Mestres De Capoeira
Capoeira Schule Ludwigshafen, Mannheim, Heidelberg
Capoeira / Regeln Mestre Bimba - Regras do Mestre Bimba
Manoel dos Reis Machado,
também conhecido como Mestre Bimba (Salvador, 23 de Novembro de 1900 - Goiânia, 05 de Fevereiro de 1974), foi criador da Luta Regional Baiana, mais tarde chamada de capoeira regional.
Ao perceber que a capoeira estava perdendo seu valor cultural e enfraquecendo enquanto luta, Mestre Bimba misturou elementos da Capoeira Tradicional com o batuque (luta do Nordeste Brasileiro extinta com o passar do tempo) criando assim um novo estilo de luta com praticidade na vida, com movimentos mais rápidos e acompanhada de música. Assim conquistou todas as classes da sociedade. Foi um eximio lutador e acima de tudo um grande educador, foi o responsavel por tirar a capoeira da marginalidade. Praticantes dessa arte se denominam "capoeira", pois, para eles, a capoeira é um estilo de vida - ser, pensar, agir como um capoeira.
Bimba empunhava regras para os praticantes da capoeira regional, sendo elas:
- Não beber, e não fumar. Pois os mesmos alteravam o desempenho e a consciência do capoeira.
- Evitar demonstrações de todas as técnicas, pois a surpresa é a principal arma dessa arte.
- Praticar os fundamentos todos os dias.
- Não dispersar durante as aulas.
- Manter o corpo relaxado e o mais próximo do seu adversário possível, pois dessa forma o capoeira desenvolveria mais.
- Sempre ter boas notas na escola.
No vídeo Relíquias da Capoeira - Depoimento do Mestre Bimba, um documento audiovisual em VHS produzido por Bruno Farias, o próprio Manoel comenta sobre os motivos que o fizeram se mudar para Goiânia, onde ele conseguiu mais apoio financeiro. Posteriormente, em uma reunião de especialistas em capoeira no Rio de Janeiro, explica-se mais sobre o nome do esporte, sobre a criação da capoeira regional e sobre esse lendário personagem chamado Mestre Bimba.
A versão original do vídeo, veiculada em 2006 pela extinta PAM TV Florianópolis (Antigo canal 17 da TVA), acabou se extraviando. Porém, recentemente, o jornalista Bruno Farias encontrou no antigo acervo da emissora uma amostra de 2 minutos do Relíquias da Capoeira: Depoimento do Mestre Bimba e escreveu uma matéria sobre o assunto, publicada no site da Revista de História da Biblioteca Nacional, junto à referida amostra.
Englisch
Zumbi
Zumbi
was born inside the "Quilombo dos Palmares" (largest maroon colony of escaped slaves), 1655. The complex of Palmares was located in what is today's the state of Alagoas (Serra da Barriga), northeast Brazil. Its population was composed not only of escaped African slaves but also of native Brazilian Indians and other mixed races (Mestiços). It had an organized government system similar to an African Kingdom with a King and his Assembly. The best warriors on battles were chosen King; "Zumbi" was the most notorious King of all. The "Quilombo dos Palmares" fought for 65 years against Portuguese & Dutch colonizers, but was finally destroyed in 1694 by Domingos Jorge Velho and his troops. Zumbi, however, managed to escape and many believed that he was immortal. Wanted by the authorities, he was captured on November 20th, 1695. He was killed and beheaded on the spot. His head was brought by the authorities to a public Plaza at the "vila do Recife" to show the people that he was not immortal. "Zumbi" is considered a national hero and warrior, a symbol of freedom; his name became a capoeira legend.
