i came here to play!

Conference Wrap-up!

2008-03-12T09:18:00.000-07:00

*Scroll down for some post-conference love, discussion wrap-ups, and more pictures*

**More pictures will be added. Check back soon!**

The 10th Annual Women's Conference in Washington, DC was a great success!

The conference started on Monday with the opening of the Malungos photo exhibit at the Mocha Hut Cafe. On Tuesday, we had a screening of the movie, "The Shape of Water" and a talk by Sylvia Robinson, founder of the Emergence Community Arts Center (where FICA-DC makes its home) and distinguished FICA-DC member. On Wednesday night, we heard from women martial artists, including Paulinha and Janja, in a very informative panel discussion. They discussed the challenges they faced, the support they offer today, and gave their insights on women in the martial arts. It was fun and insightful.

Anne, T Andrea, T Gege, & CM Cristina

The conference opened on Thursday night with a presentation by renowned activist and singer Luci Murphy, accompanied by Isa Angulo. Following this, we had a roda... and the capoeira pretty much kept rolling til Sunday night.

M Paulinha

M Janja

Invited guests M Janja, M Paulinha, M Cobra Mansa, CM Cristina, T Gege, & T Andrea gave great classes. M Juradir was also in attendance, on his way to Seattle, and CM Silvinho stopped by for a bit. M Cobra Mansa gave a 6:00 am training. On Friday there were 6 people, on Saturday there were 35 people, and on Sunday there were more than 50 people- definitely a record for the 6 am training in DC.

Boys came too. M Cobra Mansa & Jamel

We had a great discussion session during the conference. Five topics of interest were selected, and people gathered in groups, each group discussing a topic for about two hours. After the discussions, everyone came together and heard a short presentation about the discussion by a member of the group. It was very successful.

We also had a photo exhibit celebrating women in Capoeira Angola at the FICA-DC space, and a photo exhibit from the "Malungos" event this summer in Bahia at local coffee shop, Mocha Hut. And we put together another issue of the renowned Capoeira Angola literary magazine, Caxixi. Thanks to everyone who submitted works. It looks great!

Special thanks to everyone who joined us and contributed to this energetic and joyful event. We welcomed capoeiristas from Hawaii, Oakland, L.A., Seattle, Chicago, New Orleans, Indiana, Kentucky, Atlanta, Richmond, Philadelphia, New York, Maine, Ohio, and Japan!! (I am sure there are even more cities that I am forgetting...)

Everyone!

Check out this photo album to see more of the fun! Photos from T Gege, Javier, and others.

Post-Conference Love!

2008-03-12T09:10:00.000-07:00

Here is some feedback from the conference. It was a lot of work on the DC end, but knowing everyone had a productive and fun weekend makes it all worth it:

This women's conference was one of the most reflective and philosophical conferences I've ever attended. Thank you especially to Janja, Paulinha, and Cristina for the thoughtful teaching they inspired. I was also really impressed how calm took over even the most chaotic events, like being unexpectedly locked out of Howard. Gege and Paulinha as organizers kept such a sane atmosphere.

I also noticed how so many men, especially men with greater experience in Capoeira, who would ordinarily be solely focused on music/movement, were involved with child care. It seemed that everywhere you turned there was a baby on a man's hip while his/her mother was waiting to play in the roda. That left an impact on me, because this didn't just happen, women *made* it happen.

Thank you DC -- and to those not physically present, you were in spirit. I hope the lessons and teachings from this event carry over into many more. This is the meaning of that elusive word: community.

Axe e respeito,

Monalisa

Essa conferencia foi uma das mais pensativas e filosoficas em qu'eu ja participei. Obrigada especialmente a Janja, Paulinha e Cristina pela instrucao pensativa que inspiraram. O que me causou boa impressao foi a calma que reinou ate os momentos mais caoticos, por exemplo quando as portas do Howard estavam fechadas. Gege e Paulinha como organizadoras sustentaram um ambiente tranquilo.

Tambem percebi que muitos homens, especialmente homens com mais experiencia na Capoeira, que normalmente estam enfocados na musica/movimento, estavam ocupados com o cuidado das criancas. Por toda parte se veia homens carregando bebes ao mesmo tempo que a mae estava esperando um jogo na roda. Isso me fez um impacto porque nao aconteceu inesperadamente: as mulheres *fizeram*-lo acontecer.

