In this episode of the Reflections on Capoeira podcast Broderick had the privilege to interview Mestre Bengala. Donald Coley, also known as Bengala, has been training, performing and teaching capoeira for 40 years. Because he was already in his mid thirties when he started training, he thought that he would just try it out for a little while, and then quit when it got too hard. He soon discovered that the mystery, challenge and the variety that the art form offered made it irresistible. Donald became a member of the second generation of capoeira students in California when he enrolled in classes with Mestre Marcelo (founder of Capoeira Mandinga) in 1985. His interest in all things Brazilian grew over the years and he was able to participate in a number of special workshops and events both in the United States and in Brazil. Some examples are: Origins of Samba Workshops (taught by master dance and percussion instructors in Salvador, Brazil) Capoeirando (a week-long capoeira event in Brazil) Criança Esperança (a seminar for teachers who work with children) For almost ten years Donald served as an officer on the Board of Directors of the nonprofit Capoeira Institute. He has also conducted workshops at capoeira events in San Francisco, Rochester, Detroit, Tucson, Beijing, Chiang Mai and Auckland. He loves to share the art with students at all levels from beginners to advanced. In capoeira, there is always something new to learn. Much of Donald’s non-capoeira time is spent sorting the many photos that he takes at events and deciding which ones are Facebook worthy. 

Reflections on Capoeira social media links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflections_on_capoeira/

In this episode of the Reflections on Capoeira podcast Broderick had the privilege to interview Mestre Themba Mashama. Mestre Themba is a San Francisco native who has dedicated over 45 years of his life to the study of capoeira. As a father, husband, activist, and therapist, he has embraced capoeira not only as a martial art, but also as a means of personal and community development. He began his journey training Capoeira Regional under the instruction of Mestre Acordeon, and later pursued Capoeira de Angola under the guidance of Mestre Moraes.

Mestre Themba Mashama holds the distinction of being the first American capoeirista to achieve a level of mastery in both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira de Angola styles, solidifying his reputation as an authority in the art form. Additionally, he holds the distinction of establishing the first Capoeira de Angola school in the United States, further contributing to the growth of this traditional style in the country.

Currently, Mestre Themba serves as the esteemed leader of Kapoeira N’gola Preto Velho. Through his expertise, passion, and dedication, he continues to empower students of all backgrounds, sharing the rich cultural heritage and transformative power of capoeira with the community.

Reflections on Capoeira social media linksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflections_on_capoeira/

In this inaugural episode of the Reflections on Capoeira podcast Broderick had the privilege to interview our beloved and wise Mestre Itaborá Ferreira before he transitioned into the ancestral realm. Mestre Itaborá was an important Capoeira Mestre for many students of various backgrounds and schools from around the world. He was especially pivotal in the Bay Area, California for his efforts to unify the community. May you enjoy and learn from this wide ranging exploration by Mestre Itaborá as he shares his story, philosophy and wisdom from a life dedicated to Capoeira.

May his love, passion and legacy live with us forever!

Ié Viva Mestre Itaborá