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Nestor Sezefredo dos Passos Neto, widely known as Nestor Capoeira, is a Brazilian capoeira master, teacher, author, and cultural figure born in 1946 in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Over the course of five decades, he has significantly contributed to the global dissemination and understanding of capoeira, both through his teachings and his extensive literary work on the subject.
Early Life and Capoeira Beginnings
Nestor Capoeira began his journey in capoeira in 1965 under the guidance of Mestre Leopoldina (Demerval Lopes de Lacerda), a well-known figure in the capoeira community of Rio de Janeiro. Three years later, in 1968, he joined the prestigious Senzala Capoeira Group, where he trained under Mestre Walmir "Preguiça" Oliveira and quickly advanced within the ranks. In 1969, Nestor Capoeira received the highly regarded "red belt" (corda vermelha), the highest rank within the group, marking him as a capoeirista of exceptional skill and knowledge .
Teaching Career and International Influence
Nestor began teaching capoeira as a contramestre under Mestre Gato (Fernando C. de Albuquerque) at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 1968. In addition to teaching at UFRJ, he offered classes at the Senzala group's headquarters and at other academic institutions. In 1971, Nestor became a pioneer in the international spread of capoeira by teaching abroad, starting at the London School of Contemporary Dance in the United Kingdom. He would go on to teach and perform capoeira across Europe and North America, living abroad for extended periods between 1971 and 1996 .
In 1990, Nestor Capoeira departed from the Senzala group to establish his own capoeira school, where he developed a unique pedagogical approach to the art. His school continues to operate today, with Nestor teaching in Brazil at the Planetário da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro, while also spending part of each year teaching and lecturing abroad .
Academic Achievements
In addition to his capoeira career, Nestor Capoeira pursued academic studies, earning an engineering degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) in 1969. He later completed a Master's degree (1995), a PhD (2001) in Communication and Culture, and a Postdoctoral degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC/SP). His academic work has informed his writings on capoeira, merging cultural, philosophical, and historical perspectives with practical knowledge of the art.
Literary Contributions
Nestor Capoeira is the author of ten books about capoeira, several of which have been translated into multiple languages and published internationally. His works have sold over 120,000 copies worldwide. Two of his most well-known books include Capoeira: Roots of the Dance-Fight-Game and A Street-Smart Song: Capoeira Philosophy and Inner Life, both of which explore the deeper philosophical and cultural aspects of capoeira .
His literary contributions have played a significant role in promoting capoeira globally, making its history, techniques, and philosophy accessible to a broader audience. In addition to his books, Nestor has also released various audio recordings, including the 1985 LP Galo Já Cantou and the 1992 cassette Os Fundamentos da Malícia, which focused on the role of the berimbau in capoeira music .
Legacy and Impact
Nestor Capoeira remains an influential figure in the capoeira community both in Brazil and internationally. His pioneering work in teaching capoeira abroad, along with his numerous books, recordings, and academic contributions, have cemented his legacy as a key ambassador of the art form. Today, he continues to teach, write, and perform, contributing to the ongoing evolution and dissemination of capoeira around the world .
References
- "Master Nestor Capoeira", Capoeira History.
- "Nestor Capoeira", North Atlantic Books
- "Escola Nestor Capoeira", Escola Nestor Capoeira.