I once said to my teacher that I have no ambition to become a Professor in capoeira for the sake of having that title. I am happy just to train and continue to grow as a capoeirista and a person. Since Mestre Nenel’s visit there has been a slight shift in my thinking. I still do not care for the title of “Professor”, but I do feel a greater obligation to Capoeira Regional. Not the sense of obligation that is forced upon someone, but the sense of obligation that comes from the feeling of being part of something greater.
Mestre Nenel’s visit brought me that sense of being part of something greater. The whole experience helped to solidify my path in capoeira. Capoeira Regional is something that I want to explore and experience more deeply. It’s also something I enjoy sharing with others, but if I am to share it with others….to help continue the traditions, principals and philosophies of Capoeira Regional, I want to be true to the art form. I want to make sure that I have the approval of Mestre Nenel….maybe ‘approval’ is not quite the right word. I want to know that he has faith that I will continue the work of his father and his own. To this end I hope one day to become a Formado of Capoeira Regional. I have a long way to go and so much to learn. Even if I do achieve the title of Formado or Professor one day, I know that I will always be a student of Capoeira Regional first.
I think that it’s important to remember that we are always students of what we love.