This episode opens the second section of the book — a section about habits and self-improvement.

At first glance, habits may seem far from capoeira. But capoeira is a lifelong practice of discipline, repetition, and perseverance. The same qualities that shape a good game in the roda also shape a good life.

In this chapter, we explore the idea that goals alone are not enough. What matters more is identity — the person you are becoming through your daily actions. Not what you want to get, but who you need to become in order to get there.

Using examples from capoeira, daily practice, and personal experience, this episode invites you to rethink how habits quietly define your direction, your character, and your future.

Before moving on to bigger ideas about integrity and life, this chapter asks a simple but challenging question:

What identity are your habits building — right now?

The book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠50 Lessons on Capoeira, Teaching, and Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Alex Maltsev

Contact: mail-podcast@alexmaltsev.me

Are you just along for the ride — or are you actually learning?

In this episode, we talk about what it means to move from passive consumption to real mastery. About the difference between sitting in the cabin, being part of the crew, and stepping into the cockpit.

Using a simple but powerful metaphor, this chapter explores responsibility, engagement, and what changes when you stop waiting for knowledge to “land” and start taking control of the process yourself.

This episode is an invitation to look honestly at how you learn — in capoeira, in work, and in life — and to decide whether you’re ready to take the controls.

The book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠50 Lessons on Capoeira, Teaching, and Life⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Alex Maltsev

Contact: mail-podcast@alexmaltsev.me

Malandragem is often associated with mischief, cunning, and street smarts. In Brazilian culture, it grew out of necessity — a way to survive in a world shaped by inequality and oppression.

In this episode, we explore malandragem through the lens of capoeira and ask what it means today.

The book: ⁠⁠⁠50 Lessons on Capoeira, Teaching, and Life⁠⁠⁠ by Alex Maltsev

Contact: mail-podcast@alexmaltsev.me