Rafael Alves França, known as Mestre Cobrinha Verde, was born in 1917 in Santo Amaro da Purificação, a city in Bahia, Brazil, which is considered the heart of Capoeira. He was one of the most feared and respected capoeiristas of his time and was known for his unparalleled skills and agility. Mestre Cobrinha Verde claimed to be a direct descendant of the legendary capoeirista Besouro Mangangá, his cousin, and it was with him that he first began practicing Capoeira at the tender age of four. In addition to Besouro, he learned from some of the most famous capoeiristas of the era, including Siri de Mangue, Canário Pardo, and Doze Homens.

His nickname, "Cobrinha Verde" (Little Green Snake), was given to him by his cousin, Besouro Mangangá, due to his exceptional agility and skillful use of his legs. Mestre Cobrinha Verde was also one of the few who knew the "Santa Maria" game, a style of Capoeira played with razors between the toes, which was considered extremely dangerous.

In addition to his mastery of Capoeira, Cobrinha Verde had a remarkable life story. He achieved the rank of 3rd Sergeant in the old CR Regiment in Campo Grande and participated in the 1932 revolution. After leaving the military, he began teaching Capoeira at Fazenda Garcia and later at the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola Dois de Julho in Amaralina, located in the northeastern part of Salvador. He shared the teachings of Capoeira with other great Mestres, including João Grande and João Pequeno, and always taught without charging any money. His promise, made to his cousin Besouro, was to never charge for teaching Capoeira, and he adhered to this vow throughout his life.

In the early years of his life, Mestre Cobrinha Verde traveled across the northeast of Brazil, taking part in numerous adventures. One of his most famous stories involves him joining the band of cangaceiros led by Horácio de Matos. On one occasion, armed with an 18-inch machete, he faced off against eight policemen who opened fire on him. Remarkably, he used the machete to deflect all the bullets. This, and many other feats, earned him a reputation for not only his physical skills but also for some magical tricks—mandingas—that only the people from the Baiano recôncavo knew. He attributed these mandingas to an African man named Pascoal, a neighbor of his grandmother, who taught him powerful rituals and amulets. One of the most well-known stories is that he had a magical amulet that protected him in times of danger. This amulet, he claimed, would jump when left on a fresh plate but disappeared after a mistake he made.

After many adventures and legendary tales, Mestre Cobrinha Verde returned to Bahia, where he lived out the rest of his life. In 1963, he was invited by the film actor Roberto Batalin to record a Capoeira album with other great Mestres, Traíra and Gato. The album, titled Traíra Capoeira da Bahia, was one of the first of its kind and is considered a masterpiece of Capoeira music.

Mestre Cobrinha Verde passed away in 1983, leaving behind a profound legacy, one that echoes the tradition of the great Capoeira Mestres of Bahia. His contributions to Capoeira, his colorful life, and his legendary feats continue to inspire Capoeiristas worldwide.