Japandrea & Oskotta: ♥Best of Japan: Capu-Japon!♥

Whenever I travel, I try to attend a capoeira class in the area. Usually its a different group with a different style, so its always a challenge. Grupo Ondas in Richmond, VA, Abada in NYC, Capoeira Porto de Barro in Montreal, Quebec, and Cordao de Ouro all over England. Visiting other groups not only teaches you new things, but really shows you what your own style is. A lot of times its really awkward and difficult (especially for a slow learner like me) and people aren't always friendly at first. Since I was going to be in Japan for 3 months, obviously capoeira was going to happen quite a bit.

Chance really smiled upon us. Right before we left Philly, our Mestre, Doutor, had an event at the ASCAB Academy celebrating his 30 years in Capoeira. One of the highlighted guests was Mestre Carneirinho, who trained under the same Mestre as Doutor, Mestre Bandeira. We were saying our goodbyes and explaining that we were off to Japan. Mestre Carneirinho then told us that he has a group in Japan called Capu Japon. Good to know, but I still wasn't sure if their classes would be anywhere near where we were going to in Osaka. After looking into it (www.capu.jp), luck would have it, they have a group in Osaka!

From the website, we got schedules and were able to navigate to the class. We were very nervous when we arrived at the first class. Especially since it was just us and the teacher who didn't know that much English. But after seeing our ASCAB uniforms, we were family- cousins to be exact! A few more students showed up but then the teacher literally called in the troops and over the next few hours, more and more people kept coming in! The roda went on for hours. It was beyond royal treatment, and made me and Scott feel like total rock stars.

Over the next 3 months, we did trips, parties, and even a traditional Tea Ceremony with some of our new friends. Since we didn't have a phone, I communicated with some of the better english speakers over email to try and plan things. Everyone was so welcoming, helpful, polite and generous. We tried to pay for class everytime we went, and they wouldn't let us even once. Their capoeira was completely respectful; aggressive without being violent. They have all levels of students and a handful of Professors. They were amazing players (gotta say it was nice not to have to play people twice my size :p). Farewell gifts, farewell dinner/birthday (surprise cake), farewell/bithday roda (ANOTHER cake!) and just so much awesomeness that I can't help but gush about it. They really made us feel like we were a part of something, which is nearly impossible when you can't speak to anyone, and stick out like a sore thumb. They really made all the difference in our temporary "Japanese" lives- and I can only hope to repay it all someday.