Mestre Bimba

Mestre Bimba, born Manuel dos Reis Machado in 1900, was a Brazilian capoeira master and one of the key figures in popularizing the martial art. He founded a style known as Capoeira Regional, which emphasized speed, agility, and musicality. Bimba integrated systematic training methods and improved the teaching of capoeira, making it more accessible. He played a crucial role in the recognition and formalization of capoeira as a legitimate cultural and martial discipline in Brazil. His legacy influences capoeira today, blending traditional elements with modern practices, and he is celebrated as a pioneer in the sport.