Capoeira in Toronto has been excellent.  Toronto has so much more variety and opportunities to learn, versus Ottawa... not that i'm belittling my Capoeira experiences in Ottawa, but rather, my Capoeira life has expanded and grown much more by moving to Toronto.  Training with Professora Estrelinha (Lang Liu) in the traditional Regional style that Mestre Bimba "created" has really benefitted my understanding of the Capoeira, and my greater appreciation of traditional Afro-Brazilian culture.

My teacher, has recently left to go to Brasil for a few months to work on her PhD.  She entrusted the class to some of her students to run with it and to ensure that our training goes interrupted.  While at first, i was a bit afraid that she left, i've recently grown to realise that this is a great opportunity for all of us to become better and to fortify our current knowledge and understanding of Capoeira, as an ART, not just a set of movements to keep you fit.  I've had an opportunity to go to U of T and assist teach a class there.  Last night we had a great music session, where each of us just practised songs and playing instruments.  I can see that while Lang is gone, we can still learn and grow and become better Capoeiristas.

All this training is to prepare me for my trip to Brasil, in March. I know I won't be perfectly in shape or know enough Portuguese to be well prepared, but I think everything will just feel natural and alright.