Mestre Jurandir Souza dos Santos, son of the revered Mestre João Grande, was born into the heart of Capoeira Angola. From an early age, Capoeira was part of his daily life. His father, Mestre João Grande, would wake him and his brother Jorge early in the morning to train in their backyard, shaping in him a deep connection to the art — not just as a practice, but as a way of life rooted in discipline, respect, and tradition.

As a child, Jurandir accompanied his father to Mestre Pastinha’s rodas, where he absorbed the foundations and spirit of Capoeira Angola. During this period, most of his training happened at home with Mestre João Grande. Although he had some early experiences at Mestre Pastinha’s academy, his structured training outside the home only began later.

When Mestre João Grande moved to the United States, Mestre João Pequeno became a key figure in Jurandir’s development. Before this transition, João Pequeno would often invite young Jurandir to ginga with him in the roda at the Forte — a gesture of affection and encouragement — but the more formal phase of training with João Pequeno began only after João Grande’s departure to the U.S.

With guidance from two of Capoeira Angola’s most important masters — Mestre João Grande and Mestre João Pequeno — Jurandir inherited a lineage of immense depth, absorbing teachings directly connected to the roots of Capoeira Angola.

Over the years, Jurandir continued contributing to the community by giving classes at Mestre João Pequeno’s academy, further refining his art and passing forward the legacy he had inherited. Known for his humility, wisdom, and strong fundamentos, he became respected not only for his game but also for his dedication to preserving tradition.

On Ilha de Itaparica, Jurandir developed his own cultural project, Aldeia de Caboclo, focused on the preservation of Capoeira Angola, Afro-Brazilian culture, and the values of community, ancestry, and respect — nurturing future generations of Capoeiristas.

He is also widely recognized for his remarkable gift for composing corridos, creating songs of great força and fundamento that honor the tradition and essence of Capoeira Angola.

In 2022, Jurandir was formally recognized as Mestre de Capoeira by his father, Mestre João Grande — a recognition of his lifelong dedication, mastery, and commitment to the lineage of Capoeira Angola. Today, Mestre Jurandir remains a highly respected figure, continuing to teach and inspire with the same strength, integrity, and humility that marked his own journey.