Mestres De Capoeira - Capoeira Mannheim - Heidelberg - Ludwigshafen

Zumbi (* 1655; † 20. November 1695), auch bekannt als Zumbi von Palmares, war der letzte Anführer des autonomen Königreichs Palmares von entflohenen und freigeborenen Sklaven im heutigen Staat Alagoas, Brasilien.Palmares war eine Siedlung von geflohenen afrikanischen Sklaven, die erfolgreichen Widerstand gegen die portugiesischen Kolonialregierungen und holländischen Kolonisatoren leisteten. Geflohene Sklaven gingen oft zu ihren alten Plantagen zurueck, um ihren ehemaligen Mitgefangenen zur Flucht zu verhelfen. So wuchs die Siedlung auf ungefähr 30.000 Menschen heran. Darunter waren auch brasilianische Ureinwohner, Araber und von der Kolonialregierung unterdrückte Europäer. Durch die Kampfkunst Capoeira konnten zwischen 1654 und 1678 über zwanzig Angriffe der Sklavenhalternationen abgewehrt werden. Zumbi wurde 1655 in Freiheit in Palmares geboren, aber im Alter von etwa sechs Jahren von den Portugiesen gefangen und dem Missionar Antonio Melo uebergeben. Als Francisco getauft wurde er in die Sakramente eingeweiht und lernte Portugiesisch und Latein. Mit 15 flüchtete er in seine Geburtsstätte. Seine Kampfkraft und Gewandtheit sowie militärisches Geschick machten ihn zu einem respektierten Strategen in seinen frühen Zwanzigern. Im Jahre 1678 suchte der portugiesische Gouverneur der Provinz Pernambuco, Pedro Almeida das Gespräch mit dem Anführer Ganga Zumba. Sein Angebot war, den Bewohnern von Palmares die Freiheit zu schenken, wenn sich die Siedlung portugiesischer Gewalt ergeben würde. Ganga Zumba neigte dazu, zu akzeptieren, aber Zumbi traute den Portugiesen nicht. Außerdem weigerte er sich, die Freiheit anzunehmen, während andere versklavt blieben. Um den Widerstand gegen die portugiesische Unterdrückung fortzusetzen, lehnte er das Angebot Almeidas ab, stellte damit Ganga Zumba's Führerschaft in Frage und wurde der neue Anführer von Palmares. Fünfzehn Jahre nachdem Zumbi den Thron von Palmares bestieg und seine Krieger bis vor die Tore von Recife führte, starteten die Portugiesen einen Kanonenangriff von drei Seiten, dem die Kämpfer von Palmares nicht gewachsen waren. Nach 67 Jahren erfolglosen Krieges gegen Palmares zerstörten die Portugiesen am 6. Februar 1694 mit Cerca do Macaco dessen zentrale Siedlung. Zumbi wurde verletzt. Zwar konnte er entkommen und den Widerstand noch fast zwei Jahre lang fortsetzen, doch wurde er letztendlich von Mulato verraten. Mulato wurde gefangen und verriet – im Tausch gegen sein eigenes Leben – das Versteck Zumbis. Zumbi wurde am 20. November 1695 geköpft. Sein Kopf musste in Recife öffentlich ausgestellt werden, um die afrikanischen Sklaven von seinem Tod zu überzeugen, die Zumbi mittlerweile für unsterblich hielten wie einen Halbgott. Dennoch wurde der Kampf noch hundert Jahre nach seinem Tod weitergeführt. In Brasilien wird der 20. November als Tag des Schwarzen Selbstbewusstseins (Dia da Consciência Negra) gefeiert. Zumbi wurde zum Held der afro-brasilianischen Menschenrechtsbewegung des zwanzigsten Jahrhunderts sowie zum Nationalhelden. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Besouro Mangangá (* 1897; † 24. Juli 1924 in Bahia, Brasilien; eigentlich Manuel Henrique Pereira oder Besouro Cordão de Ouro) war ein Capoeirista in Amaro da Purificacâo nahe Salvador da Bahía, Brasilien. Leben und Legende Mangangá ist einer der bekanntesten Capoeiristas, und es gibt zahlreiche Lieder über ihn. Der größte Teil des Wissens über ihn speist sich aus diesen Liedern oder anderen mündlichen Überlieferungen. Der Anteil an Wahrheit kann also kritisch gesehen werden. Der Sklave Tio Alipio lehrte Henrique in seiner Kindheit die Kunst der Capoeira. Seinen Künstlernamen Besouro Mangangá (Besouro heißt Käfer; Mangangá portugiesisch für Hummeln) bekam er, da er bei Gefahr stets - wie ein Käfer - verschwinden konnte. Mangangá zog durchs Land arbeitete als Tagelöhner. Dabei setzte er sich immer wieder für die Schwachen und Armen ein. Da zu dieser Zeit Capoeira verboten war, hatte er häufig Konflikte mit der Polizei. Die Versuche, ihn festzunehmen oder zu töten misslangen jedoch immer wieder, und Mangangá verhöhnte dabei sogar die Polizei. Dadurch entstand die Legende, dass er die Fähigkeit hatte sich, in einen Käfer zu verwandeln. Am 24. Juli 1924 wurde Mangangá angeblich mit einem Messer aus dem Holz des Tucum-Baumes erstochen. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Pastinha Vicente Ferreira Pastinha (* 5. April 1889 in Salvador da Bahia, Brasilien; † 13. November 1981 ebenda) war ein brasilianischer Kampfsportler. Mestre (Meister) Pastinha ist als Begründer der Capoeira de Angola bekannt, der "afrikanischen" Stilrichtung der Kampfsportart Capoeira. Pastinha hat ganz maßgeblich zur Entwicklung dieser Stilrichtung beigetragen zu einer Zeit, in der Capoeira noch durch das Gesetz verboten war. Noch heute leben zwei Schüler von ihm, zum einen Mestre João Grande der nun in New York seine Kenntnisse weitergibt und zum anderen Mestre João Pequeno, der immer noch in Salvador da Bahia unterrichtet. Mestre Pastinha begann Capoeira im Alter von 8 Jahren durch einen Afrikaner mit dem Namen Benedito zu lernen. Hierzu gibt es eine kleine Geschichte: ein älterer und stärkerer Junge aus Pastinhas Nachbarschaft hatte ihn häufig verprügelt. Eines Tages sah Benedito dieses und bat Pastinha zu seinem Haus zu kommen, wo er ihm einige Dinge beibringen werde. Er schärfte ihm ein, seinen Gegner