Mestre João Grande, a Grand Master of Capoeira Angola with over 70 years of experience, stands as one of the most revered figures in the world of Capoeira. His remarkable journey has earned him numerous accolades, including a Doctorate of Humane Letters from Upsala College in East Orange, NJ, in 1995. In September of 2001, he was honored with the National Heritage Fellowship by the National Endowment for the Arts — one of the highest honors for practitioners of traditional arts in the United States.

Born in the village of Itagi, located in the southern part of Bahia, Brazil, Mestre João Grande’s journey with Capoeira began at an early age. As a child, he worked alongside his family in the fields. At just 10 years old, he witnessed the "corta capim" for the first time — a distinctive Capoeira movement where one leg is extended in front, swung in a circular motion, and hopped over with the other leg. Fascinated by its beauty, he asked what the movement was called and was told it was “the Dance of the Nagos.” This dance, performed by the African descendants in Salvador, intrigued him deeply. While the Yoruba people of Southwest Nigeria heavily influenced Salvador, the dance itself had Central African roots. It was, in fact, Capoeira.

Though João didn’t learn the true name of the movement until many years later, the experience left an indelible mark on his life. At just 10 years old, he left his home, determined to find "the Dance of the Nagos." His journey led him to Salvador, the birthplace of Capoeira as we know it, where he encountered his first proper Capoeira roda. In this vibrant Capoeira community, he witnessed the presence of Mestres Menino Gordo, João Pequeno, Mestre Barbosa, and Cobrinha Verde — all key figures who would shape his journey as a mestre.

João Grande first learned Capoeira Angola from Mestre Pastinha, who continues to serve as his primary source of inspiration. Mestre Pastinha, known as the "Patriarch of Capoeira Angola," opened the first Capoeira Angola School, Academia De Capoeira Angola, in Salvador, Bahia, in 1941. Mestre Pastinha dedicated his life to preserving the tradition of Capoeira Angola, teaching it as a path of self-knowledge and mastery. He was also the first Capoeira Mestre to write a book on the history, philosophy, and practice of Capoeira, aptly titled Capoeira Angola. In the 1970s, Mestre Pastinha traveled to Africa with his students to participate in the Festival of African Arts and Culture and also produced albums to promote Capoeira’s unique musical component.

Entering Mestre João Grande’s Academy, one can immediately feel the energy of Capoeira Angola. The space is filled with the sound of berimbaus, the primary musical instrument of Capoeira. The walls are adorned with galleries of rare photos capturing the rich history of Capoeira Angola, as well as photos from Mestre João Grande’s own travels around the world. His deep appreciation for African culture — both from the African continent and as expressed in Brazil — is reflected in the academy’s decor, with African sculptures, textiles, and countless mementos from Bahia.

Mestre João Grande’s influence extends far beyond Brazil. He has traveled extensively across Africa, Europe, Asia, Brazil, and the United States. His first international trip was in the 1970s with Viva Bahia, one of the pioneering groups to perform Capoeira and other Afro-Brazilian folk arts outside of Brazil. Since then, he has conducted Capoeira Angola workshops worldwide, teaching at universities, colleges, high schools, elementary schools, and civic organizations. His global travels have allowed him to share the essence of Capoeira Angola with countless individuals across cultures.

For those interested in learning from Mestre João Grande, he continues to offer his expertise through workshops and classes. His academy remains a place where the traditions of Capoeira Angola are celebrated, preserved, and passed down to new generations.