The new era of ‘social capoeira’

My name is Craig Blackburn (Canguru). I am a social entrepreneur who uses capoeira as a tool to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in Cornwall, England. In April, 2011 I was invited to a capoeira event in Västerås (Sweden) to talk about my work. The effect of this visit on my professional life was so powerful that I felt compelled to pass on my thoughts. So here we go.

The new era of ‘social capoeira’

By Canguru

My name is Craig Blackburn (Canguru). I am a social entrepreneur who uses capoeira as a tool to improve the lives of disadvantaged young people in Cornwall, England. In April, 2011 I was invited to a capoeira event in Västerås (Sweden) to talk about my work. The effect of this visit on my professional life was so powerful that I felt compelled to pass on my thoughts. So here we go.

This event was the Segunda Jogada of Cordão de Ouro (CDO) Sweden, overseen by CM Eurico – a social science PhD student using capoeira as his research topic – and organised by Obelix (the instructor in Vasteras) and his students.

I had not met Eurico prior to the event, nor had I ever been to Sweden. This was also the first time I had been invited to share my experiences in this field since I set up the company Jinga Communities (a social enterprise) in 2008. I was amazed at the feedback from my chat; I spent the following two days chatting about social capoeira, giving advice and learning a great deal.

I’ve been to lots of events since 2000 when I started capoeira but this one was different. This group of Swedish, Norwegian, Latvian, Finnish and Brazilian capoeiristas from five different groups – and I’m sure I counted 10 languages – had the warmth and quality of open-mindedness which I seek in my work, life and studies.

Through my networking I learned about other organisations doing similar work to Jinga Communities elsewhere in Europe and beyond. I also gained a greater understanding of my role and how to do my job properly. This is a very new role and I am literally making it up as I go along.

I’d like to thank all those capoeiristas for their interest, support and axé and I hope that I inspired some people during that weekend (as clearly I have been inspired ) and I hope that this article helps them and others further.

Jogo aberto – cabeça aberta
I also have to thank Eurico for screening his Jogo Aberto film at the event which, although slightly off-topic, is very relevant to what is becoming a new era which he ‘social capoeira’.
This revolutionary documentary has officially opened the Pandora’s box of the capoeira world, daring to breach subjects which many have been afraid to touch upon publicly, such as the issue of non-Brazilian instructors teaching and how that affects the future of this great art form. Keep rocking the boat Eurico.

Agradecimentos
And I have to extend some other thanks to: Obelix, who is truly a legend for his warmth and leadership, Baqueta for his hospitality, Coruja for the behind-the-scenes work; Pirucão for the laughs, Kleyton and Ferpa for their humility, Galo for the example he sets to other teenagers; Erika and Ingela for their interest and support (never give up girls), ‘the three stooges’ Turbina, Chihuahua & Tubarão for their comedy and relentless axé; Coquerinho for his energy in the baterias (despite injury prevented him from playing); Calango, Boca, Falcão, Markus, Play, Canarinho and DonAna for their support and the rest of the European crews who made this event special, such as Schumachar, Urso, and Coco, to name but a few. The family continues to grow.
Finally, my lasting memory of this weekend was Rosa Formosa’s angelic singing prior to my departure on Sunday morning. This is the most beautiful voice I have heard in a capoeira setting. I will always remember Vasteras when I sing ‘O pe bateu meia lua pasou…’
Olha gente, nunca vou esquecer dessa musica, nem minha viagem pra Vasteras. Vou voltar sempre. Axé pra todos, e viva a capoeira.
Canguru – info@jinga.org.uk
Jinga Communities http://www.jinga.org.uk/
Please get in contact with me (info@jinga.org.uk) if you already run some form of not-for-profit or voluntary or community organisation which is working with capoeira or Brazilian carnival dance and percussion as I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep the family growing.

PULLOUT BOX 1: About Jinga Communities & Canguru
I am an independent capoeira teacher (I have no master). I started teaching in Cornwall in 2004 (four years after I started my capoeira journey. I came to Cornwall as a Monitor with a contemporary group (ACER, Mestre Celso) and held three batizados in Cornwall until 2009, when I left the group because of politics, money, in-fighting between mestres and a blinkered lack of understanding about the issues facing an English instructor in Cornwall.
It was a hard decision but since October 2009 I have never been happier, both personally and professionally. My game has also evolved beyond all recognition from two years ago, having dedicated myself (and teaching my students) capoeira Angola for two years, travelling to workshops with any group who would open their doors to me. For the record, I call myself a just ‘capoeirista’ rather than an Angoleiro.
My independence has certainly afforded me the freedom to use capoeira for social change, but I have also met lots of instructors within large ‘groups’ who have managed to create a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation, such as Volta por Cima not-for-profit organisation in Vasteras, so that certainly isn’t a barrier in itself.
Jinga Communities: http://www.jinga.org.uk/

PULLOUT BOX 2: What is a Social Enterprise
A ‘social enterprise’ is a company which is motivated by social as well as financial outcomes, referred to as the ‘double bottom line’. (A social outcome is something like reducing unemployment or crime or increasing physical fitness among a certain population). Also called ‘not-for-profit’ and ‘community’ or ‘voluntary’ organisations, any profit they make must be re-invested back into the company and the community which they serve.
To set one up all you need a small group of like-minded people – who will form a Board of Directors – and a business bank account. You then agree upon your ‘social mission statement’ and make an application to register the company through the proper channels (in the UK this is Companies House).

The next step is to write your project, including a financial cashflow forecast. Then the real fun begins. You need to start shopping for funders. This is the hardest and part as it involves the most work as you are trying to convince an organisation to give you lots of money. This is where you really find out how serious you are about your objectives. Be prepared for knockbacks, criticisms of your organisation and lack of understanding about your subject (especially if it’s capoeira).

Where I live (Cornwall) has some of the lowest wages and the highest levels of social deprivation in the country. In a way, this helps us attract funding. On the flipside it’s a battle to educate the culturally un-diverse Cornish population about this rich art form.

Here are some links for more on this topic:

http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_enterprise

http://socialenterpriselive.com/

http://www.jinga.org.uk/

Eurico’s note: As soon as possible I’ll post a video on Canguru’s talk during the event

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