As we close out Zumbimba Month, let’s honor Mestre Bimba by exploring some of the unique practices he brought to Capoeira Regional:
- Cavalaria: At the end of class, Mestre Bimba would play this berimbau rhythm, signaling students to showcase what they learned through solo presentations.
- Cintura Desprezada: A sequence inspired by Judo, focusing on projecting the opponent far away—a testament to Mestre Bimba’s innovative teaching.
- Esquenta Banho: A playful yet intense game where advanced students practiced combat techniques behind closed doors.
- Emboscada: A rite of passage for graduates, where one student would navigate from point A to B, enduring an ambush from peers along the way.
These practices reflect the creativity, discipline, and depth of Mestre Bimba’s teachings, reminding us of the roots and richness of Capoeira.