nicht zu provozieren, sondern seine Kampfkenntnisse so gut als möglich zu verbergen. Beim nächsten Zusammentreffen mit dem Jungen soll Pastinha ihn so schnell besiegt haben, dass der ältere Junge zu seinem Bewunderer wurde. Mestre Pastinha hatte eine glückliche und bequeme Kindheit. Morgens besuchte er Malkurse an der Kunstschule Liceu de Artes e Ofício; während der Nachmittage spielte er mit Papierdrachen und lernte Capoeira. Er führte sein Training mit Benedito für drei Jahre weiter. Auf Wunsch seines Vaters besuchte er später eine Seemanns-Akademie. Er konnte deshalb sein Training nicht weiterführen, brachte aber auf der Schule seinen Freunden Capoeira bei. Im Alter von 21 Jahren verließ er die Schule um ein hauptberuflicher Maler zu werden. In seiner Freizeit hat er im Geheimen weiterhin Capoeira trainiert, da es zu dieser Zeit in Brasilien immer noch illegal war. Mestre Pastinha nahm 1941, einer Einladung von Aberrê - seinem früheren Schüler - folgend, an einer sonntäglichen Roda (Capoeira-Wettkampf) beim "Ladeira do Gengibirra" im Stadtteil "Liberdade" teil. Hier waren ständig auch die besten Meister anzutreffen. Aberrê war schon lange berühmt in diesen Rodas und nachdem Pastinha einen Nachmittag dort verbracht hatte, fragte ihn einer der besten Meister von Bahia, Mestre Amorzinho, ob er nicht Capoeira Angola unterrichten wolle. Als Ergebnis gründete Pastinha 1942 die erste Capoeira Angola-Schule, das „Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola“ im Stadtteil Pelourinho. Seine Schüler trugen schwarze Hosen und gelbe T-Shirts, die gleichen Farben die der "Ypiranga Futebol Clube" benutzte, Pastinha´s Lieblingsclub. Er nahm mit der brasilianischen Delegation am „First International Festival de Artes Negras“ in Dakar (Senegal), teil. An diesem Festival waren auch Mestre João Grande, Mestre Gato Preto, Mestre Gildo Alfinete, Mestre Roberto Satanás und Camafeu de Oxossi dabei. Pastinha arbeitete als Schuhputzer, Schneider, Goldschürfer, Türsteher (leão de chácara) eines Casinos und Bauarbeiter am Porto de Salvador, um sein finanzielles Auskommen zu sichern. So konnte er das sein, was er am meisten wollte: ein Angoleiro. Pastinha, alt, krank und fast komplett blind, wurde von der Verwaltung gebeten, sein Haus für Renovierungsarbeiten zu verlassen. Aber es wurde ihm nie wieder zur Verfügung gestellt - stattdessen wurde ein Restaurant und Geschäft darin untergebracht. Pastinha starb als gebrochener Mann in Bitterkeit über seine Behandlung. Am Ende wurde Pastinha in einem Obdachlosenheim einquartiert (Abrigo D. Pedro II – Salvador da Bahia). Er beendete einsam sein Leben. Am 12. April 1981 trat er zum letzten Mal in der Roda an. Mestre Pastinha starb im Alter von 92 Jahren am 13. November 1981. Nur zwei seiner besten Schüler sind noch übrig, Mestre João Grande und Mestre João Pequeno, die weiterhin Pastinhas Erbe in der Welt verbreiten. Dr. C. Daniel Dawson hat später in seinem Buch "Capoeira Angola und Mestre João Grande" geschrieben "Pastinha war ein brillanter Capoeirista, dessen Spiel durch seine Agilität, Schnelligkeit und Intelligenz charakterisiert werden kann (…). Pastinha wollte, dass seine Schüler die Anwendung, Philosophie und Tradition der reinen Capoeira Angola verstehen. Wie er sagte, "Ich praktiziere die wahre Capoeira Angola und in meiner Schule lernen die Schüler, aufrichtig und gerecht zu sein. Das ist das Gesetz der Angola. Ich habe es von meinem Großvater gelernt. Es ist das Gesetz der Loyalität. Die Capoeira Angola, die ich gelernt habe - ich habe sie in meiner Schule nicht verändert… Wenn meine Schüler etwas angehen, dann gehen sie es so an, dass sie alles darüber wissen wollen. Sie wissen es; dies ist Kampf, dies ist List. Wir müssen ruhig bleiben. Es ist kein offensiver Kampf. Capoeira wartet (…) Der gute Capoeirista muss singen können, Capoeira spielen können und die Instrumente der Capoeira spielen können" Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Bimba Manuel dos Reis Machado (* 23. November 1899 in Salvador da Bahia, Brasilien; † 15. Februar 1974 in Goiânia), auch Mestre Bimba genannt, war ein brasilianischer „Capoeirista“ und Begründer der Capoeira Regional.In Brasilien wurde Anfang des 20. Jahrhunderts verstärkt Jagd auf Ausübende der afrikanischen Riten (Candomblé, Umbanda, Capoeira etc.) gemacht. Es gab gefürchtete Kavallerieschwadrone der Polizei, die in ihren Reihen auch Capoeira-Kämpfer hatten. Im vorigen Jahrhundert gab es in Rio die terroristische „Schwarze Wache“ (Guarda Negra), die zum Schutz der Monarchie gegen die Republikaner kämpfte. In dieser Zeit wuchs Manuel dos Reis Machado mit Capoeira auf.Getúlio Dornelles Vargas übernahm 1930 die Macht in Brasilien. Zu dieser Zeit läutete Bimba das Zeitalter der Akademien ein. Er gründete die erste erlaubte Akademie (1932) für Capoeira. Bimba lehrte seine Luta Regional Baiana, später als Capoeira Regional bekannt und galt zu seiner Zeit als unbesiegbar. Mestre Bimba trug auch den Beinamen trés pancadas (3 Schläge). Er führte als erster methodisches Training ein. Hierzu gehörten Seqüências, Cinturas und Desprezadas/Balãos.Es folgte eine Zeit der intensiven Capoeira-Ausübung. Nach einer Vorführung Mestre Bimbas 1953 bezeichnete Getúlio Vargas (diesmal als gewählter Präsident Brasiliens) die Capoeira als „único esporte genuiamente brasileiro“ (einzig echter brasilianischer Sport). Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre João Grande ist einer der wichtigsten Schüler Mestre Pastinhas. Seit über 40 Jahren spielt und unterrichtet er Capoeira Angola. Für die Capoeira Angola reiste er bereits durch Afrika, Europa und die USA, wo sich seine Capoeira-Schule heute befindet (New York). Von dort aus organisiert er Austauschreisen mit Bahia und verfolgt er die Entwicklungen innerhalb der Associação Brasileira de Capoeira Angola, dem brasilianischen Verein für Capoeira Angola. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre João Pequeno ist einer der ältesten und wichtigsten aktiven Meister der Capoeira Angola. In der Schule von Mestre João Pequeno, im historische Stadtskern von Salvador, trainierten bereits die wichtigsten Meister der neuen Angoleiro-Generationen. Mestre João Pequeno kann man noch immer fast jeden Abend beim Spielen und Unterrichten in seiner traditionellen Form der Capoeira Angola zuschauen. Academia de Capoeira Angola von Mestre João Pequeno, Centro de Cultura Popular Forte de Santo Antônio – Santo Antônio gegenüber dem Carmo Salvador – Bahia Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Acordeon Ubirajara Almeida, Mestre Acordeon, learned capoeira from Mestre Bimba. He was the founder of Grupo Folclórico da Bahia, one of the first groups to perform capoeira in shows. He wrote many books, magazines articles and recorded CD's. In 1968, along with Ayrton Neves Moura, mestre Onça, founded the academia K-poeira, in São Paulo. He used to be a business professor in Brazil, but chose to come to the U.S. where he does capoeira for living in Berkeley-CA. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Artur Emídio On his 70's, he still is considered a live capoeira legend. He learned capoeira from mestre Paizinho, a well-known capoeirista around Ilhéus e Itabuna. He established himself in Rio de Janeiro at age of 20, where he still contributes to spreading the art; He is also a well known professional fighter, fighting names such as Rudolf Hermany, Robson Gracie, Carlos Coutinho (from Bahia), Carbono (from Rio), Edgar Duro (1953) and Hélio Gracie (1954), in a time which Jiu-Jitsu and Judô was big in Brazil; He is considered master of the masters in Rio. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Boa Gente Vivaldo Rodrigues Conceição, 54 years old, student of mestre Gato. He is beloved around Vale das Pedrinhas, in Salvador, where he is a community leader. He is a important capoeira Angola follower and member of the Brazilian Association of capoeira angola(ABCA). Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Boca Rica Manoel Silva was Pastinha's student. Pastinha gave him his nickname because he has gold teeth. Today ate age of 63, he is a true capoeira legend, with 40 years dedicated to capoeira. He is a director at the A.B.C.A. (Capoeira Angola Brazilian Association). Mestre Boca Rica also spent some time with Bimba. He still runs his school located at Largo do Tanque, Salvador. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

José Luiz Oliveira Cruz, o mestre Bola Sete, nasceu em 31 de maio de 1950, iniciou na capoeira em 1962 como auto didata, em 1968 começa a treinar com o grande capoeirista Pessoa Bababá, marinheiro da marinha Mercante e discípulo de mestre Pastinha, em 1969 ingressa na academia de Vicente Ferreira Pastinha, onde ocupou o cargo de Fiscal de Campo, diplomado pelo próprio mestre Pastinha em 1979, hoje trabalha no Setor de Transporte, na Secretaria da Indústria, Comércio e Mineração, é membro do concelho da Associação Brasileira de capoeira Angola, Bola Sete diz que os valores tradicionais dessa arte estão sendo esquecidos. "A capoeira praticada hoje não é autêntica, pois é feita apenas para impressionar com seus saltos acrobáticos e agressivos" Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Antônio Cardoso Andrade, mais conhecido como Mestre Brasília (29 de maio de 1942) é um capoeira brasileiro, nascido em Alagoinhas/Bahia É discípulo de Mestre Canjiquinha que por sua vez aprendeu capoeira com Antônio Raimundo o legendário Mestre Aberrêque aprendeu com o escravo Benedito. Mestre Brasilia treinou e conviveu também com mestres renomados como Mestre Bimba, Onça, Limão, Silvestre, Suassuna, Joel, Zé de Freitas entre outros.Brasilia é compositor de diversas músicas entre capoeira, samba, puxada de rede, maculele e outros ritmos brasileiros, já escreveu 2 livros sobre sua trajetória e a capoeira e gravou discos que reúnem composições próprias e obras do cancionário de dominio popular brasileiro.É pioneiro da capoeira de São Paulo junto com o Mestre Suassuna. Fundou o grupo Cordão de Ouro com Mestre Suassuna e depois desligou-se criando a Associação de Capoeira São Bento Grande. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Burguês(President of the Group) Antonio Carlos de Menezes was born in Laranjeiras - Sergipe - and when he was only 3 months old, he moved with his family to Rio de Janeiro. His first contact with capoeira was at the age of 12, when he was going through the 6th grade at the Evangelic School in Ramos, next to the samba school Imperatriz Leopoldinense. He used to play ball in the neighbourhood, and there was a capoeira player called China, who would always make trouble and beat him and his friends. One day he decided to begin practising capoeira so that he wouldn’t suffer any more assaults from China or anyone else.His first master was the book “Capoeira without a master”, which his friend Nelson had bought, and together they began practising their first moves in