Mestre Bimba, the giant with a strong personality, ex-carpenter, ex-longshoreman, ex-horsecoach cunductor,
creator of the capoeira regional.
MESTRE PASTINHA, (1889-1982): Opened the first Capoeira Angola School, The Academia De Capoeira Angola, in 1941 in the city of Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. Mestre Pastinha dedicated his school to preserving and continuing the long tradition of this African martial art. He taught Capoeira Angola as a path of self knowledge and mastery. Mestre Pastinha was the first Capoeira Mestre (master) to write a book on Capoeira's history, philosophy and practice: "Capoeira Angola" (3rd edition 1988). He went to Africa with his students to participate in the FESTAC (Festival of African Arts and Culture) activities during the 1970's and has made musical albums promoting the music of this martial art.
Mestre João Grande: One of two remaining Angoleros who were taught by the legendary Grand Mestre Pastinha. For over 40 years Mestre João Grande has dedicated his life to Capoeira Angola in Brazil as well as traveling to Africa, Europe, and North America to promote the art. Grand Mestre João Grande is now teaching at his academy in New York City, the CAPOEIRA ANGOLA CENTER OF MESTRE JOÃO GRANDE. His students learn to play the music and sing the songs of this African-Brazilian martial art along with mastering its movements and philosophy. Mestre João Grande teaches Capoeira Angola in the traditional African way, as a way of life, just as his teacher before him did.
