On Sunday June 19 2005, in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan, Grupo Filhos Da Terra held their Batizado and Troca de Cordas.
Around 20 groups from around the country were represented by their instructors, and Filhos Da Terra put on a great batizado.
It was a real honour to take part in the batizado, to offer a little of the Grupo Bantus style, and also learn a lot from the other Professors, Instrutors, and alunos. As a special guest of Filhos Da Terra’s batizado, I was invited to represent Grupo Bantus in the batizado of the lower cords, and also in the “instructors only” rodas.
The batizado began with all the representatives introducing themselves, and making a quick speech in Japanese, Portuguese or both. I was eager to get into the action, so when I was called to the mic all I could think of was “Muito Obrigado, Ganbatte Kudasai!” Translated: “Thank you very much, let’s have a good roda and work hard. Good luck everyone”.
Next came the ladahina as sung by Professor China, and the game of Angola with Professor Mandela of Tribo da Lua. Followed by all other invited guests entering the roda, the most exciting angola games were between Neguinho of Abada Ibaraki & Mandela, and Contra Mestre Silvio of Cais do Mar & Mandela. Mandela is a great anogleiro, but CM. Silvio had some tricks hidden in his hip-pack (”bum bag” for us Aussies). After a mimed knife attack from Mandela, CM. Silvio gave his trademark death stare, reached into his bag of tricks, and pulled out a real flick-knife. Much to the amusement of the audience, and Mandela himself. Neguinho was up to his usual cheeky tricks, and literally pulled Mandela’s t-shirt over his eyes. This time he wasn’t so impressed.
I played a game of angola and thanks to my time in Brazil with Mestre Pintor and Mestre Brandao, was able to pull off some tricks of my own.
Next was an overly-eager roda of Benguela, that had to be stopped by Prof. China after the players got a little carried away with the floreiros and take-downs. Followed by an impressive “Sao Bento” roda, opened up with some incredible floreios courtesy of Fabio (Nação Capoeira), Indio (Grupo Topazio), Neguinho, and the other skilled instructors. I tried my best, and managed to get some “eeeeee”s and “sugoi”s from the crowd.
Next came the “batizado” and “troca de cordas” for real. The new students really had to work for their cords, and it’s always nice to see the senior students get their cords changed, with a sigh of relief and a feeling of accomplishment.
Once the Troca De Cordas was over, it was open roda time. The Professors and Instrutors were asked to take care of the music, and encourage their alunos to get into the roda. I got Cafune into the roda, and she waited patiently for an opening. Before she could push in, the roda changed to “girls only” and Cafune showed her stuff playing with some very experienced Japanese alunos, and held her own.
Overall, the rodas, singing, and games were of a pretty high standard, the crowd participation was spot on, and the axé was visible in the sweaty t-shirts on this hot & humid Tokyo summer’s day.
We had to leave early to return home and teach our 6.30 class. The axé stuck with us, and we almost flew from the elementary school’s Taikukan to the train station with wings on our feet. The buzz from the roda (and hospitality of everyone) lasted all the way on the crowded Shinjuku train until we got back to Kichijoji, and then reality set back in, Yes, we really are in Japan, and Yes, Japan is a shy, quiet, and cold culture (at least in the public eye). But we’re working to change that, one ginga at a time!
Axé!
Professor China
Graduado Toshio
Video: Caçapa
Video: Cafune
Please the play button to start the video. Click here if you don’t see the button.
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