Teaching and Capoeira

 I've realized that in many ways--teaching and capoeira are very much alike.  Here's a list of similarities:

1. Be three steps ahead of the game
    In capoeira, you need to constantly think about what's coming next.  If the rasteria doesn't work what will you do?   How do you counter the meia lua?  You need to have a goal in mind.  You need to be thinking ahead of where you are.  Same with teaching.  You have to be three steps ahead of your students.  One of your behavior problems is here today. Okay, greet him at the door and try to get him on the right track.  Students give lots of excuses about homeowrk? Knock their excuses down before they even make them. 
2.  Roll with the punches
    In other words, be flexible.  Maybe the copier is down so students will have to copy off of the board.  If you get a take down in a capoeira game come back with a martelo. 
3.  You never really know how you are doing
    In capoeira it's hard to get accurate feedback because you can't see yourself play.  Same with teaching.  Things seem like they are working, you think you are doing a good job but you don't always know. 
4.  Have your own style
    You have to be sincere when teaching.  You can't be the next Edward James Olmos.  You have to be you.  Otherwise it's just acting and you'll be exhausted. In capoeira, you have to develop your own style and have your own game. Use the way your body works to your advantage. 
5.  Work your ass off
    I have yet to meet a good teacher who didn't work their ass off.  In fact, I always said 'the greatest enemy of teaching is time'.  You know what you have to do for your students but you don't have the time or the energy to do it.  Same with capoeira.  You can always practice you kicks more or work on a new florieio or learn a new song.  
6.  Don't be afraid to try new stuff
    You gotta spice things up as a teacher or it gets really boring for you and your students.  Same in capoeira. If you do the same moves each time your opponent will be able to read you and you will get 'checked' or 'locked out'. 
7. Question Answer
    In teaching you ask questions and the students answer.  Or, students ask questions and the teacher answers.  The same with capoeira.  You do a move and your opponent 'answers'.  Or vice versa. 
8.  There's always some bullshit
    Paperwork.  Nasty teachers or nasty students.  In every capoeira group there's always someone how plays in a way you don't like.  There's always a favorite.  There's always someone who doesn't like you. 
9. Never let yourself be vulnerable
    Some may disagree with me here but I don't think it's a good idea to cry in front of your students.  Many students are taught that crying=fear and that fear should never be expressed.  It can also appear unprofessional to your collegues and supervisors.  Crying or vulnerablity is never good in capoeira.  I can't tell you how many times I went HOME and cried after class because of one frustration or another but I do my best to avoid doing this in class.  Also, don't be vulnerable in the game.  Don't do a queda de rins at the foot of a person who is standing opposite you.  Try never to turn your back.  Don't get stuck queda de quatro. 
10.  Have fun
    As a teacher you gotta be silly sometimes.  Take the pressure off.  One day, I spoke to 602 (which was my worst class ever in the history of teaching : ) in a robot voice for the whole period.  They loved it!   In capoeira, don't be afraid to make fun of yourself.   One time I slipped and fell and rolled on the floor for a bit.  I decided to keep rolling just to give myself a good laugh.
11.  The joys of success are immeasurable. 
    The days that I have a good game are pure joy. When students master a concept or are excited about a subject you are in heaven.  You work, you work, you work and then finally it pays off.   That is satisfaction.