Obrigada ao DC -- e as mulheres que nao estavam fisicamente presentes, estavam presentes sim!

Espero que levemos essas licoes as outras conferencias. Aqui se ve o sentido dessa palavra evasiva: communidade.

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Thank you all for putting together such a memorable conference. It was great fun and an incredible learning and growing experience. Thank you also for taking the time to capture the amazing moments in photos as well.
Axe
-Sharmily
FICA Atlanta

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Thank you to FICA DC, Mestres Janja, Paulinha and Cristina and everyone who brought their energy to the event this weekend. It was a beautiful conference. The women's conference seems to get stronger each year.

There were so many moments that will continue to make me smile over the coming weeks: Deepa and Ama singing in the roda, Andrea flying across M. Cobra in the roda, going to bed too late and waking up to train with M. Cobra at 6 AM, loosing my voice from too much singing and not enough sleep, and holding Linden and Marcos Antonio while their moms were off being angoleiras. Seeing old friends is of course always a highlight. These conferences really feel like a giant family reunion to me and although I've been blessed with a blood family that I love, I feel doubly blessed to have my Capoeira family that grows closer to me each year. You are all powerful and beautiful women that i admire and look up to. Your presence at the Conference is a tremendous inspiration for me to keep training and singing and playing!

Thank you Thank you!!

beijos abrazos e espero ver voces muito pronto!

Cassandra

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I, too, was really touched by all the children and the interactions going on outside of the roda that added so much to the roda itself. I remember being in Salvador this summer and seeing more children present in the rodas than in the past, and more men and fathers taking care of babies while their mothers played. I think this is one of the many postive effects that women have had in capoeira, and even in the short time I've been playing I think it has changed a lot, even outside of women's events. In relation to the discussion we were having about what might be 'lost' by including women in capoeira, I think this is an area where men have gained a lot by having their children present at the roda. Without this separation between home and the roda, between home and the street, between a woman's and a man's world, I think both women and men are more whole people, and are able to be seen more holistically by their community. All of us are both warriors and caretakers. So i especially thank all the women who brought their children for making the conference so amazing!

I was also really moved by the workshops - the deepness of the teaching, by the games in the roda, by the women on the bateria. I was grateful for the presence of the men there, I think every year there is a better balance of energies, a better ability to share space. I told Gege I was happy there were tons of workshops and roda, true to the theme - I came here to play!

My only suggestion for next year is that we try to only have women arming the bateria, because this is an integral part of capoeira that women are also under-represented in. I think one of the differences between an angoleira and a women who plays capoeira is an angoleira knows how to make and arm, as well as play her berimbau. We need to be passing on this knowledge to newer women as well, who may not be getting it from their teachers because it is typically a 'male' role in a capoeira group. I would like the next conference to focus more on instrument making and the complexities of the bateria.

Again, it was such a beautiful time, really inspired me to keep working, thank you so much DC for your hard work!! You should all feel satisfied and proud of what youhave accomplished!
Axe!
Bessa

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yes, all, I agree that this conference was the best yet. in spite of the hecticness added by having the little one, I had more fun at this conference than I have had in years past. The energy was beautiful and open. Instruction was so incredibly thoughtful, and the games were HOT!!!! I was particularly touched by everyone's willingness to help with Linden while I played capoeira or jumped on the bateria for a second... The significance of M. Jurandir, CM Silvinho, T. Fabio, and others holding Linden while I played was not lost on me - It appears that Capoeira Angola is changing for the better with everyone's participation. It is so meaningful to me that my brothers and sisters swoop in to help when my partner can't be around. This is community. I told M. Cobra Mansa years ago that I wanted to raise my children inside of FICA so they too can contribute to and benefit from the love, support, and challenges that have helped me to grow over the years. I am lving a dream come true...

thank you all for a wonderful time. Watch out for my little enrolado - he's coming up!

xox
Dina/ Cigana

Have something to add?? Let us know in the comments!

Discussion 1: Violence, Self- Respect & Self- Defense

2008-03-12T08:41:00.001-07:00

Mainly, the group discussed less obvious forms of violence that women experience in capoeira- namely, verbal abuse, humiliation, and disrespectful behaviors.

The question becomes complex because of the nature of the relationship of teacher to student as well as the history of capoeira as a discipline, which teaches commitment, respect for elders/teachers and has cultural implications from its Brazilian roots.

Just how much "teasing" can we allow before it's disrespectful?

Is my mestre being cruel to me or "testing" my commitment?

Is he telling me these things because he cares?

How much does this criticism fracture my self-respect and self-esteem?

As a woman, am I more sensitive to this treatment, or is it more personal?

These are questions the group came up with for all Angoleiro/as to ask themselves and also to offer support when they see another student going through a hard time, growing in capoeira.

(Thanks, Michelle!)

Discussion 2: Memory, Media, & Representation of Women

2008-03-12T08:40:00.000-07:00

This group discussed the perceptions of women in capoeira, and who controls the images presented of women.

The group resolved that women need more control over the images of themselves within the capoeira community, and as such, they are going to start a website to present more realistic images of women capoeiristas, document the planning of women's events, and create an archive of past women conferences.

Look forward to seeing that soon!

Discussion 3: Maternity & Well-Being

2008-03-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

This group tackled a growing issue in capoeira... considering how many kids we had at the conference!!

They talked about how many women feel obligated to take care of everything and be "Superwomen". They considered the positive and negative factors related to this idea of being a "Superwoman", and whether it is even possible.

They noted that the history of a strong women's presence in capoeira is quite recent, and we are seeing the first generation of women mestres, as well as large groups of women continuing in capoeira. We are making history as we speak!

The group suggested that everyone in a school try and help to support a family when they have a child-- from watching a child during class, to helping create a space where the kids can play, to simply being a good friend. Also, parents have to remember that training is not the only way to participate in a capoeira group; you can help organize events, play music, do some administrative work, and many other things.

For women who have relationships with other capoeiristas, the group suggested that if these relationships go sour, instead of leaving the group, these women consider their relationship to their ex, as well as their relationship to capoeira. They suggested that groups discuss personal relationships in general, as this is sometimes a subject that simply gets swept under the rug or shrugged off as good people leave the group.

They also wanted to suggest to those who have left and want to come back, but worry about being fit enough to do capoeira-- "Capoeira will get you in shape!"

Also, remember that "Capoeira heals"-- just like love and friendship. Capoeira is good for your physical health and your mental health.

Discussion 4: Malicia & Mandinga

2008-03-12T08:33:00.000-07:00

The group reflected on four elements of mandinga that Mestre Paulinha had presented the day before. They are:

attitude

improvisation

deception

interruption

The group tried to come up with some distinguishing characteristics of malicia vs. mandinga. They proposed that malicia relates to your "street smarts" and trickery both within and without capoeira. They considered mandinga to relate to something more abstract, an energy transmitted, something magical, spiritual, and related to an individual's personality.

They thought about differences in cultures as well as gender. They considered how certain words have different meanings in Portuguese and English, and how these different meanings reflect on cultural differences. They also discussed the idea of jogo de cintura and how it is something one can easily understand if you are Brazilian, but perhaps more difficult to understand if you are American.

Can you usa mandinga and still be honest? American's want to be direct, to the point, etc. --the group asked itself. Mandinga is a survival tool in Brazil, and plays itself out in the roda. This led to a discussion on mandinga in America, and the fact that many people need to improvise and use non-traditional means to get what they want, and even to simply survive.

Contramestre Cristina from Rio de Janeiro talked about her experience in the roda, and how in some rodas she had to negotiate and conquer a place for herself, in a different way than men did.

Discussion 5: Women, Feminism, & Women's Struggles

2008-03-12T08:29:00.000-07:00

This group came up with 3 key questions to reflect upon:

1. Why do we need to discuss this theme?

2. Why do we see an even number of men & women in capoeira, but not equality in leadership roles?

3. Does capoeira have to transform in order for women to have equal footing in relation to men? Will value be lost in that transformation? What are the perceived forms of lass?

The group thought that it was important to continue to hold forums and events that examined the presence of women in capoeira.

Malungos Exhibit!

2008-03-12T08:28:00.000-07:00

We wanted to include the DC community in our Women's Conference, so along with holding discussions and movie screenings, we put up a photo exhibit at Mocha Hut. A great place in DC that you should try and visit this month to check out come great capoeira pictures!