Besouro Mangangá
The son of João Grosso and Maria Haifa, Manuel Henriques, learned capoeira from Tio Alípio (an ex African slave), around the Rua do Trapiche de Baixo located at Santo Amaro da Purificação (Bahia). Tio Alípio gave Manuel Henriques the nickname of "Besouro Mangangá" due to his ability to quickly disappear whenever he was around a belligerent group or facing danger. As he was a famous and strong capoeirista, the word spread out and quickly came up the legend that Besouro Mangangá had supernatural power. He would not only disappear when facing danger, but also turn into a big black beetle, scaring everyone around. The legend also says that Besouro would fight an entire police troop that would come riding horses to arrest capoeiristas at that time. In 1924, at the age of 27, Besouro Mangangá was caught in an ambush, stabbed and killed with a "ticum" knife (type of knife made from bull's bone). Important names to the capoeira world such as Mestre Cobrinha verde (his cousin) and Siri de Mangue were his student.
"...tum tum tum Besouro Mangangá, bateu foi na polícia de soldado a general..."
Mestre Pastinha
The son of José Señor Pastinha and Eugênia Maria de Carvalho, Vicente Ferreira Pastinha was born on April 5th, 1889 in Salvador-BA, Brazil. Mestre Pastinha was exposed to capoeira at the age of 8 by an African name Benedito. An older and stronger boy from Pastinha's neighborhood use to beat him up often. One day Benedito saw the aggression then told Pastinha to stop by his house that he was going to teach him few things. The next encounter with that boy, Pastinha defeated him so quickly that the older boy became his admirer. Mestre Pastinha had a happy and modest childhood. During the mourning he would take art classes at the Liceu de Artes e Ofício school where he learned to paint; during the afternoons he would play with kites and practice capoeira. He continued his training with Benedito for three more years. Later, he joined a sailor school by his father wish, which would not support the capoeira practice. At the school, he use to teach capoeira to his friends. At the age of 21, he left the sailor school to become a professional painter. During the spare time he would practice capoeira stealthily, since it was still illegal at that time. In 1941, by Aberrê (Patinha's ex student) invitation, Pastinha went to a Sunday roda at "ladeira do Gengibirra" located at bairro da Liberdade, where the best masters would hang out. Aberrê was already famous on these rodas, and after spending the afternoon there, one of the greatest master of Bahia, mestre Amorzinho, asked Pastinha to take over the Capoeira Angola. As a result, in 1942 Pastinha found the first Angola school, the "Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola", located at the Pelourinho. His students would wear black pants and yellow t-shirt, the same color of the "Ypiranga Futebol Clube", his favorite soccer time. He participated with the Brazilian delegation of the "First International Festival de Artes Negras" in Dakar, Senegal(1966), bringing with him Mestre João Grande, Mestre Gato Preto, Mestre Gildo Alfinete, Mestre Roberto Satanás and Camafeu de Oxossi. Pastinha worked as shoe shiner, tailor, gold prospector, security guard (leão de chácara) at a gambling house (casa de jogo) and construction worker at the "Porto de Salvador" to maintain him financially so he could do what he loved the most, be an Angoleiro. Betrayed by local authorities false promises and with no support, Pastinha was left abandoned in a city shelter (abrigo D. Pedro II - Salvador), blind and very sick. He dedicated his entire life to capoeira angola, and in April 12th, 1981, he played his last capoeira game. Mestre Pastinha, the father and protector of Capoeira Angola, died at the age of 92, in November 13th, 1981.
