The purpose of this podcast is to provide students of capoeira an opportunity to hear the stories and philosophies of wise and beloved elders in our community. Capoeira is a “complete” artform that includes ritual, music, dance, combat movement, and community that fosters physical, mental and spiritual development. To guide us in this endeavor, it is of utmost importance to glean whatever wisdom we can from the stories of our elders. May the wisdom shared in this podcast fuel us to be caretakers of this precious art we love so much. This podcast is geared towards an english speaking audience.
Mestre Bengala, also known as Donald Coley, shares his forty years of experience training, performing, and teaching capoeira after joining the second generation of capoeira students in California in this interview.
5 May 2025
Episode 2 | Mestre Themba Mashama
In this episode of the Reflections on Capoeira podcast Broderick had the privilege to interview Mestre Themba Mashama. Mestre Themba is a San Francisco native who has dedicated over 45 years of his life to the study of capoeira. As a father, husband, activist, and therapist, he has embraced capoeira not only as a martial art, but also as a means of personal and community development. He began his journey training Capoeira Regional under the instruction of Mestre Acordeon, and later pursued Capoeira de Angola under the guidance of Mestre Moraes.
Mestre Themba Mashama holds the distinction of being the first American capoeirista to achieve a level of mastery in both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira de Angola styles, solidifying his reputation as an authority in the art form. Additionally, he holds the distinction of establishing the first Capoeira de Angola school in the United States, further contributing to the growth of this traditional style in the country.
Currently, Mestre Themba serves as the esteemed leader of Kapoeira N’gola Preto Velho. Through his expertise, passion, and dedication, he continues to empower students of all backgrounds, sharing the rich cultural heritage and transformative power of capoeira with the community.
Reflections on Capoeira social media linksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/reflections_on_capoeira/
1 Mar 2025
Episode 1 | Mestre Itaborá Ferreira
In this inaugural episode of the Reflections on Capoeira podcast Broderick had the privilege to interview our beloved and wise Mestre Itaborá Ferreira before he transitioned into the ancestral realm. Mestre Itaborá was an important Capoeira Mestre for many students of various backgrounds and schools from around the world. He was especially pivotal in the Bay Area, California for his efforts to unify the community. May you enjoy and learn from this wide ranging exploration by Mestre Itaborá as he shares his story, philosophy and wisdom from a life dedicated to Capoeira.
May his love, passion and legacy live with us forever!
Ié Viva Mestre Itaborá
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
663
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
8
Social presence
0
YouTube
66
Engagement
32
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