Mestre Pastinha

Mestre Pastinha was a renowned Brazilian martial artist and spiritual teacher, famous for developing and preserving Capoeira Angola, a traditional form of black Brazilian dance-heritage martial art. He emphasized the cultural, artistic, and social aspects of capoeira, viewing it as a form of expression and identity for Afro-Brazilian people. Pastinha founded the Centro de Cultura e Ofícios in Salvador, Brazil, to promote capoeira's history and practice. His teachings celebrated resilience, community, and cultural pride, making him a pivotal figure in maintaining Capoeira Angola's authenticity and cultural significance.