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Meet the Mestre
Professor Malandro is the lead instructor of Capoeira ATL and a longtime student of Mestre Nenel of Filhos de Bimba – Escola de Capoeira. His teaching reflects decades of study, cultural immersion, and commitment to preserving Capoeira Regional.
A Lifelong Path in Capoeira
Professor Malandro began his capoeira journey in 1997, training in the United States before traveling extensively to deepen his understanding of the art. Over the years, he studied with multiple schools and traditions, developing a broad perspective that strengthened both his technical ability and cultural awareness. Through consistent training, teaching, and research, capoeira became not only a practice, but a guiding force in his life.
Training in Brazil and the Search for Roots
A pivotal chapter in Professor Malandro’s journey took place during his time training in Brazil. Immersed in the cultural environment where capoeira was born, he focused his studies on Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola, seeking to understand their shared foundations rather than surface-level differences. This experience reshaped his understanding of capoeira and clarified his responsibility to honor its origins with accuracy and respect.
Mestre Nenel and Filhos de Bimba
Professor Malandro’s path eventually led him to Mestre Nenel, the son of Mestre Bimba and founder of Filhos de Bimba – Escola de Capoeira. Under Mestre Nenel’s guidance, Malandro deepened his study of Capoeira Regional as it was originally structured, taught, and lived. This relationship was built not only on technique, but on shared values, trust, and dedication to preserving Mestre Bimba’s legacy.
Recognition and Responsibility
Professor Malandro became the first African American to be formally recognized as a teacher within Filhos de Bimba – Escola de Capoeira. He later completed the Curso de Especialização, a rigorous specialization course emphasizing self-defense, discipline, and historical understanding. These milestones reflect both technical achievement and the responsibility entrusted to him as a carrier of this lineage.
Teaching and Community Work
With nearly three decades of experience, Professor Malandro has taught workshops and seminars across the United States and internationally. His teaching emphasizes accessibility, discipline, cultural respect, and community development. At Capoeira ATL, his focus is on creating an environment where students of all backgrounds can grow physically, mentally, and socially through capoeira.
Guiding Capoeira ATL
As the founder and lead instructor of Capoeira ATL, Professor Malandro directs the school as an official núcleo of Filhos de Bimba. His teaching integrates movement, music, ritual, and cultural education in a way that is welcoming to beginners and meaningful for experienced practitioners. Capoeira is taught not as performance, but as a living tradition carried forward through practice and community.
