Master Burguês
Antonio Carlos de Menezes, widely known as Mestre Burguês, was born in the small town of Laranjeiras, Sergipe, Brazil. Just three months after his birth, his family moved to Rio de Janeiro. It was there that the first seeds of his remarkable capoeira journey were unknowingly planted
A First Encounter with Capoeira: Born Out of Necessity
At the age of 12, while studying in the 6th grade at Escola Evangélica in Ramos, Antonio had his first brush with capoeira, not as a choice, but as a necessity. Life in his neighbourhood, located near the bustling Escola de Samba Imperatriz Leopoldinense, often meant rough-and-tumble encounters. One figure loomed large: a local capoeirista known as China, whose skill and dominance in the art intimidated Antonio and his friends during their football games. Frustrated and determined to defend himself and his friends, Antonio vowed to learn capoeira.
Humble Beginnings and the Birth of a Nickname
Antonio's first ‘teacher’ was far from traditional. It was a book on capoeira. His friend Nelson managed to acquire it, and together, they practised rudimentary movements on the steep paths of the Morro do Alemão in Ramos, where Nelson lived. Their passion soon outgrew the confines of their self-taught practice, and they began seeking opportunities to learn from true masters.
Their search led them to rodas (capoeira circles) organised by Mestre Mentirinha, where they met Mestre Paulão, a rising figure in the community. Alongside Mestre Silas, Mestre Paulão began teaching classes at the Clube do Bolinha. Yet, for Antonio and Nelson, the challenge wasn’t skill or enthusiasm but money.
Unable to pay for the classes, the two boys showed their resourcefulness. They scoured the streets, collecting copper, lead, old bottles, and paper to sell. They paid for three months of lessons in advance through sheer determination, a feat so uncommon that their teachers assumed the boys were wealthy. Thus, the playful nicknames were born: Nelson became Conde (Count), and Antonio earned the title Burguês (Bourgeois). While Nelson eventually abandoned Capoeira, Antonio embraced the art with unrelenting passion, forever carrying the name that would one day resonate across the globe: Mestre Burguês.
Perseverance Through Hardship
Mestre Burguês’s road to mastery was paved with challenges. He faced cold nights, hunger, and relentless financial struggles, compounded by the realities of prejudice and discrimination. Yet, capoeira became his refuge and his weapon a means to endure, to resist, and to rise above.
With time, his dedication elevated him from an eager student to a leader and innovator in the capoeira world. His journey eventually led him to southern Brazil, where he founded Grupo Muzenza, an organisation that would grow to become a global force, deeply respected for its commitment to capoeira’s traditions and its future.
Transformative Contributions to Capoeira
Mestre Burguês’s contributions extended far beyond the roda. His efforts to professionalise, teach, and spread capoeira solidified his influence and legacy. His achievements include:
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Building Institutions:
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Co-founder of the Federação Paranaense de Capoeira (Paraná State Federation of Capoeira) in 1985.
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Co-founder of the Confederação Brasileira de Capoeira (Brazilian Confederation of Capoeira) in 1992.
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Founder and current president of the Superliga Brasileira de Capoeira (Brazilian Super League of Capoeira) since 1998.
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Advisor and honorary member of international capoeira federations across Europe, Asia, and North America.
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Documenting the Art:
Mestre Burguês recognised the importance of preserving capoeira’s culture through the written word. His published works include:
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The Study of Capoeira (1978)
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Capoeira Lyrics (1982)
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Capoeira: A Universal Art (2020)
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Bringing Music to the World:
Mestre Burguês has released 21 capoeira albums, including recordings made in Brazil, Canada, and Europe, enriching the art’s musical traditions and expanding its reach to global audiences.
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Reviving Traditions and Supporting Practitioners:
In 1995, he created a newspaper promoting capoeira’s roots and supporting the community. Today, Mestre Burguês continues to oversee projects focused on preserving traditional music, movement, and rituals of capoeira.
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Global Ambassadorship:
Mestre Burguês has conducted workshops, lectures, and demonstrations in over 30 countries across five continents. He remains a sought-after mentor for capoeiristas worldwide, sharing capoeira’s philosophy, music, and movements. His efforts have been pivotal in establishing Capoeira as a UNESCO recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage.