Humberto Ferreira de Mendonça, widely known as Mestre Sapo in the Capoeira community, was born on April 5, 1973, in Olinda, Pernambuco, Brazil. From an early age, he immersed himself in the art of Capoeira, a martial art with roots in African traditions brought to Brazil during the Atlantic slave trade. His journey into Capoeira began in his neighborhood and later expanded significantly.

During the 1990s, while working as a taxi driver in Salvador, Bahia, Mestre Sapo encountered Cobra Mansa, a respected Capoeira Mestre at the time. This encounter deepened his dedication to Capoeira, leading him to become a recognized Mestre himself in 2003. Returning to his hometown of Olinda, he taught at the Academia de Capoeira Angola Mae, where he mentored and influenced several future Capoeira Masters.

Mestre Sapo's contribution to Capoeira extended beyond teaching. He played a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Capoeira, which in 2014 was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. His efforts were instrumental in researching the African roots of Capoeira Angola, following in the footsteps of esteemed figures like Mestre Pastinha and Mestre Joao Grande.

Recognized as the Patron of Capoeira in Pernambuco by the municipality of Recife, Mestre Sapo's influence spread globally. His teachings reached European countries such as Germany and Italy, where his students, including Contramestre Lagartixa, Mestra Nazare, Mestra Di, Mestre Nino Faisca, and Mestre Marquinho, established their own Capoeira groups.

Mestre Sapo passed away in 2018 at his home, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of Capoeira as a dedicated teacher, cultural ambassador, and guardian of its rich traditions.