Mestre Bimba
Mestre Bimba, aka Manoel dos Reis Machado (November 23, 1899 – February 5, 1974), is considered the “Mestre of Mestres,” and father of Capoeira Regional. The son of a martial artist, Bimba sought to rejuvenate the art form of Capoeira by teaching moves from the “old” style of Angola, as well as incorporating new moves from the extinct African martial art of batuque. One of Bimba’s students, Mestre Ezequiel, went on to become the teacher for our very own Mestre Jelon Vieira. You can learn more about Mestre Bimba here.
Capoeira Regional Contemporânea
Capoeira Regional Contemporânea is the most widely practiced form of Capoeira in the world today. Regional Contemporânea evolved directly out of Mestre Bimba’s teachings with some notable differences. Most “games” are short in duration and students “buy the game” within the roda. Many groups incorporate different “floreios” (flourishes) including flips. The pace of the music and the “toque,” the specific beat played on the Berimbau, dictate the pace and style of playing.
Mestre Bimba, father of Capoeira Regional.
Mestre Bimba demonstrating a take down.
Mestre Ezequiel, the Mestre of our Mestre and student of Mestre Bimba.
Mestre Jelon Vieira, founder of Capoeira Luanda and a practitioner of Capoeira Regional Contemporânea.