Working on the Aú sem Mão

One of my resolutions for 2012 is to perform an Aú sem Mão/aerial/no handed cartwheel. Ideally, I would be able to do it before PyCon US, and would perform it during the Capoeira Open Space.

Speaking of the Capoeira Open Space, have you signed up yet to participate? Your skill level or athletic ability doesn't matter, just come and have fun!

How I'm training

• Losing enough weight to make jumping easier without losing strength/endurance.
• Practicing a lot of Capoeira. Especially on my non-workout days

Before you say, "do plyometrics!", keep in mind that Capoeira already has a lot of similar movements and I've got a tricky ankle. I've done plyometrics before and found that they caused my ankle grief. Capoeira's tight focus on smooth transitions isn't just distinctive, I think it's been good for healing what has been a problem joint for me for the past 9 years.

How I'm doing

I'm getting there.

I can do a butterfly kick badly, mostly because I don't arch my back enough. My hope is to get my head down further and my legs up higher. The end result is Aú sem Mão, right?

Why am I trying to do this?

Because I haven't done it before. And there is no time like the present. :)

Capoeira at PyCon!

For several years I've wanted to have a Capoeira event at PyCon US. Think of it: a lively blend of martial arts, music, dance, and nifty moves all done with and for a large crowd. Well, this year it looks like it may happen! PyCon is giving us a room and my own teacher, Contra Mestre Xingu will be in town. We would love for you to join!

The only hindrance is before I can make this happen, I need just twenty (20) people to express interest in participating; either learn some beginner friendly moves, play in the Roda, or just play instruments.

We aren't going to make you do crazy tricks, in fact, anyone can do Capoeira. It doesn't matter if you've never done anything athletic, or you won the gold medal in Olympic gymnastics. Just fill out the form and we'll see you there.

Sign up for Capoeira at PyCon!

Updates to this event will be tracked at the PyCon Capoeira Open Space

Why I like Capoeira

In June 2010 I started Capoeira while in Lawrence, Kansas under Celso Wills. I stopped for a few months after moving to Los Angeles in November of 2010. I picked it up again in the spring under Contra Mestre Xingu and have been training under him ever since at Valley Capoeira. I go as much as possible every week, each session usually being about 2 grueling hours with the heat in the gym turned up as high as possible. Why? Because it's about:

• Fun! I love doing Cartwheels!
• Strength.
• Endurance.
• Agility.
• Flexibility.
• Weight control.
• Personal Challenge.
• Showing off.
• Learning new moves I never imagined before I began.
• Trying to stop being the member of my family who can't play musical instruments.
• Overcoming my fears of singing in public.
• Showing them whippersnappers how us old people do it.
• Making new friends and joining a community.
• Playing in the roda with all my new friends. :-)
• Having several hours a day where I get to just be a complete newbie and work my butt off.

Capoeira at PyCon?

Anyone up for trying or doing Capoeira at PyCon? Let me know either here or at @pydanny and if I get enough people I'll get my Mestre to teach a session and give a demo!

Salve!