursday Night Market performance is June 28.

Street roda this weekend. I'm thinking Sunday afternoon (6:00) and we'll meet at the same place. If you have questions, please call if you can make it.

Robert Washington
(Periquito)