Malandro (Ricky Lawson II)
began his Capoeira path in October of ‘97 at the YMCA’s in Detroit and Livonia Michigan. He joined Capoeira Mandinga Detroit under the guidance of Barret “Camarada” Leveret. In various monthly workshops he was introduced to Mestre Barrão, then Mestre Marcelo, and lastly Mestre Suassuna. It was Mestre Suassuna who gave Malandro his nickname. In the summer of ‘99 he received his green cord at his first Batizado in Berkeley CA. In the year 2000 he moved to California to train extensively with Mestre Marcelo. Since that time, he has been exposed to very different styles of Capoeira including Angola, Regional, as well as the Mandinga group’s Cordão de Ouro lineage. In August of 2006 in Ubatuba, Brazil, Malandro was the youngest member in the Mandinga group to receive the rank of Contra Mestre. Malandro has lived and trained intensively in Brazil. He has taught classes for ALL the Mandinga branches scattered throughout the U.S. as well as various Capoeira groups in China, Japan, Israel, and Brazil. He has even taught at Mestre Suassuna’s academy in São Paulo, Brazil. Malandro’s passion for Capoeira, along with the ability to teach youth from any social background, results in Capoeira being used as a very effective tool for education, personal growth, growth of the community and the world.
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What is Capoeira?
An Afro-Brazilian art form. The only indigenous martial art of the Americas, Capoeira (capo-AYE-rah) is a ritualistic, multi-disciplined art form with graceful kicks, sweeps, handstands, cartwheels and other acrobatic movements. Much like the Asian martial arts, Capoeira isn't merely a physical skill, but also a mental exercise and a cultural and spiritual discipline. Music and songs accompanied by percussion, is an integral part of classes. During the roda (ho-da), the part when students form a circle, sing, clap their hands and ''play'' Capoeira with one another, to the rhythm of the berimbau (an ancient stringed instrument), along with drums, tambourine and other instruments provide accompaniment to the practice.
Capoeira gives you power, flexibility, endurance and self-discovery. It builds your self-confidence and teaches you to be alert. Know that the challenge is within anyone’s reach regardless of age, sex or athletic experience. Go beyond what limits you and enjoy the experience of Capoeira!!!!! |
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Capoeira Mandinga
Capoeira Mandinga has existed since 1984, when Mestre Marcelo Caveirinha was the third person to arrive in the California Bay Area and began teaching classes. Mestre Marcelo Caveirinha started it under the name of Senzala Grande (The name was changed in 1995). Capoeira Mandinga also has a life as a nonprofit organization called the Capoeira Institute. The group is affiliated with many other schools and performing groups around the country and around the world. |
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Mandinga
The word Mandinga means sorcery, witchcraft or black magic. It is derived from the word Mandinka, (also know as Mandingo) which is one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. A Mandingueiro is someone who plays Capoeira with a lot of body expression, skill and is very cunning.
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