In August 2011, members of Capoeira Angola Quintal went on a two-week cultural retreat to Brazil. We visited the cities of Recife and Salvador, and we experienced first hand the rich roots of capoeira and Afro-Brazilian culture.

1. QUINTAL In August 2011, members of
Capoeira Angola Quintal went on a
two-week cultural retreat to Brazil.
BRAZIL We visited the cities of Recife and
Salvador, and we experienced first
2011 hand the rich roots of capoeira
and Afro-Brazilian culture.
Group photo from Mestre Nô’s “Seminário
Internacional de Capoeira Angola Palmares,”
Salvador, Bahia
NewYorkCapoeiraCenter.com

2. QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

3. THE MESTRES
Grand Mestre Nô
Known as the "Mestre of Mestres," he graduated dozens of
capoeiristas and continues to guide practitioners throughout
the world with his wisdom and unique style. With over 60
years experience in Salvador, he is a living legend, one of the
most respected elder mestres in the angola tradition, and his
experience has developed a deep expression and
understanding of "malandragem".
Mestre Ombrinho
Mestre Ombrinho is a disciple of Grand Master No and the
first North American to be graduated to mestre. For over 22
years, he's been teaching at his Academy Capoeira Angola
Quintal in NYC. Traveling annually to Bahia and throughout
Brazil since 1985, Mestre Ombrinho speaks fluent Portuguese
and has acquired extensive knowledge of cities and towns
while participating in capoeira events and classes making
friends everywhere.
Mestre Mago
Mestre Mago, Ricardo Dias de Sousa Pires, is a capoeira
mestre with over 20 years experience. He founded and runs
the non-profit organization academy Centro de Capoeira
Cinco Salomao, teaching capoeira angola and regional while
promoting cultural events celebrating local Brazilian
traditions of music and dance. Today he lives in Recife with
his wife, Professora Bel and children.
QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

4. LEMBRANÇAS
MEMORIES
Church near the Mercado São José, Recife
Destino, 007, Macarrão, Pavão, Mestre
Ombrinho, Alex, Caimãn, Mestre Mago, View of the lighthouse and beach in
Barra, Salvador
& Energia in Olinda, Pernambuco
(near Recife)
QUINTAL BRAZIL 2011

5. Batata Doce
“One of my favorite moments was
playing in the farewell roda at
Mestre Mago's academy on Monday
night. Playing Mestre Mago's sister
in law, Baby especially. She
midwifed my swag. “
Macarrão
“It was an honor and
inspiration to visit Mestre
Mago's academy in Recife.
He and his students were
all very welcoming and
excellent hosts. It was
great to see how Mestre
Mago has been able to
cultivate excellent
capoeiristas regardless of
age or gender. Definitely
a high bar to aspire to.”

6. Destino
“Salvador was amazing!
Watching Mestre Ombrinho and
Mestre Nô interact was like
watching my father and
grandfather at a family
gathering. To top it off we got
to be a part of Mestre receiving
a new cord, with his Mestre, in
Salvador, a once in a lifetime
opportunity.
Watching our Mestre playing in
his unique signature style with
other big time Mestres was
definitely the most
inspirational moment as far as
Capoeira goes and absolutely
reinforces in me a style and
game that i aspire to have.”
Energia
“The best part of the trip
for me was making new
friends and getting to
know old friends better.
What a great opportunity to
enjoy the Quintal family!
Feel free to rip any of my
pics and I will try to send
the one's I like best.”

7. Mestre Ombrinho’s
Top 5 Memories
1. Our walk with Mestre Mago into the
brackish mangrove swamp followed by
two stray dogs fighting over who gets to
walk with the gringos
2. Walking, for the first time, with 10
students into Mestre No's academy in
Boca do Rio
3. Our seafood dinner with fresh cut
potato fries, moqueca, cold beer,
maracuja liquor by the bay, with a view
of Salvador, as the sun sets
4. Our private tour of the liquor factory
in Cachoeira
5. Seeing how well everyone got along
and how we all looked after each other

8. Beach day with Mestre Nô near his home on the island of Itaparica