Here are the details and a sampling of some of the photos:

Photography Exhibit
Malungos: 25 Years of Capoeira Angola

Capoeira Angola is an expression of Afro-Brazilian culture rooted in communal activity.

Its practice represents the convergence of different cultural manifestations, including dance, music, theater, playfulness, and spirituality.

All participate in the ritual of Capoeira Angola and each person is fundamental and unique to its performance.

The Nzinga Institute of Capoeira Angola (O Insituto Nzinga de Capoeira Angola, INCAB, “Nzinga”) was founded in São Paulo in 1995. Today, Nzinga also has branches in Brasilia and Salvador. Nzinga works to develop activities related to the teaching and cultivation of the values of Capoeira Angola, as well as educational activities for children, teens, and adults, and activities that promote social and racial equality, and human development. Since its founding, Nzinga has established partnerships with various educational and cultural associations, and it has participated in events in Brazil and around the world. Throughout its growth, Nzinga has emerged as one of the most important organizations related to Capoeira Angola in the world, recognized internationally for its work. Nzinga’s work aims to continue the teachings of the Mestre Pastinha (Vincente Ferreira Pastinha, 1889-1981).

* In the Bantu language, “malungo” means travel companion, or one who follows the same trajectory in life.

Updated Schedule & Costs

2008-02-26T11:02:00.004-08:00

I Came Here to Play!
10th Annual Women's Conference
March 3 - 9, 2008

Invited Guests:

M. Paulinha (Grupo N'Zinga)
M. Janja (Grupo N'Zinga)
M Cobra Mansa (FICA)
CM Cristina (Grupo Ypiranga)
Treinel Andrea (FICA-Oakland)
Treinel Gege (FICA-DC)
Luciana (FICA-Bahia)

Costs:
Full Conference: $125.00
1 Day: $50.00
1 Class: $25.00
Roda: $15.00

Conference Schedule:

Monday, March 3rd
Photo exhibit opening/cocktail
Location: Mocha Hut Coffee House, 1301 U St NW, Washington, DC
Free & Open to the Public

Tuesday, March 4th
7:00 pm
Film Screening: "The Shape of Water" & Discussion
The Shape of Water is a documentary by Kum-Kum Bhavnani, narrated by Susan Sarandon
Opening talk by Sylvia Robinson (founder of ECAC and member of FICA-DC) on the history of our building.
Location: ECAC (right upstairs from the FICA-DC space), 733 Euclid St, NW
Free & Open to the Public

Wednesday, March 5th
Women in the Martial Arts Panel and Discussion
Panelists:
Mestre Paulinha, Grupo Nzinga Capoeira Angola, Salvador
Sensei Carol Middleton, 7th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller, Ph.D, founder and director of the AKERU Afrikan Discipline Sciences System
Lauren Wheeler is a 3rd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Place: FICA DC, 733 Euclid St, NW
Free & Open to the Public

Thursday, March 6th
Opening Reception with a presentation by Luci Murphy, a video presentation by Isabel Green celebrating the history of Women's Conferences in the United States, and a roda.
Place: FICA DC
Free & Open to the Public

Friday, March 7th
9-12, Capoeira Class (music and movement)
12-3, Lunch and groups gathering to discuss topics
3-6, Capoeira Class
6-9, Roda

Saturday, March 8th
9-12, Capoeira Class (music and movement)
12-3, Lunch and groups gathering to discuss topics
3-6, Capoeira Class
4-5:30, Kids Class

Sunday, March 9th
7 am, Capoeira Class with Mestre Cobra Mansa
10 am, Breakfast at FICA DC
11-2, Final discussion/presentations
3, Final Roda.

** Conference costs include all activities listed, including lunch on Friday & Saturday as well as daycare for children under 12.

Look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!

Directions to the FICA-DC Space

2008-02-26T11:02:00.003-08:00

**SEE MAP IN POST BELOW FOR VIEW OF FICA-DC NEIGHBORHOOD!**

From DCA/Reagan National Airport
Take the Yellow Line train in the direction of Fort Totten.
(From Monday thru Friday during rush hour (7am-9am & 5pm-7pm), the Yellow Line stops running at Mt. Vernon Square. If this happens, from Mt. Vernon Square transfer to the Green Line in the direction of Greenbelt.)
Stop at Shaw/Howard University. Use the Howard University exit.
Transfer to the 70 Bus towards Silver Spring.
Stop at Euclid St.
Cross to Euclid Street
The building is halfway down the block on the right.

From IAD/Dulles International Airport
Take the 5A Bus towards L’Enfant Plaza, and get off at L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station. Cost $3.10.
In L’Enfant Plaza Metro Station take either the Green Line in the direction of Greenbelt or Yellow Line in the direction of Ft. Totten.
Stop at Shaw/Howard University. Use the Howard University exit.
Transfer to the 70 Bus towards Silver Spring.
Stop at Euclid St.
Cross to Euclid Street
The building is halfway down the block on the right.

From BWI/Baltimore International Airport
Take the B30 Bus towards Greenbelt Station. Cost $3.10.
Transfer to Green Line in the direction of Branch Ave.
Stop at Shaw/Howard University. Use the Howard University exit.
Transfer to the 70 Bus towards Silver Spring.
Stop at Euclid St.
Cross to Euclid Street.
The building is halfway down the block on the right.

From Union Station (train station)
Take Red Line of Metro in the direction of Shady Grove
Switch at Gallery Place/Chinatown on Yellow or Green Line
Stop at Shaw/Howard University. Use the Howard University exit.
Transfer to the 70 Bus towards Silver Spring.
Stop at Euclid St.
Cross to Euclid Street.
The building is halfway down the block on the right.

From Main Bus Station (Greyhound, Peter Pan 1005 1st St NE)
Exit bus station, take a left and walk down 1st Street until you reach Union StationEnter Union Station & follow directions above

From Chinatown (if you have the privilege to travel the Chinatown bus)
Walk to Gallery Place/Chinatown Metro Stop (at the intersection of 7th & H Sts)
Take Green or Yellow Line to Shaw/Howard University. Use the Howard University exit.
Transfer to the 70 Bus towards Silver Spring.
Stop at Euclid St.
Cross to Euclid Street.
The building is halfway down the block on the right.

Notes:
· The buses will take exact change only.
· The cost for transferring from train to bus is $0.35. Therefore make sure to take a transfer ticket when getting on the metro. They are located right by the escalator or stairs before getting on the train platform.
· Train costs vary by location and distance.
· Please check http://www.wmata.com/ for most up to date info on Washington D.C. public transportation.

Area Map with Landmarks

2008-02-26T11:02:00.001-08:00

Addresses:

FICA-DC
733 Euclid Street
Georgia Ave (same as 7th St) & Euclid St

Howard Metro Stop (Howard Exit)
Northeast Corner of 7th & S Sts

Howard University
Carnegie Building
Conference Room A & Presentation Room

Mocha Hut
4706 14th St NW
14th & U Sts

View Larger Map

Mestra Janja, Grupo Nzinga (Salvador)

2008-01-18T11:12:00.001-08:00

Dr. Rosangela Costa Araujo, Mestra Janja, has an illustrious career in Capoeira Angola that permeates the sacred, the secular, and the academic. She was initiated into Capoeira Angola by Mestre João Grande, Mestre Moraes, and Mestre Cobra Mansa, and was one of the student-founders of the Grupo de Capoeira Angola Pelourinho (GCAP). Later, she founded The Nzinga Institute of Capoeira Angola Studies and Bantu Traditional Education in Brazil, in São Paulo. She serves as the Director of the Nzinga Berimbau Orchestra. She is a researcher and a professor of History at the Federal University of Bahia. Mestra Janja has published widely on topics of education and Capoeira Angola.

Mestra Paulinha, Grupo Nzinga (Salvador)

2008-01-18T11:11:00.004-08:00

Paula Barreto, known as Mestra Paulinha, is from Bahia, Brazil. She started her trajectory in capoeira in Salvador in the beginning of 1980’s. She has been invited to Capoeira Angola encounters in Brazil and around the world. She has also published articles, participated on panels, and given lectures on women and capoeira. She is one the founders and leaders of the Nzinga Capoeira Angola Group. Mestra Paulinha teaches Sociology at the Federal University of Bahia and is currently a post-doctoral Capes Fellow at Vanderbilt University, in the United States.

