Mestre João Grande, a Grand Master of Capoeira Angola with over 50 years of experience, is widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in the world of Capoeira. Throughout his distinguished career, he has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the art form. Among these honors is a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, awarded to him in 1995. In September 2001, he was further recognized with the National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts—oneof the highest honors for practitioners of traditional arts in the United States.