Mestre Pastinha
**Vicente Ferreira Pastinha: The Guardian of Capoeira Angola**
Vicente Ferreira Pastinha, widely known as Mestre Pastinha, is a legendary figure in the world of Capoeira Angola. His contributions have shaped the practice and philosophy of this traditional Brazilian martial art, making him an enduring icon. This blog post aims to inform new students about Mestre Pastinha’s life, his philosophy, and the legacy he left behind.
Early Life and Introduction to Capoeira
Mestre Pastinha was born on April 5, 1889, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. He often said he did not learn Capoeira in a formal school but rather by a twist of fate. In a 1967 interview at the Museum of Image and Sound, Pastinha recounted his initiation into Capoeira. As a ten-year-old, he frequently found himself in fights with a more muscular boy. These encounters left him feeling ashamed and sad.
One day, an elderly African man named Benedito witnessed one of these altercations from his window. Seeing young Pastinha crying out of frustration, Benedito called him over and said, "Come here, my son. You can’t beat him because he’s bigger and older. Instead of flying kites, come to my place, and I’ll teach you something valuable." This began Pastinha's lifelong journey in Capoeira, learning its techniques and essential life lessons from Benedito. One pivotal moment came when, after learning from Benedito, Pastinha successfully defended himself, turning his rival into a friend who admired and respected him.
Development as a Capoeirista
Pastinha's dedication to Capoeira grew as he matured. He spent his early years refining his skills and understanding the art's deeper cultural and spiritual aspects. Unlike some of his contemporaries who gravitated towards the more combative Capoeira Regional, Pastinha remained committed to the traditional form, Capoeira Angola, which emphasizes strategy, movement, and preserving African cultural elements.
Capoeira Philosophy
Mestre Pastinha viewed Capoeira as more than just a physical activity; he saw it as a holistic practice encompassing mind, body, and spirit. He believed in preserving the traditional elements of Capoeira Angola, which includes its rituals, music, and the game (jogo). For Pastinha, Capoeira was a means of resistance and cultural expression deeply rooted in African heritage and history.
Establishing the First Capoeira Angola School
In 1941, Mestre Pastinha founded the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola (CECA) in the Pelourinho neighbourhood of Salvador, Bahia. This was the second Capoeira school legalized by the Bahian government. CECA became a cultural hub, attracting students and enthusiasts from all over the world. Pastinha's teaching methods emphasized discipline, respect, and the importance of maintaining the traditions of Capoeira Angola.
Training Traditions and Practices
Pastinha’s training sessions were structured yet flexible, focusing on the fluidity and improvisation characteristic of Capoeira Angola. He emphasized the importance of foundational movements such as the ginga, the fundamental sway from which all movements originate. Training included a mix of physical conditioning, technique drills, music, and the game itself.
Music and Game
Music is integral to Capoeira, and Mestre Pastinha greatly emphasized its role. Traditional instruments like the berimbau, atabaque, and pandeiro guide the roda, the circle where capoeira is played. Pastinha believed that music dictated the rhythm and style of the game, with songs often carrying historical and philosophical messages.
**Chamada**
The chamada is a unique ritual in Capoeira Angola, where one player calls the other to engage in a dialogue-like exchange of movements. This practice is symbolic of respect and communication, reflecting Pastinha’s belief in Capoeira as a means of connecting individuals on a deeper level.
Life as a Sailor
Before fully dedicating himself to Capoeira, Pastinha worked as a sailor. This experience broadened his horizons and exposed him to various cultures, further enriching his understanding of human nature and the world. His discipline and resilience at sea undoubtedly influenced his approach to teaching Capoeira.
Legacy and Influence
Mestre Pastinha's influence extends far beyond his lifetime. 1964 he published the book "Capoeira Angola," advocating for the sport's artistic and non-violent nature. He was also a key figure in the Brazilian delegation to the First World Festival of Negro Arts in Senegal in 1966.
Pastinha's teachings have been carried on by his notable students, including João Grande, João Pequeno, Boca Rica, Curió, and Bola Sete. His school gained fame, frequented by personalities like Jorge Amado, Mário Cravo, and Carybé, and even mentioned in Caetano Veloso's 1972 album "Transa."
Despite his contributions and fame, Mestre Pastinha's later years were marked by hardship. Expelled from Pelourinho in 1971, he suffered two strokes, leaving him blind and vulnerable. He passed away in 1981 at the age of 92. Yet, his spirit lives on in the rodas, songs, and games of Capoeira Angola, practised worldwide.
Conclusion
Mestre Vicente Ferreira Pastinha's dedication to Capoeira Angola has left an indelible mark on the martial art and its global community. His emphasis on tradition, respect, and holistic practice inspires Capoeiristas worldwide. As new students of Capoeira, understanding and appreciating Mestre Pastinha’s legacy is essential in preserving the rich heritage and spirit of Capoeira Angola.
"Tudo o que eu penso da Capoeira, um dia escrevi naquele quadro que está na porta da Academia. Em cima, só estas três palavras: Angola, capoeira, mãe. E embaixo, o pensamento: Mandinga de escravo em ânsia de liberdade, seu princípio não tem método e seu fim é inconcebível ao mais sábio capoeirista."
**Sources:**
1. Assunção, Matthias Röhrig. "Capoeira: A History of an Afro-Brazilian Martial Art." Routledge, 2005.
2. Pastinha, Vicente. "Capoeira Angola." Fundação Cultural do Estado da Bahia, 1988.
3. Downey, Greg. "Learning Capoeira: Lessons in Cunning from an Afro-Brazilian Art." Oxford University Press, 2005.