Capoeira Angola can be many things: dance, combat, play, art, theater, philosophy, cunning, intelligence, music... But for me, the most important thing is always Mestre Curió's phrase: "To show that you're good, a capoeirista doesn't need to hit". Training must be enjoyable. Capoeira allows all participants to find their own form of expression, beyond competition and judgment. Although capoeiristas compete in the roda, it always remains a shared experience.

Brazil

It all started with the desire to travel. Mexico and Brazil were the main options. While researching my trip, I came across some phrases about capoeira in a book about Brazil, which fascinated me so much that Brazil became my destination. In Salvador, Bahia, I saw capoeira for the first time in the street and, the next day, I went in search of a school. That was in November 1983 and capoeira has been part of my life ever since.

Back to Switzerland

In 1984, Omar da Conceição came to Switzerland and, with my support, founded the first Capoeira group in Basel. In addition to regular training, I took part in international Capoeira meetings throughout Europe from 1988 onwards and also traveled frequently to Brazil to learn and train.

First experience as a Capoeira teacher

In 1990, Mestre Omar received a request to form a Capoeira group for children. He wanted me to take on the task. I resisted, because I wanted to keep Capoeira as a hobby. But the request was repeated insistently until I got tired of the pressure. I promised to teach if there were eight children and a suitable room. Just a week later, the time came: I had to keep my promise. This also marked the beginning of a "rediscovery" of Capoeira for me. Thanks to teaching and being involved in the classes, a new and broader understanding of Capoeira opened up for me.

Capoeira Angola

In 1992, I had a decisive encounter with Mestre Curió, one of the most renowned Angoleiros of the first generation after Mestre Pastinha (founder of the first Capoeira Angola school). His unique style had a profound impact on me and I decided to dedicate myself entirely to Capoeira Angola. This move left me alone in Switzerland, as there was no Angola group. Thanks to Mestre Omar's generosity, I was able to continue training with his group, even while I pursued my own training. This allowed me to keep in touch with other capoeiristas.

The Beginning of the Capoeira Angola Group in Basel

In November 1992, an injury forced Mestre Omar to take a break from teaching and he entrusted me with the group. Despite my best efforts to teach Capoeira Regional, the classes gradually focused more and more on Capoeira Angola. Once again, I received generous support: from Mestre Curiò, who, despite my doubts, encouraged me to continue teaching, and from Mestre Omar, who, after his recovery in the spring of 1993, simply entrusted me with his group. Thus, the Capoeira Angola Basel Group was born.

Contramestra

In 2000, I organized a trip to Brazil with young people and, during this stay, I graduated as a Contramestra.

Master

In January 2023, I was able to take part for the first time in the big annual ECAIG event in Salvador, Bahia. At this event, with capoeiristas from Europe and all over Brazil, Mestre Curiò awarded me the title of Mestra. This is a great recognition and an honor, but it also carries a great responsibility. It is important to honor and guarantee the continuity of Mestre Curiò's tradition and work. I am deeply grateful to him for his support and encouragement over all these years. I was also deeply touched that he included me in the circle of the few Mestres he had formed.