Mestre Plínio is a prominent figure in the world of Capoeira Angola, recognized for his significant contributions to the art form and Afro-Brazilian cultural promotion. He founded the Centro de Capoeira Angola Angoleiro Sim Sinhô in 1995, based in São Paulo, Brazil. This center has since grown to include multiple branches across Brazil and internationally, including in Argentina, Greece, and Spain.

Mestre Plínio began his journey with Capoeira in the late 1970s, starting to practice in the streets of his São Paulo neighborhood in 1979. By 1981, he formally joined a Capoeira academy and soon became involved with some of the leading names in Capoeira, including Mestre Moa do Katendê and Mestre Jogo de Dentro. The guidance of these influential masters encouraged Plínio to start his own work in Capoeira.

Career and Training

In 1993, Mestre Plínio founded the Angoleiro Sim Sinhô group in São Paulo's Consolação street, before moving to Turiassú street in 1996, where the group continues to work on the development of Capoeira Angola in São Paulo. Mestre Plínio’s work has made a lasting impact on the Capoeira community, not just in Brazil, but internationally.

He graduated as a Contra-Mestre in 1998 after five years of intense training with Mestre Jogo de Dentro, and in 2007, he received the title of Mestre from both Mestre Jogo de Dentro and Mestre Virgílio.

Education and Outreach

Mestre Plínio has contributed extensively to the education and promotion of Capoeira Angola. He has taught at several cultural institutions, including FEBEM (1990–1992), the "Turma Faz Arte" project (1990–1993), and the Chico Science Cultural Center (2001–2003). Additionally, he has taught Capoeira and percussion at institutions like the Academia de Ballet Ismael Ivo (2006). His teaching has spread far and wide, with workshops and lectures in Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Canada.

Music and Cultural Promotion

In addition to his work in Capoeira, Mestre Plínio is deeply involved in Afro-Brazilian cultural promotion. He is also a percussionist and an active participant in Afoxé and Samba de Roda, and he has released music albums such as Angoleiro Sim Sinhô and A Luta Continua.

His contributions to music were recognized in 2006 when he received the Best Soundtrack award for his work in the theatrical play Quando as pernas fazem miséria.

Legacy and Social Impact

Through his group Angoleiro Sim Sinhô, Mestre Plínio continues to focus on social mobilization, using Capoeira as a tool for empowerment and cultural activism. His group not only teaches Capoeira Angola but also engages in preserving the traditions of the art form while adapting them to contemporary times.

Mestre Plínio’s work is a testament to his dedication to Capoeira, music, and Afro-Brazilian culture, making him one of the most influential Capoeira Masters of his generation. His teachings and the work of his group continue to inspire and educate new generations, both in Brazil and across the world.