the hillock of the German (Ramos - Rio de Janeiro) where Nelson lived. After some time they came to enjoy it and began attending Master Mintirinha’s rounds, and from the start they identified themselves with the way his brother, Paulão, fought, and who was also beginning to teach together with Master Silas in the “Bolinha” Club.They had no money to pay the academy, so they gathered copper, lead, old bottles, paper and sold it all, managing to earn enough money to pay 3 months of classes at the academy in advance. The fact was extremely unusual at the time, so Paulão and Silas thought the boys were rich and gave them the nicknames of Count and Burgues. Later on, his friend Count ended up putting capoeira aside. Master Burgues, after going through very hard times, cold hunger, financial difficulties, prejudice and discrimination, managed to face several obstacles and to establish Grupo Muzenza in the south of Brazil. He founded the Paraná Federation of Capoeira in 1985; he was one of the founders of the Brazilian Confederation of Capoeira in 1992; he founded and is still the president of the Brazilian Super League of Capoeira since 1998; he published the book “The study of capoeira” in 1978 and the book “Chants of capoeira” in 1982. He has 17 CD’s of capoeira edited, including one which was recorded in Canada. In 1995, he created a newspaper with the purpose to bring back the tradition of capoeira and to help all capoeira players. He has also lectured several workshops in more than 16 different countries. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Caiçara ist ein wahrer Meilenstein in der Geschichte der Capoeira, provokativ, witzig, fröhlich, sympathisch, Zusammen mit seinen Schülern, die für ihren besonders schönen und effizienten Stil bekannt waren, gehörte er zur brilliantesten Gruppe seiner Zeit. Eine der lebenden Legenden der Capoeira. Seine Geschichte liest sich wie ein Roman.“ so Eduardo (A. C. São Salomão/Recife/PE). In der Zeit, als der Pelourinho noch nicht seinen Glamour von heute hatte, war es Mestre Caiçara, der die Regeln innerhalb des Rotlichtviertels bestimmte. Nichts geschah ohne seine Zustimmung. Er nahm eine der wichtigsten Capoeira Angola-Schallplatten mit den verschiedenen Berimbau-Toques, Ladainhas und Sambas de Roda auf. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

José Tadeu Carneiro Cardoso (Jacobina, Bahia, 1956) mais conhecido como Mestre Camisa é um mestre e professor de capoeira brasileiro. Ele e seu irmão Camisa Roxa são os fundadores do grupo ABADÁ-Capoeira, presente em vários países do mundo.Começou o aprendizado da capoeira com o irmão mais velho, Camisa Roxa, aluno de mestre Bimba. Em 1964 a família mudou-se para Salvador. Integrou a academia de mestre Bimba onde logo se formou em 1969. Participou como capoeirista de numerosos shows folclóricos organizados por seu irmão Camisa Roxa. Em 1972, aos 16 anos portanto, abandonou os estudos para profissionalizar-se como capoeirista no Rio de Janeiro. Passou a ensinar no grupo Senzala. Paralelamente, a relação com o irmão Camisa Roxa propiciava-lhe conhecer o exterior, viajando para participar de espetáculos, principalmente na Europa. Aproveitava para dar aulas de capoeira; desse jeito, os integrantes dos shows criaram destacamentos do grupo Senzala, principalmente na Alemanha e na França. Por volta de 1988, Mestre Camisa, já com nome, separou-se do grupo Senzala para fundar a Associação Brasileira de Apoio e Desenvolvimento da Arte - Capoeira, conhecida sobre o acrónimo ABADA. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de ------------------------------------------ Mestre Camisa, born José Tadeu Cardoso, is the founder of ABADÃ-Capoeira, our group. He began playing around with Capoeira at the age of eight, and it was his main passion by the time he was a teenager. Camisa grew up with nine siblings on the Fazenda Estiva farm in the interior of Bahía. The eldest of them was known as Camisa Roxa, whom the others respected. Camisa Roxa studied under Mestre Bimba. Late one night in 1964, Camisa Roxa found young Camisa playing in a high-level street roda in the Liberdade neighborhood, where Mestres Valdemar and Traira had their legendary rodas. Camisa Roxa convinced their mother that it would be safer for Camisa to learn Capoeira under Mestre Bimba in the controlled environment of the academy; she agreed and Camisa eagerly enrolled (yet he secretly continued playing on the street). After about a year, Camisa was a graduated student of Bimba, an aluno formado. He then joined the folkloric group "Olodum Maré", which travelled Brazil performing traditional arts including Capoeira. After a successful three month run in Rio de Janeiro, the group continued on to perform in Europe under the name "Brasil Tropical", and Camisa remained in order to complete his studies. However, as soon as the boat carrying the group had set sail, Camisa tore up his bus ticket back to Salvador, deciding to begin teaching Capoeira right there in Rio de Janeiro. Rio was a strange city to him, where he had no friends, and in addition to poverty, loneliness made for a constant struggle. Nonetheless, he slowly built up his school and gained students. His style of teaching evolved from what he had learned from his master, Mestre Bimba, until his style became truly unique - widely known and respected for skillfulness, technicality, innovation, and dedication to traditions. After years of contributing to Capoeira - taking on international events, the film Cordão de Ouro with Nestor Capoeira, and developing a large following - Camisa had the idea to form ABADÃ-Capoeira as an organization structured like a large family, drawing on his experiences as a lonely Capoeira struggling to teach the art. As in a family, knowledge and traditions could be passed on from one generation to another, and each Capoeira would support the others. ABADÃ-Capoeira was officially formed in 1988. Mestre Camisa has had immense impact on modern Capoeira, bringing it from the old masters teaching in small areas in Brazil to an evolving art spreading throughout the world. He has influenced the movements and culture of Capoeira, and the way Capoeiristas view their own traditions. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Edvaldo Carneiro e Silva (born Jacobina, Bahia, 1944), also know as Grão Mestre Camisa Roxa, is a Capoeira grand master, most known for creating the organization ABADÁ-Capoeira. ABADÁ-Capoeira was founded in 1988, and ever since, Camisa Roxa has been at the head of many important philanthropy and martial arts movements all over the world, beside his younger brother, Mestre Camisa Mestre Camisa Roxa was considered Mestre Bimba's best student. An authoritative council of Mestres gave him the lifetime title of “Grão-Mestre” from Abadá-capoeira. This title indicates that he is the highest-ranking guide and counselor in all of Abadá-capoeira worldwide. He is the capoeirista that has contributed the most to spreading capoeira around the world, by presenting capoeira as a Brazilian art form and culture in more than 50 countries. Camisa Roxa was born in 1944, at the Estiva farm, in the State of Bahia. He started to practice capoeira, for fun, at the age of 10, and was followed later by all his brothers. In the 1960's, he went to Salvador, to study at a high school. He then started training capoeira at Mestre Bimba's Academy, where he graduated and was considered the best student by his Mestre. Grão Mestre's nickname comes from the fact that he would always wear a purple shirt (camisa roxa) , which he really liked, at the capoeira rodas that he attended in Bahia. He also liked to play in the rodas of traditional capoeira at Mestre Pastinha’s academy and at Mestres Waldemar and Traíra’s academy, at Rua Pero Vaz, where he was much respected for his great knowledge of capoeira's fundaments and for his professional demeanor. Camisa Roxa thinks of capoeira as a whole, reconciling Reginal and Angola. "In reality, very few people understood Mestre Bimba real intentions", said Grão Mestre. "Hewanted to a tall capoeira first, with his method, but with time, every person should learn how to play low", he concludes. Camisa Roxa coordinates Abadá-capoeira in Europe, regularly organizing workshops for instructors and professors in the area. He is also theorganizer of the Spring Capoeira Enconter in Europe and of the Abadá-capoeira European Games. These events aim at integrating and updating capoeiristas in Europe, through theoretical and practical classes ministered by guest Mestres from Brazil. Today, Grão Mestre dedicates a lot of his time to research capoeira, always pursuing new routes and ways to make capoeira more visible around the worlld. To him, in Brazil, there should be more unity among the different groups, so that it is possible to better organize activities and courses. He says: "Maybe a more disciplined capoeira and more union among the leaders will produce a more professional and responsible capoeira". Camisa Roxa says that when he passes on his experience he attempts to pay back all the great things that capoeira has given him. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Canguru Student of Mestre Suassuna, founded the group Berim Brasil in 1999. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Dal Adalberto Bandeira de Carvalho is the vice-president of Cordão de Ouro association, consultor jurídico da Confederação Brasileira de Capoeira and Secretário da Presidência do Conselho Superior de Mestres da CBC - in São Paulo. He is also a lawyer. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Decanio Ângelo Augusto Decânio Filho, the oldest Mestre Bimba disciple alive, the highest authority in the world regarding Mestre Bimba & Capoeira Regional. He was around Mestre Bimba since 1938. As a physician, friend and student of Bimba, he supported Bimba in all aspect such as health, financial, administrative, as well as to change/adapt/incorporate new techniques for Bimba's new style, Regional. As a result, he was the only one with the privilege of have shared Bimba's secrets. He wrote many capoeira books. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Deputado Walce Souza, mestre Deputado, started capoeira with mestre Osvaldo de Souza, than later continued his studies with Mestre Bimba. He dedicated his whole life to spread capoeira through out Brazil, especially around Goiás and Mato Grosso. He wrote many Books. The nickname deputado (congressman) was given by Bimba because he knew many people and had many friends. '...Só sendo deputado para conhecer tanta gente..., teria dito o Mestre. E ficou o apelido'. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Edinho Edmar Filho learned capoeira from Mestre Ralil in Brasília, Brazil. He supported Ralil in founding the group Raízes do Brasil, in which he is a very active leader. He travels around Brazil and the world promoting his art. He is well known for working with street kids from Brazil's capital (Vila Planalto, Brasília), helping and supporting them to make their living through capoeira. He is also known as an outstanding capoeira player, singer and composer. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Esdras Esdras Magalhães dos Santos is a Bimba's disciple, the first one responsible to take Bimba to perform in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. He’s a reservist and lawyer, one of the pioneers to bring capoeira to São Paulo, where he had many students such as the famous trainer Kid Jofre. During the 70's along with mestre Suassuna, he contributed to promote capoeira in the entire Vale do Paraíba, starting from São José dos Campos, where he lives now. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Ezequiel Mestre Ezequiel was born in 1942, São Gonçalo, Bahia. However, he grew up in Salvador, where he was exposed to capoeira. He came from a poor family, and had the oportunity to see Mestre Bimba teaching a class. Impressed with Mestre Bimba's class he soon joined the school to became his follower. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre gato Fernando Cavalcante de Albuquerque, Mestre Gato (RJ), is a engineer. In 1960 he founded along with Rafael Flores Viana and Waldenkolk Oliveira (Mestre Preguiça), the Group Senzala in Rio. He earned his PhD from Newcastle University (England), where he founded a capoeira club. Since 1990, he travels every year to England in order to baptize more and more students there. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Gato Preto José Gabriel Góes was born in Santo Amaro da Purificação, March 19, 1929. He started capoeira at the age of 8. A great capoeirista, he spent time with respected masters. Since 1966, after participating with the Brazilian delegation of the Premier Festival International des Arts Nègres, in Dakar (Senegal), he became a capoeira expert and promoter. Writer Jorge Amado mentions his name in many publications. The most requested berimbau player from entire Bahia, Mestre Gato Preto is one of the most beloved in the capoeira universe due to his great character. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Gildo Alfinete Mestre Gildo Alfinete was born in 1940, Salvador, Bahia. At the age of 13, he observed capoeiristas from cais of porto da velha Bahia. He loved the art and through a friend of his, Dr. Colmenero, he joined Mestre Pastinha's school, the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola - CECA. He became close friend with Pastinha. Today he is one the leaders of the Capoeira Angola Brazilian Association(ABCA), located at the Pelourinho. He was responsible for creating the first Capoeira Angola museum in the world. He participated with the Brazilian delegation of the '1° International Festival de Artes Negras', in Dakar (Senegal) 1966, among with Mestre Pastinha, Mestre João Grande, Mestre Gato Preto, Mestre Roberto Satanás and Camafeu de Oxossi. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Hulk Sidney Gonçalves Freitas, was born in Rio, 1962. He has background in other martial arts such as luta livre, Karatê and Boxe Tailandês. in 1995 he won a no rules international tournament (Vale tudo) in Rio, as well as many others. He started capoeira at age of 12, after watching a roda with mestre Touro . Mestre Hulk impresses people for being big in size and still able to play capoeira. Mestre Hulk competes in no-holds-barred (NHB) tournaments not because he is a violent person, but to represent his art that is many time underestimated by other martial artists. He has proven that capoeira can be effective against any other martial art. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Itapoan Raimundo César Alves de Almeida, started Capoeira in 1964 with mestre Bimba (Centro de Cultura Física e Regional- Terreiro de Jesus, in Salvador). Mestre Itapoan is one of the most notorious authorities in Brazil regarding mestre Bimba & capoeira Regional, along with mestre Decanio. He is a dentist, but is also a well recognized capoeirista internationally, with knowledge, study and tradition about the capoeira Character. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Joel He was born in February 28th, 1944 (Feira de Santana, Bahia). He learned capoeira from Mestre Bimba. He is also a pioneer in bringing capoeira to São Paulo. Mestre Joel always tried to preserve the capoeira roots and traditions, he is part of the capoeira history. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Leopoldina Mestre Leopoldina started capoeira at age of 18, with Quinzinho, a young man from Rio de Janeiro. After Quinzinho got killed in a local prison, Leopoldina trained on his own for while until a known fighter name Valdemar Santana, brought from Bahia Mestre Artur Emídio. Leopoldina was introduced to Artur Emídio, and continued his study with him. Today, Leopoldina is a well-known master in Rio and through out Brazil. He is well respected by being a good capoeirista and berimbau player; he also writes capoeira lyrics. He represents the vivid old time capoeira, with malandragem & mandinga. He travels around the world to promote his art. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Lua Mestre Lua is from Salvador: ‘soteropolitano', como gosta de dizer. He started capoeira with mestre Bimba, than later continued his study mestre Canjiquinha. He is an excellent Atabaque maker; he builds and plays it like noone else. He founded in Europe the group 'Okê-Arou', which promotes the roots of capoeira. He is a member and founder of the Capoeira Angola Brazilian Association. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Mão Branca William Douglas Guimarães, mestre Mão Branca, started capoeira in the early 70's. He first learned capoeira from Mestre Jacaré in Belo Horizonte and than later with Mestre Gigante in Rio. He got his nickname at Parque São Bento, Jardim São João, in Niterói/RJ; He went to a street roda there with a pair of white gloves leading to his nickname. Years later he moved back to Belo Horizonte where he founded the Grupo Capoeira Gerais. He does a good job in the state of Minas Gerais promoting capoeira, including a work with street kids. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Max Max learned capoeira from Mestre Ralil. He is a very active leader of Raízes do Brasil Capoeira Association in Brasília, Brazil. He travels around Brazil and the world every year to promote capoeira and his group, Raízes do Brasil. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Mosquito Humberto Rodrigues Jobim was born in Rio de Janeiro on February 26th, 1952. He participated in Senzala's group from 1964 to 1981. He was a physician, with PhD from UFRJ; was his student João Mulatinho, the first one to introduce capoeira regional in Recife, Pernambuco since 1977. Mestre Mosquito died in 1990. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Nestor Capoeira He started capoeira with mestre Leopoldina. Nestor Capoeira graduated from Grupo Senzala in 1969. He is one of the pioneers in globalize capoeira, teaching many years outside Brazil. He wrote many books. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Pablo Mestre Pablo learned capoeira from Mestre Ralil in Brasília, Brazil. He is one of the leaders of the Raízes do Brasil Association. He travels around Brazil and the world every year to promote his art and his group, Raízes do Brasil Capoeira Cultural Center. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Paraná Oswaldo Lisboa dos Santos was born in Salvador, 1923. He is one of the best berimbau players ever. He was the first one to play Berimbau at an Orchestra (Orquestra Sinfônica do Rio de Janeiro). He participated in the film 'O Pagador de Promessas', along with Mestre Canjiquinha. Mestre Paraná learned capoeira from Mestre Antônio Corró, an ex slave in Bahia. He traveled around Brazil and the world to show his abilities. He recorded a capoeira phonograph. Mestre Paraná founded the Grupo 'São Bento Pequeno' in the 50's. He died on March 07, 1972. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Paulão Paulo Sales Neto was born in January 14, 1961. He is the founder of Group Capoeira Brasil. He has traveled around the world to promote his art. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Paulo dos Anjos José Paulo dos Anjos, Mestre Paulo dos Anjos, was born in August 15th, 1936 (Estância, Sergipe). He moved to Salvador when he was 5 year old. In 1959 he met Mestre Canjiquinha in a street roda, than became his disciple. In 1975 He founded the Associação de Capoeira Anjos de Angola....were his students names such as Virgílio do Retiro, Jaime de Mar Grande, Jorge Satélite, Pássaro Preto, Amâncio, Neguinho, Renê, Alfredo, Djalma, Galego, Mala, Josias, Cabeção, Jiquié, Feijão, Vital, Al Capone and many more. Mestre Paulo dos Anjos is well respected in the capoeira world, considered a great singer, with his own style. He died in 1998. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Pelé Natalício Neves da Silva was born in 1934. He saw capoeira for the first time when he was 12 years old, at streets fair located at Recôncavo Baiano, Salvador. His father used to sell coal at these fairs, so Pelé would see the rodas; To Pelé, It was between the Igreja da Conceição and rampa do Mercado that the best rodas would take place, with Valdemar da Liberdade, Caiçara, Zacarias, Traira, Angolinha, Avani, Bel e DeI (irmãos), Onça Preta, Sete Mola, Cabelo Bom e Bom Cabelo (gêmeos) and Bugalho. ‘There were a lot of important people at that time, including Bimba and Pastinha. Those rodas were rough and fights would break out all the time, so the cops would come to arrest them’. Pelé learned from Mestre Bugalho at the Praia da Preguiça. Pelé would play at the rodas of Zacarias Boa Morte, at the Liberdade, on Sunday afternoon; he would also play at Valdemar’s rodas. ‘I was kind of quick and they would not caught me’. Pelé taught capoeira for 25 years. He also taught the police academy. He participated in performing folk groups such as ‘Viva Bahia.’ Along with mestre Canjiquinha’s group, he performed capoeira, maculelê, puxada de rede and samba de roda at the Belvedere da Praça da Sé. He is a great singer. Suddenly, Pelé stopped capoeira for a period of 20 year. He returned to the capoeira world by a project that incentives the return of great masters, the ‘projeto de resgate e valorização de mestres antigos’, created by the Capoeira Angola Brazilian Association (ABCA). Recently he has moved many with his voice, at funerals of big masters such as mestre Caiçara, Bom Cabrito and Zacarias Boa Morte. Pelé is now working on a project that if approved will give retirement benefits to all capoeira masters with more than 65 years of age and 35 years of capoeira. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Preguiça Waldenkolk Oliveira, known as mestre Preguiça, was born at Sítio do Mato, município de Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia (Brasil) in June, 1947. He lost his mother when he was 7 years old, having to face the world at young age. Three years later he moved to Salvador, where he became a street kid. In 1959 he was exposed to capoeira through Gilson Capoeira do Periperí, that taught him some moves and took him to Mestre Bimba's school during the 60's. He lives in San Francisco, where he continues to spread Bimba's art. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Ralil Mestre Ralil learned capoeira from mestre Tabosa during the early 70's, in Brasília. Ralil Salomão is the founder and director of Raízes do Brasil Capoeira Cultural Center, a non-profit international organization that promotes Brazilian culture through capoeira. The association's headquarters is located in Brasília (Brazil), with representatives in many Brazilian states, U.S. and Europe. Mestre Ralil and Raízes do Brasil, the largest capoeira group in Brasília, have been working for many years with people of all ages and backgrounds, including handicapped and street kids in Brazil. He travels around Brazil and the world every year to promote capoeira. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Reinaldo Mestre Reinaldo is the leader of the Raízes do Brasil Association in the city of Belo Horizonte (MG), Brazil. He is an active member of the group; he has been teaching and spreading capoeira for many years. He has traveled around the world to promote his art and his group. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Squisito Reginaldo Da Silveira Costa - Mestre Squisito, was born in Montes Claros - MG, March 10, 1953. He started capoeira in 1974 with Mestre Tabosa, Brasilia - DF. In 1987 he received his master cord from Mestre Tabosa. In 1995, he founded the CÍA. TERREIRO DO BRASIL in Brasília, Brazil. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Suassuna As a Mestre Bimba follower, he was successful in establishing capoeira regional in the biggest metropolitan area of Brazil, São Paulo! He founded in 1967 the group Cordão de Ouro, an international capoeira organization. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Tabosa Hélio Tabosa de Moraes learned capoeira from an African, also by traveling around Rio and Bahia to spend time with respected masters. He dedicated his entire life to capoeira. In the capoeira life, he absorbed experiences and dove into the African culture which is rich in rhythm and magic, where the religion and harmonic movements are always present. His wish is that Capoeira always grows stronger based on legit master's fundamentals, which use capoeira for self-defense and never to promote violence. Mestre Tabosa was successful in establishing and introducing capoeira to the Brazil's capital, Brasília, a city that in actuality host one of the best modern capoeira in the country. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Traíra João Ramos do Nascimento was a very famous capoeirista from Bahia, he marked an era. He recorded along with Mestre Cobrinha Verde a record with songs and beats (Editora Xauã). About the beauty and posture of his game, writer Jorge Amado wrote in one of his publications: 'Traíra, um caboclo seco e de pouco falar, feito de músculos, grande mestre de capoeira. Vê-lo brincar é um verdadeiro prazer estético. Parece um bailarino e só mesmo Pastinha pode competir com ele na beleza de movimentos, na agilidade, na rigidez dos golpes. Quando Traíra não se encontra na escola de Waldemar, está, ali por perto na escola de Sete Molas, também na Liberdade'. He is considered a historic master, a true capoeira legend. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

	Mestre Vermelho 27 Mestre Vermelho 27 learned capoeira from Mestre Bimba. Vermelho 27 currently runs a capoeira school founded by Bimba in 1942, the Associação de Capoeira Mestre Bimba located at Rua F.Muniz Barreto ou Laranjeiras 01 Pelô Salvador BA Brasil. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

Mestre Waldemar Mestre Waldemar Rodrigues da Paixão was born in 1916. He started capoeira in 1936, with 20 years of age. He learned from Canário Pardo, Peripiri, Talabi, Siri-de-Mangue and Ricardo de Ilha de Maré: 'Eu pedi a esses homens para me ensinar, para eu poder ficar profissional. Pra eu dizer que sabia, e sei mesmo. Aprendi capoeira!' He started to teach in 1940, a year that capoeira shows first took place at Estrada da Liberdade. Later he built a shanty, roughly built dwelling, a hut made out of mud and straw where capoeiristas from all over Bahia would come to play capoeira. Mestre Waldemar's roda was at a time one of the most important points of capoeiristas. Other important points were the Alto de Amaralina, where mestre Bimba organized rodas at Sundays, the traditional Largo do Pelourinho, where the capoeiragem happened under mestre Pastinha's rules, and the Chame-Chame, where mestre Cobrinha Verde had his rodas. Waldemar said that some capoeiristas at that time were intrepid, braggart and courageous (valentões). Some would use razors. In September 16th, 1986, Waldemar recorded a CD along with Mestre Canjiquinha at Boca do Rio studio in Salvador. Mestre Waldemar left this world respected and well known for being a good capoeira player, singer and composer; a true capoeira legend. Capoeira Schule Mannheim - www.capoeira-ma.de

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