I lie to my students. Whenever I receive a new Capoeira student, I tell them, “It will get easier, just keep coming.” The reality is that dedicating yourself to improving in Capoeira does not get easier with time; it often gets harder. During the United Capoeira Association’s 2019 batizado in Berkeley, California, I planned to give a brief speech. During my graduation, I hoped to share some advice from thirteen years of Capoeira experiences. There was much to celebrate during

It was 4:30 AM when I heard my office door swing open. My middle child was awake and needed his nebulizer for a breathing treatment to resolve challenges with his asthma. Without hesitation, I stopped a writing project and tended to his needs. I wasn't angry with my son for interrupting my work because on most mornings I am awake by 3:30 AM and in my routine. Crazy? 3:30 AM! It's not uncommon for me to be up this early because I am often in the bed by 8:30 PM. It takes discip