Chamada

The Art of Chamada or Passe a Dois

Capoeira Angola is a rich, vibrant art form that combines elements of martial arts, dance, music, and culture. The Chamada, also known as Passe a Dois, is central to this practice. This unique interaction between capoeiristas (practitioners of Capoeira) is steeped in tradition, strategy, and mutual respect. In this blog post, we delve into the intricacies of Chamada de Angola, offering insights into its significance, structure, and execution.

Understanding Chamada in Capoeira Angola

The Legacy of Mestre Pastinha

Mestre Pastinha, a legendary figure in the Capoeira Angola community, played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting this traditional style of Capoeira. His dedication to maintaining the cultural heritage of Capoeira Angola ensured that practices such as Chamada were passed down through generations. Mestre Pastinha's teachings emphasized the importance of respect, strategy, and cultural expression within the roda (the circle where Capoeira is practiced).

What is the Chamada?

Chamada, which translates to "call" or "summoning" in Portuguese, refers to a specific sequence in Capoeira Angola where one player challenges their opponent to engage in a game of wit, strategy, and skill. This interaction, also known as Passe a Dois, typically involves a series of feints, movements, and gestures designed to provoke a response from the opposing player. It is an invitation to enter the game and engage in a dialogue of movements.

Why do People do the Chamada?

The Chamada serves multiple purposes within Capoeira Angola:

1. Strategic Assessment: By initiating the Chamada, players can gauge their opponent's strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to adapt their tactics accordingly.

2. Cultural Significance: The Chamada symbolizes respect, camaraderie, and the shared heritage of Capoeira Angola practitioners. It is a ritual that honours the art form's traditions.

3. Skill Development: Engaging in Chamada helps practitioners develop their skills in timing, rhythm, and improvisation, which are essential components of Capoeira Angola.

Are there Rules About the Chamada?

While there are no strict rules dictating the execution of Chamada, certain principles and etiquettes are adhered to:

- Respect: The Chamada should be executed with respect for one's opponent. Excessive aggression or hostility is discouraged.

- Dignity: The movements should be challenging yet dignified, maintaining the spirit of playful exchange rather than dominance.

- Fluidity: The interaction should be fluid and dynamic, allowing for creative expression and mutual engagement.

The Structure

1. Initiation

The Chamada begins with one player making eye contact with their opponent and raising their palms towards them as an invitation. This initial gesture sets the tone for the exchange and signals the start of the dialogue between the two players.

2. Forward Movement

After making contact with their palms, the initiating player takes three deliberate steps towards their opponent. These steps are measured and intentional, conveying confidence and assertiveness while maintaining a respectful distance.

3. Backward Movement

Following the forward movement, the initiating player takes three steps backward, creating space between themselves and their opponent. This backward movement builds tension and anticipation as both players prepare for the next phase of the Chamada.

4. Forward Advance

After stepping back, the initiating player takes three more steps forward, closing the distance between themselves and their opponent once again. This final advance signals a readiness to engage and a willingness to enter the game of Capoeira Angola fully.

5. Low Positioning

As the player approaches their opponent for the third time, they lower their body into a crouched position, grounding themselves and preparing to receive the incoming energy of their opponent. This low positioning symbolizes readiness, agility, and a willingness to engage in close-quarters combat.

6. Invitation

From the low position, the player extends an invitation to their opponent to enter into their zone of control. This invitation can take various forms, including subtle gestures, verbal cues, or direct eye contact, depending on the individual style and preferences of the practitioner.

7. Engagement

Once the invitation has been extended, the opposing player can respond and enter into the Chamada. This may involve mirroring the movements of the initiating player, initiating their sequence of movements, or accepting the invitation to engage in a playful exchange of movements and techniques.

8. Dynamic Interaction

From this point onwards, the Chamada evolves into a dynamic and fluid interaction between the two players, with each participant responding to their opponent's movements, feints, and gestures. The goal is not to dominate or overpower the other player but to engage in a mutual exchange of energy, creativity, and skill.

The Art of Timing and Improvisation

Executing the Chamada requires physical skill, mental acuity, and emotional intelligence. The player initiating the Chamada must balance assertiveness and adaptability, maintaining control of the interaction while remaining open to their opponent's responses. Timing, rhythm, and improvisation play crucial roles in the success of the Chamada, allowing the player to create openings, deceive their opponent, and seize strategic advantages.

Timing

Timing is critical in Capoeira Angola, especially during the Chamada. The initiating player must choose the right moment to extend the invitation, ensuring they catch their opponent off-guard or in a position of vulnerability. Likewise, the responding player must carefully time their entry into the Chamada, capitalizing on any openings or weaknesses in their opponent's movements.

Rhythm

Rhythm is another essential component of the Chamada. Capoeira Angola is performed to the accompaniment of traditional music, which sets the tempo and mood for the interaction. Players must synchronize their movements with the rhythm of the music, using it to enhance their timing, fluidity, and overall performance.

Improvisation

Improvisation is at the heart of Capoeira Angola. During the Chamada, both players must be prepared to adapt their movements in response to their opponent's actions. This requires high creativity, intuition, and spontaneity, as each Chamada is unique and unpredictable.

Cultural Significance of Chamada

The Chamada is more than just a strategic maneuver; it is a cultural ritual that embodies the essence of Capoeira Angola. It is a form of communication, a test of skill, and a celebration of the art form's rich heritage. By engaging in the Chamada, practitioners honor the traditions passed down through generations and contribute to the preservation and evolution of Capoeira Angola.

Respect and Camaraderie

Respect is a fundamental value in Capoeira Angola, and the Chamada is a powerful expression of this principle. The ritualistic nature of the Chamada fosters a sense of camaraderie among practitioners, reinforcing the idea that Capoeira is not just a martial art but a community of individuals bound by shared values and traditions.

Cultural Preservation

Through the practice of Chamada, practitioners help to preserve the cultural heritage of Capoeira Angola. Each Chamada is a living testament to the art form's history, techniques, and philosophies, ensuring that these traditions are kept alive for future generations.

Creative Expression

The Chamada also provides a platform for creative expression. Within the ritual's structure, players have the freedom to experiment with movements, techniques, and strategies, allowing them to develop their unique style and contribute to the ongoing evolution of Capoeira Angola.

Conclusion

The Chamada, or Passe a Dois, is a cornerstone of Capoeira Angola, embodying the art form's spirit of tradition, strategy, and cultural exchange. By understanding the origins, significance, and execution of Chamada, practitioners can deepen their appreciation for Capoeira Angola and enhance their skills as martial artists and cultural ambassadors. Through the practice of Chamada, we honour the legacy of Mestre Pastinha and the countless generations of Capoeira Angola practitioners who have kept this ancient tradition alive.

Whether you are a seasoned capoeirista or a newcomer to the art form, embracing the Chamada will enrich your Capoeira experience, offering a profound connection to its history, culture, and community. Join us in New Zealand as we celebrate and practice the beautiful art of Capoeira Angola, preserving its legacy for future generations.