Batatinha

Batatinha - that's my capoeira nickname. It is common for capoeiristas to have nicknames to disguise their real identities (just like superheroes - haha). The actual history behind the nicknames came about during the prohibition of capoeira during the times of slavery until 1930s - capoeiristas went by their nicknames rather than their real names to escape prosecution from playing capoeira (if caught).

The literal translation of Batatinha is "little potato" (funny). However, in my case (well, at least according to my instructor who gave me the nickname), it's supposed to be a reference to Pebbles (from the Flinstones) - who is called Batatinha in Brazil. Apparently, I look like Pebbles - that's how I earned the nickname.

Next time we meet at a roda, I am Batatinha to you.