Mestre Cobra Mansa, FICA

2008-01-18T11:11:00.003-08:00

A native of Rio de Janeiro, Mestre Cobra Mansa has dedicated the last 30 years of his life to training, teaching, researching, and preserving Capoeira Angola. He began practicing Capoeira Angola at the age of 14. In the 1970’s, he started studying with Mestre Moraes. With Mestre Moraes, he and others founded Grupo de Capoeira Angola Pelourinho (GCAP) in 1982. In 1994 he brought a branch of GCAP to Washington, DC and two years later, he left GCAP to form the International Capoeira Angola Foundation (ICAF) in Washington, DC. Mestre Cobra Mansa now resides in Brazil and continues to travel the world teaching and promoting Capoeira Angola.

Contra-mestra Cristina, Grupo Ypiranga (RJ)

2008-01-18T11:11:00.001-08:00

Cristina Nascimento Dias dos Santos began training Capoeira in 1993 with Mestre Neco, who was a part of the Grupo Capoeira Angola Pelourinho. In 1994, she became a student of Mestre Emanual and helped found the Grupo Capoeira Angola Ypiranga de Pastinha (GCAYP). In 2003, she received the title of Contra-mestra from her mestre. Today, Contramestra Cristina teaches capoeira as part of the homeless movement at one of the GCAYP locations in the center of the city of Rio de Janeiro.

Treinel Andrea, FICA-Oakland

2008-01-18T11:10:00.002-08:00

Treinel Andrea was born in Belo Horizonte (BH), Minas Gerais, Brazil. She began training capoeira in 1992 with Mestre Primo of Grupo Iuna in BH. In 1994 she joined GCAP with Mestre Jurandir and participated in the evolution of FICA in 1996. Since then, she has supported FICA in BH through her participation in conferences, encounters, and workshops with various Mestres from Brazil. In 2003, she was given the title of Treinel by Mestres Cobra Mansa, Jurandir, and Valmir. In the same year, she moved to Oakland to teach and train with the group there. Treinel Andrea has since travelled to teach workshops in other FICA groups in the U.S. with her son, Adrian Ribeiro Cintron.

Treineu Gege, FICA-DC

2008-01-18T11:10:00.001-08:00

Maria Eugenia Poggi, known as Treinel Gege, started training Capoeira Angola under the guidance of Mestre Cobra Mansa in 1995 and was part of FICA when it was founded in 1996. Since then, she has participated in various international conferences; she was invited to participate in the 2003 Angoleiras event in Rio de Janeiro and the First Angoleiras Encounter in Europe in 2006. In 2003, she received the Treinel Title during the International FICA Encounter in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. That same year, she moved to Lima, Peru where she led workshops with different groups. In 2005, Treinel Gege returned to Washington DC, where she lives now with her husband and two kids.

Luciana Balbino da Silva, FICA-Bahia

2008-01-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

Luciana began training capoeira Regional with Grupo Adabá, where she trained for a year. In 2002, she graduated from the Federal University of Bahia, majoring in the Artes Cênicas. In Salvador, she chose to study Capoeira Angola with Mestre Valmir and FICA to expand her cultural identity. In 2000, 2001, and 2003, Luciana traveled to France with a group of children capoeiristas as part of Les Enfants Ambassadeurs (The Children Ambassadors), discussing the state of children’s rights and public policy with youth from all over the world. Luciana considers her greatest social contributions are through capoeira and her socio-educational work done with Mestres Valmir and Cobrinha and FICA-Salvador.

Women in the Martial Arts Panelists

2007-12-07T12:11:00.001-08:00

Mestra Paulinha, Grupo Nzinga Capoeira Angola, Salvador
Paula Barreto, known as Paulinha, is from Bahia, Brazil. She started her trajectory in capoeira in Salvador in the beginning of 1980’s. She has been invited to several Capoeira Angola encounters both in Brazil and in other countries. She has also published articles and given lectures on women and capoeira and is one of the Nzinga Capoeira Angola Group leaders. She teaches Sociology at the Federal University of Bahia and she is currently a post-doctoral Capes Fellow at Vanderbilt University, in the United States.