Mestre Bimba
The son of Luiz Cândido Machado and Maria Martinha do Bonfim, Manuel dos Reis Machado known as "Mestre Bimba" was born on November 23rd, 1900, at the "bairro do Engenho Velho" in Salvador-BA, Brazil. The nickname "Bimba" came up due to a bet between his mother and the midwife during his birth; his mother bet that he was going to be a girl and the midwife bet he would be a boy . After he was delivered, the midwife said ...it's a boy, look at his "bimba" (male sexual organ). Mestre Bimba started capoeira at the age of 12 at Estrada das Boiadas, today bairro da Liberdade, in Salvador. He was taught by "Bentinho", an African that used to be the "capitão da Companhia Baiana de Navegação" (a navigation captain). Mestre Bimba was and is so important to capoeira because he changed the destiny of it. Capoeira was not an allowed practice during slavery. The official prohibition of Capoeira remained even after slavery was abolished in May 13th, 1888. In 1890, Brazilian president "Marechal Deodoro da Fonseca" signed an act that prohibited the practice of capoeira nationwide, with severe punishment for those caught. It was nevertheless practiced by the poorer population on public holidays, during work-free hours and similar occasions. Riots, caused also by police interference, were common. Persecution and punishment were almost successful in eradicating Capoeira from the "streets" of Brasil by the 1920's. In spite of the ban, Master Bimba created a new style, the "Capoeira Regional". He incorporated new moves and techniques from "Batuque" (a vicious grabbling type of martial art that he learned from his father), jiu-jitsu and boxing. The "Capoeira Regional" or "Luta Regional Baiana" was then a more martial art oriented, effective, efficient and athletic style of capoeira. After a performance at the palace of Bahia's Governor, Juracy Magalhães, Mestre Bimba was finally successful in convincing the authorities of the cultural value of Capoeira, thus ending the official ban in the 1930's. Mestre Bimba founded the first Capoeira school in 1932, the "Academia-escola de Capoeira Regional", at the Engenho de Brotas in Salvador-Bahia. Previously, capoeira was only practiced and played on the streets. However, capoeira was still heavily discriminated by upper class Brazilian society. In order to change the slyness, stealthy and malicious reputation associated with capoeira practitioners at that time, Bimba set new standards to the art. His students had to wear a clean, white uniform, show proof of grade proficiency from school, show good posture and many other standards. As a result, doctors, lawyers, politicians, upper middle class people, and women (until then excluded) started to join his school, providing Bimba with better support. In 1936, Bimba challenged fighters of any martial art style to test his Regional style. He had four matches, fighting against Vítor Benedito Lopes, Henrique Bahia, José Custódio dos Santos (Zé I) and Américo Ciência. Bimba won all matches. In 1937, he earned the state board of education certificate. In 1942, Mestre Bimba opened his second school at the "Terreiro de Jesus - rua das Laranjeiras"; today rua Francisco Muniz Barreto, #1. The school is open until today and supervised by his ex student, "Vermelho-27". He also taught capoeira to the army and at the police academy. He was than considered "the father of modern capoeira". Important names to the Brazilian society at that time such as Dr. Joaquim de Araújo Lima (Ex-Governador of Guaporé), Jaime Tavares, Rui Gouveia, Alberto Barreto, Jaime Machado, Delsimar Cavalvanti, César Sá, Decio Seabra, José Sisnando and many others were Bimba's students. Master Bimba was a coalman, carpenter, warehouse man, longshoreman, horse coach conductor, but mainly capoeirista; a giant with strong personality! Unhappy with false promises and lack of support from local authorities in Bahia, he moved to Goiânia-GO in 1973 by invitation from an ex-student. He died a year later, on February 15th, 1974 at the "Hospital das Clínicas de Goiânia" due to a stroke.
Mestre João Grande
João Oliveira dos Santos is one of the two remaining alive angoleiros that learned from Mestre Pastinha, along with mestre João Pequeno. Mestre Canjiquinha once said: 'Foi Deus quem mandou João Grande jogar capoeira'. He was introduced to Mestre Pastinha through Mestre João Pequeno. João Grande participated with the Brazilian delegation of the 'Premier Festival International des Arts Nègres', em Dakar (Senegal). He came to the U.S. in 1990 among with Mestres Cobrinha, Moraes, Lou and Aluá,in order to participate in an African Cultural Festival in Atlanta; than a friend of his, Negro Gato, invited him to teach workshops in Harlem, New York. Even without speaking any English and with no education what so ever, he lives in New York, where he has an Angola Center at 14th st. He misses Bahia a lot, but in the U.S. he has had more recognition and support regarding his art than he ever had in Brazil.
Mestre João Pequeno
João Pereira dos Santos was student of mestre Gilvenson and later became a Mestre Pastinha disciple and follower. Mestre João Pequeno was born in Araci, Bahia, 1918. He started capoeira at age of 14; he came from a poor family, his father was a vaqueiro (cowboy)in Bahia. He is the oldest Pastinha student that is alive. Today at age of 80, he still runs his capoeira school at Forte Santo Antônio (centro histórico de Salvador, Brazil). In 1970, Mestre Pastinha said that João Pequeno would be one of the greatest capoeirista of the future, and that is why Pastinha worked with him so hard. Pastinha taught João Pequeno everything that he knew, including 'o pulo do gato'. Mestre João Pequeno is the most important Angola Master in actuality.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Mestre Bola Sete
José Luiz Oliveira Cruz started capoeira with mestre Pessoa Bá-Bá-Bá, a sailor. He later continued his study with mestre Bobó. Mestre Bola Sete wrote a very good capoeira book, 'A Capoeira Angola na Bahia'; he is a very active member of the Associação Brasileira de Capoeira Angola (ABCA), the most important entity that represents Capoeira Angola in Brazil.
Mestre Brasília
Antônio Cardoso Andrade, mestre Brasília, is one the pioneers to bring capoeira to São Paulo. He learned from Mestre Canjiquinha, his close friend. He moved to São Paulo and used to hang around the CMTC of mestre Melo, and at academia of mestre Zé de Freitas, in Brás. He than later met mestre Suassuna, and together founded the group 'Cordão de Ouro'. He has an elegant and skilfull capoeira game. He is the vice-president cutural of the 'Federação de Capoeira do Estado de São Paulo', an entity associated with the Brazilian Capoeira Confederation and the International Federation of Capoeira.
Mestre Burguês
Mestre Burguês learned capoeira in Rio from mestre Paulão (Paulo Sérgio da Silva), the founder of Grupo Muzenza. Mestre Burgues took over the group when Mestre paulão had to go to the navy. In 1975, mestre Burguês moved to Curitiba, where he continues to promote capoeira and his group.
Mestre Caiçara
Antônio Carlos Moraes, marked an era in the capoeira history... he was provocative, happy, intrepid and pleasing... he had one of the best group of his time, with a beautiful but efficient capoeira style. Around the Pelourinho, a place with no laws, Mestre Caiçara dictated the rules in a turf of prostitutes, gangsters and drug dealers. Everyone had to ask Caiçara permission. He recorded one of the most important Capoeira Angola CD, with lots of Berimbau beats, litany and sambas de roda. He died on August 26th, 1997.
Mestre Camisa
José Tadeu Carneiro Cardoso, mestre Camisa, was born in Jacobina, Bahia, 1956. He started capoeira in the 60's, playing in mestres Waldemar and Traíra's rodas. During the 70's, he studied with mestre Bimba. He traveled around with his older brother, mestre Camisa Roxa. In 1972, he joined Grupo Senzala in Rio. In 1988 he founded the group Abadá-Capoeira.
Mestre Camisa Roxa
Mestre Camisa Roxa was Mestre Bimba's student. He is Grão-Mestre of Abadá-Capoeira, which is the group's highest rank. He traveled the world promoting capoeira, and right now lives in Austria.
Mestre Canguru
Student of Mestre Suassuna, founded the group Berim Brasil in 1999.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mestre Zulu
Professor at the Fundação Educacional and retired Professor from the Board of Education. Physical education graduate school professor at UnB, (97/98); chemist; Mestre Zulu founded the group Beribazu in Brasília, and was responsible for introducing the art to this city's board of education. Later, he founded the Centro Ideário de Capoeira, which helps to spread capoeira in the Brazil's capital.
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