Mestre Bimba

In 1932 nationalistic policies moved to promote Capoeira as a Brazilian sport. In Salvador, Mestre Bimba (Manuel dos Reis Machado) opened the first Capoeira academy. He started teaching what he called “the regional fight from Bahia,” eventually known as Capoeira Regional (faster more aggressive than traditional Capoeira Angola style). It must be noted that the Getulio Vargas government permitted the practice of Capoeira, but only in enclosed areas that were registered with the police. With the opening of Bimba’s Academy, a new era in the history of Capoeira began. Bimba was active in Capoeira his whole life – planning to give a Capoeira demonstration on the day he died, February 5, 1974.