In 1985 I witnessed the first capoeira baptism (graduation) with Mestre Luizinho da Praia in Mongaguá. I was 10, it was love at first sight and I knew this was what I was supposed to do.
In 1987, at the age of 12, I started training with Mestre Zelito da Bahia at Grupo Velho ABaluae at the Jardim Real Neighborhood Society. It was when Betinho was born in capoeira.
In 1994 I met Mestre Luna from the 13 de Maio Capoeira Association. For the next 10 years I trained capoeira with him. But on my travels I also learned Maculelê, Puxada de Rede, Samba de Roda, Maracatu and Jango.
In 1998 I started teaching at Vila Balneária.
In 2003 I founded my own work, Associação de Capoeira Ventre Livre. My greatest achievement. I became known not only for my capoeira, but also for the cultural pieces I performed in the city.
I organized and participated in several National and International competitions such as: 1st Capoeira Fair of São Paulo, 1st Female Encounter of Praia Grande and 2nd Open Championship of Capoeira Praia Grande.
He trained a group of people from another capoeira group, to perform in the theater that represented the maculelê and where I also participated as a black slave in the Quilombo do Jabaquara that includes the Maculelê.
One of the founding members of the Praia Grande Capoeira, Art, Culture and Sport League.
Director of Culture of the Praiagrandense League.
In 2009-2011 he participated in the Ponto de Cultura do Estado de São Paulo together with the Ministry of Culture.
My group is registered in the Mapa Cultural da Baixada Santista and invited to all events.
I coached a capoeira competition team from Praia Grande for 5 consecutive years for the Regional Games of the State of São Paulo.
Referee of several capoeira championships.
I created “A Voz da Capoeira”, an informative newspaper that talks not only about our art but about the development of capoeira itself.
And today I find myself in the United States, developing my work with capoeira.
Today I can say that I am learning a lot about our culture, having the pleasure of getting to know several American states and traveling giving workshops in several places and other countries where I have also given a workshop.
