Formação da Roda (Formation of the Roda)
The basic form of the roda which happens in regular class or on special occasions. Older capoeira masters always have priority in the roda, and deserve maximum respect. The one to three berimbaus, one atabaque and two pandeiros, from right to left form the head of the circle with the innermost berimbau serving as the central focus (instrumentation may vary in Angola or Regional academies but the berimbau always leads the roda). The participants complete the circle and contribute
Before entering the roda to play a game, capoeiristas crouch below the lead berimbau to pay their respects to the master, instruments and spirit (or spirits) of capoeira. From the moment they crouch in front of the berimbau, players should be aware of their opponent. After pausing for a moment, and receiving permission from the master to enter the roda (indicated by a look, a nod of the head, or a dip of the berimbau), the capoeiristas shake their right hands, being careful to protect their face with their left hand. They then enter into the center of the roda by au, rolê, rasteira, meia lua de compasso, or any other, usually low and/or inverted movement within the characteristics of Capoeira. In Angola games, when a ladainha is being sung, the players must wait until the chorus sings either ei volta do mundo (around the world) or ei vamos embora (let’s go) before entering the roda to play.
Compra de Jogo (Buying the Game)
In some circumstances, when two capoeiristas are playing, another person can interrupt their game to play a new with one of the previous players. The “buyer” must always enter the game very cautiously; cleanly taking the place of the capoeirista they are replacing without interrupting the flow of the game by stepping in front of the capoeirista, cutting him/her out of the game, and immediately commencing a new game. The entry must be well-calculated and swift. Always take the person out who has been in the roda the longest, except if that person is a master, in which case he always has priority, or in a special occasion roda (like a birthday or entrega de roda) where an individual is being celebrated. You must be sensitive to the energy of the roda and the game before buying a game: oftentimes it is considered rude for an inexperienced capoeirista to buy a game between two experienced players, especially if something has just occurred and the capoeiristas have something to prove or to settle; in some capoeira groups, usually Angoleiros, buying is never allowed; and, even in rodas where it is usually allowed, the master of the roda may not want it to occur at that particular time. It is best to always keep an eye on the lead berimbau to receive indications if compra de jogo is appropriate. If you are unsure, you should ask non-verbally ask the master of the roda for permission to buy the game.
Chamada (Call)
In an Angola game (characterized by the oftentimes slow Angola rhythm played on the berimbau, the heightened emphasis in ritual elements of the game and, usually, greater usage of low movement vocabulary) one player may stop in the circle and open his/her arms and wait. The other, called, capoeirista usually does some floreio (acrobatic) movements, then very carefully approaches the opponent, slowly sliding his/her hands up the body, until they meet the hands of the opponent. They then do a shuffling dance back and forth, until the first capoeirista breaks contact to initiate the game again. There are a number of different types of chamada, each of which calls for a specific type of approach and accompanying position. It is a ritual that should be used only by more experienced capoeiristas who have an understanding of when and how it is used appropriately.
Volta do Mundo (Around the World)
During a long or intense game, when one of the capoeiristas gets tired or the action gets too furious, a capoeirista may break the action of the game and begin walking running counter-clockwise around the circle. This is usually signaled by clapping the hands behind the back while beginning the circular path. The other player must follow. The person who initiates the volta do mundo decides when to begin the game again, and may do so either by starting in the center of the circle or by retuning to crouch beneath the berimbau. The player following must be aware that at any moment the opponent may initiate an attack. Volta do mundo may be seen as the Regional version of chamada however, Angola games feature both chamada and volta do mundo.
Comprimento (Compliment, Respect)
At the conclusion of a game always acknowledge the opponent with a quick shake of the hands, or a nod with direct eye contact before leaving the circle (unless you are bought out of the game). This is sign of respect for your partner/opponent in the game. Some capoeira groups have a more formalized version of comprimento in which the players must return to the foot of the berimbau after the game is finished in order to pay respect in the same fashion as the comprimento no berimbau at the beginning of the game.
Modern Era Rituals
These were incorporated in some groups after Bimba’s creation of the academy.
Batizado (Baptism)
When students reach a certain level of proficiency (determined by their teacher) and are able to play in the roda, they are invited to participate in this ceremony, which is usually open to family, friends and the general public. During the ritual they play with a visiting master or advanced capoeirista. At the end of the game the master takes the new student to the floor by a sweep, takedown, or knockdown and the student is baptized by the floor. Through the ceremony the new capoeirista is given a nom de guerre (war name) or apelido (nickname) which characterizes the way the play, look, or act. After being baptized, the student has officially entered into the family of capoeira.
The moment of graduation for a student who moves from one rank to the next. Although it often takes place during a Batizado, it may be a seperate ceremony, or a master may graduate a student informally. Different color cords may indicate completely different levels, depending upon the capoeira group one is associated with. There is also no universal system of ranks. When Bimba initiated this ceremony he indicated rank by a white silk neck scarf for a student and a red scarf for a master. Some groups use no rank system, some have three ranks (student, contre-master and master) and some (ABADA and Omulu) have as many as sixteen ranks.
