Dean Hulett teaches capoeira.
Dean Hulett, known by his capoeira name Instrutor Estagiário Âncora, is a prominent jazz bassist on the San Diego music scene. Originally from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, Dean now resides in Barrio Logan. In addition to his masterful upright bass work, Dean has been active in the traditional Brazilian martial arts community known as Capoeira. He invited me down to Dolores Magdaleno Rec Center to check out one of his classes on May 20th.
He starts by taking the group through a series of stretches while pumping out traditional Brazilian music over a loudspeaker. He gives instructions like, right leg back, one hand down. Lunges, cartwheels, and rolls are performed. All motions designed to warm up the body and prepare the mind for the experience. Instructor Âncora keeps a watchful eye on the students and gives encouraging words. It is a family affair, with mom (Deanna) and two daughters (Adirana and Eva) enjoying the class together. They have been taking classes with Dean for almost 8 months now. After the workout I got to sit down with Dean and his girl Cici Nicaso for a quick drink and a few questions.
How long have you involved with Capoeria?
10 years this past February. I’ve been teaching for about 7 years.
Where did you get your start?
Columbus, Ohio. At the New Harvest for the arts. I saw it there when I was doing a gig with Roldando Matias, and I didn’t know they did classes there. It’s in the Linden area. Linden is in the hood man.
What drew you to capoeria?
The beautiful movements.
Did you watch Only the Strong?
(Laughs) I didn’t see it until after I was involved in capoeria.
Does the warm up have a specific name?
No, not really. We start off with a warm up, but basically… The method that I follow, is doing movements that are similar to what we are about to. I wouldn’t have them jumping around if we were gonna be on the floor all day. Then some dynamic stretching.
What is some of the music that you were playing?
Capoiera music… All different styles… Rhythms. It creates an atmosphere. You don’t want to put on a dirge or something.
Who are some famous musical artists in Caporiea?
Mestre Acordeón. Mestre Bimba. Mestre Liminha.
I noticed you had a bow looking instrument. What is that?
Berimbau. It’s the heart of capoeira. It tells the players how to move. It controls the game.
What game?
The game of capoeira. The Roda. That means ‘game’ in Portugese.
I thought capoeria was a martial art.
Yeah it is, but it’s much more that martial arts. It’s dancing, its music, it’s Afro-Brazilian culture. People kind of like to separate it and put it a box. You see the uniquess of it. People are so used to … the only time you’re gonna see a fight is if you pay for one or you are in one.
You shouted the word ‘ole’ frequently during the warmups.
It’s ‘role’, with an ‘r’. It’s pronounced like an ‘h’ at the beginning of a word in Portuguese. It means ‘to roll’. Rolling across the floor. It’s a type of maneuver. It’s easy on the body and good for warming up.
During your music lesson, you spoke about the meanings of the lyrics. “dendê”… “This cool camera right here, it has magic. It has dendê.” Can you explain that more?
It just means that something is really cool. That’s all.
How can people take a class with you?
I teach capoeira lessons at The Dolores Magdaleno Recreation Center in Logan Heights on Mondays and Wednesday night. We get started at 6:30 pm and go for about an hour and 15 minutes. Right now we are limited by the time slot we have. It’s not 2 hours of ‘go go go’, It’s a combination of technique and music. Ah, man… it’s total fun!
How much does a class costs?
I do private coaching for $10 a class or $60 per month. That’s for 8 lessons, so you save $20 bucks by taking a whole month. There are advantages for people taking a whole month. But drop in’s are always cool and welcome. For more information or to book a lesson visit my website, http://terrapraraizes.wix.com/terra.
Cici Nicaso is trying to keep up with the twins. That’s her goal.
Instrutor Estagiário Âncora (Dean Hulett) has been training Capoeira for 10 years in the Santista style of capoeira. He trained under Monitor Dentista of Grupo Unidade Capoeira with the supervision of Mestre Doutor. He is also a personal trainer and an accomplished professional musican, both of which support his teaching style and facilitate a well rounded learning environment. He’s dedicated to the progression of Capoeira and preservation of the Santista style and providing a open place of expression and commitment to health and wellness through capoeira. 2013 © D. Hulett
Copyright © 2015. C. Lougeay
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