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Jair Fernandes Moura, known as Mestre Jair Moura, was born on August 27, 1936, in Salvador, Bahia. Throughout his life, he became an important figure in the world of capoeira, contributing to its cultural preservation, academic study, and international recognition. His relationship with the art form began in the late 1950s when he became a disciple of Mestre Bimba, the founder of capoeira regional. Jair Moura was one of the few capoeiristas to receive the prestigious Lenço Branco (White Scarf), which symbolizes the title of Mestre in capoeira regional, directly from Mestre Bimba himself.
Capoeira research and publications
Jair Moura published numerous articles in newspapers and magazines, focusing on capoeira's development in both Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. Moura's works played a significant role in encouraging capoeira studies and increasing public awareness about the art.
Among his notable publications are Mestre Bimba: Uma Vida Dedicada à Capoeiragem, a book that brings together archives, stories, and anecdotes about Mestre Bimba, and A Capoeiragem no Rio de Janeiro Através dos Séculos, which highlights the history and development of capoeira in Rio de Janeiro. His research was not confined to Bahia, but spanned a broad geographic scope, illustrating his comprehensive understanding of capoeira's impact across Brazil.
Film and documentary work
Jair Moura also made significant contributions to capoeira through his work in film. In 1968, he directed the documentary Dança de Guerra, which featured Mestre Bimba and other prominent capoeiristas such as Mestre Tiburcinho, Mestre Totonho de Maré, and Mestre Noronha. This documentary is considered a unique historical record of the performances of renowned capoeira masters. Moura also released an album with the same title, Dança de Guerra (1960), featuring the soundtrack of the film.
Photographic documentation and friendship with key figures
In addition to his writings and films, Jair Moura documented capoeira through photography, capturing images of Mestre Bimba and other capoeiristas from Bahia and Rio de Janeiro. His close relationship with fellow capoeira researcher Frederico José de Abreu, known as Frede, further solidified his role in preserving capoeira’s history. Frede Abreu founded the Instituto Jair Moura, named after his friend, which houses over 40,000 titles related to capoeira, including books, photographs, and videos.
Jair Moura was also closely connected to the famous Brazilian filmmaker Glauber Rocha, with whom he frequently met during their youth. These friendships highlight Moura’s wide-reaching influence across various cultural fields.
Legacy and death
Mestre Jair Moura passed away in 2023, leaving behind a profound legacy in the world of capoeira. He is survived by two sons, Jacir Moura and Moacir Moura. His contributions to the study, preservation, and dissemination of capoeira continue to influence researchers, practitioners, and cultural historians. Moura’s work as a historian, filmmaker, and photographer remains an invaluable resource for understanding the evolution of capoeira in Brazil and beyond.
Tributes
Following his death, many within the capoeira community paid tribute to Mestre Jair Moura. Mestre Nenel, son of Mestre Bimba, emphasized Moura’s role as a preserver of capoeira’s history, remarking that Moura was “the last capoeirista to receive the Lenço Branco” from his father. Luciano Milani, a capoeira researcher and publisher, also honored Moura’s dedication to studying and promoting capoeira, noting his “enormous cultural contribution” through films, books, and studies.
The Secretary of Culture of the State of Bahia released an official statement mourning his passing and acknowledging his "immeasurable importance" to the preservation of capoeira’s history and traditions. Moura’s work continues to inspire new generations of researchers, capoeiristas, and historians.
Selected works
- Mestre Bimba: Uma Vida Dedicada à Capoeiragem
- A Capoeiragem no Rio de Janeiro Através dos Séculos (PDF)
- Dança de Guerra (1968) – documentary
- Dança de Guerra (1960) – album
References
- Capoeira Shop: The Great Historian of Capoeira: Jair Moura
- Correio24Horas: Tributes to Jair Moura
- Portal Capoeira: Tribute from Luciano Milani
- YouTube: Dança de Guerra film (color edition)