Sensei Carol Middleton, 7th degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Sensei Carol Middleton has studied various martial arts and self defense systems since 1968. Her main school, the D.C. Self Defense Karate Association, celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2006. She has run a full-contact padded assailant self defense program, D.C.
IMPACT, since 1989, and was the first President of IMPACT International. Her
most recent program, Krav Maga D.C., started in 2001 and now has over 400
students. She is also a tactical master in CDT (low force compliance and
control techniques), and a certified KIDPOWER instructor. Carol was a
founding member of the National Women's Martial Arts Federation, and has
been a member of the American Women's Self Defense Association (recently
renamed Association for Women's Self Defense Advancement) since its
inception in 2001.

Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller, Ph.D, founder and director of the AKERU Afrikan Discipline Sciences System
Dr. Germon “Mama G” Miller maintains a reputation as an expert in weaponry and hand to hand combat legacy in the martial arts world as a renown Afrikan Martial Artist, capturing over 1700 trophies, 2 world titles, 4 gold medals and a Grand Championship Diamond Ring at the 2006 Battle of Baltimore against a field of men half her age. As the Founder and Director of the AKERU Afrikan Discipline Sciences system, Dr. Miller has provided countless seminars on Afrikan military warriorship. “Mama G” is an international icon in the struggle against youth violence and is known in juvenile service departments as a cultural storyteller and a crisis math educator. She has written many programs for agencies nation wide especially to help dissolve the ever growing epidemic of HIV/AIDS, gun violence & gang involvement among youth through critical thinking, problem solving methods and stressing personal empowerment for achievement in daily life curriculums.

Lauren Wheeler, 3rd degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do
Lauren Wheeler began training in Shotokan Karate in 1984 after a fellow student dared her to go to a “karate class”. She is the founder and director of The Peaceful Warriors, an anti-violence martial arts youth group. She believes working with teens is a life-affirming experience where the teacher receives more than she gives. She is grateful to her teacher, Sensei Carol Middleton of DC Self Defense Karate Association. Ms. Wheeler also holds Shodan ranking in Kobayashi Shorin Ryu from Nakozato Sensei in Okinawa. She has taught martial arts at the National Women Martial Arts Federation and Suigetsu camps as well as in Indonesia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic.

conference dates/ datas da conferencia

2007-12-06T07:27:00.001-08:00

In case you are starting to make your travel plans for the women's conference, below please find the 2008 FICA Women's Conference dates. We are also hoping to have nightly activities the week leading up to the conference, so if you would like to come earlier than March 6, you are more than welcome. If you need housing before the event, please contact fica-dc.

The conference dates:

Thursday, March 6
5:00 pm - Registration + Opening Roda

Friday, March 7
Activities all day

Saturday, March 8
Activities all day

Sunday, March 9
Activities + Closing Roda

Caso que voce já esteja planejando sua viagem (e o mais cedo, o melhor), aqui estão as datas para a 2008 Conferência das Mulheres em Washington, DC, EUA, realizada pela FICA. Se puder chegar antes dos dia 6 de março, esperamos ter eventos/aulas (a noite) nos dias antes da conferência. Se preciar um lugar para dormir essas noites, entrar em contato com a gente da FICA-DC.

qunita, dia 6 de marco
17h - inscrição + roda de abertura

sexta, dia 7 de março
atividades o dia inteiro

sábado, dia 8 de março
atividades o dia inteiro

domingo, dia 9 de março
atividades + roda de cerramento

Theme

2007-12-03T15:02:00.001-08:00

I Came Here to Play
by Charisse Williams

enter the roda
angoleira I am
corta capim
walk on my hands
give a rasteira
cabeça no chão
volta do mundo
giro na mao
armada then chapa
teeth on display
you look surprised
but I came here to play
rabo de arria
every which way
I shake your hand
and go 'bout my way

O poema foi escrito em ingles por Charisse Williams, quem tambem fez o desenho. Ela treinava com FICA-DC e FICA-Chicago. Aqui está uma tradução (mas ou menos):

Eu vim aqui prá jogar!

entro na roda
eu sou angoleira
corta capim
plantar bananeira
dou uma rasteira
cabeça no chão
volta do mundo
giro na mão
armada e chapa
dentes a mostrar
voce 'tá com surpresa
mas eu vim prá jogar
rabo de arria
de qualquer forma
aperto sua mao
e sigo meu caminho

Registration

2007-12-03T12:11:00.001-08:00