Welcome to Part 5 of the tao of Charles Williams, which is MY INTERPRETATION of what he has taught me throughout my years training with him. Over this period, I have absorbed not just lessons, but life philosophies that have significantly shaped my understanding of the world and my place within it. I hope you liked reading my interpretations as much as I liked sharing them with you. It has been a journey of discovery and personal growth, filled with insights that extend beyond the surface.
And now, I want to share with you what I think is the most important lesson I learned from Mr. Williams, which emphasizes the profound impact one individual’s wisdom can have on another. This lesson has not only changed my perspective but has also instilled a sense of purpose in me, which you will read about below.
“We don’t play Capoeira Angola for ourselves, we do it for the world.”
We don’t just “play” Capoeira Angola for ourselves; rather, we engage in this profound art form for the entire world. It’s an act of sharing, an offering of its rich history, deep-seated traditions, and vibrant cultural significance to anyone and everyone who is open to experiencing it. This practice is more than just a series of movements; it’s a living, breathing testament to the struggles, resilience, and ingenuity of our ancestors, whose spirit continues to resonate within every step, every song, and every interaction.
At its core, Capoeira Angola embodies a multifaceted richness. It demands and cultivates not only impressive physical prowess, characterized by agility, strength, and rhythmic coordination, but also a profound spiritual resilience. This resilience is born from the discipline, the self-reflection, and the communal support inherent in the practice. It is also a powerful expression of community spirit, fostering deep bonds and a sense of collective identity among its practitioners.
As we immerse ourselves in the graceful, often deceptive, movements and the intricate rhythms of this traditional practice, we are not merely exercising our bodies. We are actively connecting with others on a fundamental human level, transcending the superficial barriers of language, nationality, and background. This connection fosters a powerful sense of community and understanding that effortlessly transcends geographical and cultural borders. Our practice, in essence, serves as a dynamic bridge, linking diverse cultures and uniting individuals from a myriad of backgrounds in a collective appreciation for the profound artistry, historical depth, and disciplined dedication embedded within Capoeira Angola.
We perceive our engagement with Capoeira Angola as a precious gift to the world, a vibrant, intricate tapestry woven from threads of history, cultural significance, and human connection. This tapestry is one that we eagerly and enthusiastically share with everyone who is open to experiencing its beauty and depth. Every fluid movement, every resonating rhythm from the berimbau, every nuanced song sung in a call-and-response style, becomes a potent connection point. These points allow participants, whether actively playing or observing, to fully immerse themselves in the rich, compelling narrative that has been woven through time, from the very origins of Capoeira Angola to its present-day manifestations.
It is through this deeply shared experience that we cultivate enduring friendships, not just within our immediate groups but across global networks of practitioners. We inspire each other to grow, to challenge ourselves, and to delve deeper into the practice’s meaning. Most importantly, we create powerful echoes of understanding and empathy that effortlessly transcend geographical and cultural boundaries. This continuous act of sharing and connecting reinforces the fundamental idea that we are all integral parts of a larger human story, a narrative beautifully woven together by our universal desire to connect, to understand, and to belong.
Our commitment to Capoeira Angola stretches far beyond the realm of mere physical activity or an athletic pursuit. It is a conscious, deliberate endeavor to construct robust bridges between diverse cultures that, without such intentional efforts, might otherwise remain isolated and unconnected. Through the shared, immersive experience of learning, practicing, and embodying this intricate art form, we collectively cultivate a profound appreciation. This appreciation extends to the extraordinary artistry, the significant historical depth, and the unwavering disciplined dedication that are intricately embedded within the very essence of Capoeira Angola.
Each movement within the roda, each rhythmic beat, and each melodic utterance tells a compelling story. These elements echo the voices of those who came before us – the enslaved Africans who developed this art form as a means of resistance, self-defense, and cultural preservation. They reflect the profound struggles they endured, the moments of joy they found amidst hardship, and their indomitable resilience in the face of oppression. By actively sharing Capoeira Angola with the world, we firmly believe that we are not only preserving a rich and invaluable cultural heritage, but we are also proactively contributing to the development of a more interconnected, understanding, and empathetic global society.
This living practice of Capoeira Angola extends a warm, open invitation to individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their background, beliefs, or circumstances. It encourages them to come together, to step into the roda, and to participate in an environment where genuine dialogue can flourish, and where authentic cultural exchange is not just tolerated but actively celebrated. In this vibrant setting, participants engage in a rich tapestry of movement, rhythm, and storytelling that embodies the very essence of life itself, creating bonds that resonate on a deeply human level. It is, in its truest form, a living dialogue – an ongoing, dynamic celebration of human expression, creativity, and resilience. This celebration enriches not only the lives of those who actively practice it but also the lives of all who encounter it, even as observers, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives. It creates lasting, meaningful connections that transcend national borders and ultimately unite us in our shared humanity, reminding us of the power of art to build a more harmonious world. Through the rhythm of the music, the flow of movement, and the warmth of community, Capoeira Angola becomes a powerful catalyst for change, fostering acceptance, understanding, and mutual respect among diverse communities while inspiring individuals to explore their own identities within a global context.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 