Mestre Jurandir Santos

Biography:

Mestre Jurandir, son of the revered Mestre João Grande, was born into the heart of Capoeira Angola. From an early age, Capoeira was a part of his life, with his father, Mestre João Grande, waking him and his brother Jorge early in the morning to train in their backyard. Capoeira was not just a practice for Jurandir, it was a way of life — instilled in him by his father’s dedication and the values of the art.

As a young boy, Mestre João Grande would take Jurandir to Mestre Pastinha's rodas, where he absorbed the teachings and traditions of Capoeira Angola. However, as his father’s work kept him occupied, it was Mestre João Pequeno who played a key role in Jurandir's training. With this unique blend of guidance from two of the most prominent Capoeira Angola masters — Mestre João Grande and Mestre João Pequeno — Jurandir inherited a rich understanding of the art, gaining knowledge from the very heart of Capoeira Angola’s lineage.

Jurandir’s teachings extended beyond his childhood. He spent time giving classes at Mestre João Pequeno’s academy, further refining his skills and passing on the legacy of Capoeira Angola. His reputation as a humble, wise teacher grew, and he became known not just for his game but also for his contributions to the Capoeira community.

In addition to his work in Capoeira, Mestre Jurandir has established his own project on Ilha de Itaparica, called Aldeia de Caboclo. This initiative is dedicated to the preservation of Capoeira, Afro-Brazilian culture, and the values of respect, community, and tradition, helping to foster future generations of Capoeiristas.

Mestre Jurandir is also recognized for his exceptional talent in creating powerful and effective corrido (Capoeira songs), which are deeply rooted in the tradition and fundamentals of the art. His corridos are known for their deep fundamento, or grounding, making them resonate with the true essence of Capoeira Angola.

In 2024, Mestre Jurandir was formally recognized as a Mestre de Capoeira by his father, Mestre João Grande, affirming his dedication, mastery, and deep respect for Capoeira’s history. Today, Mestre Jurandir continues to be a revered figure in the world of Capoeira, teaching and inspiring future generations with the same strength, wisdom, and humility that he learned from his father and his mentors.