Barnabé Soares Ribeiro, known in capoeira as Mestre Barnabé, was born on 15 October 1970 in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul. He is one of the main references of capoeira in the region and a longtime representative of the lineage of Mestre Mano (Fernandinho).

Early Training and Formation (1980–1993)

Mestre Barnabé began practicing capoeira in 1980, under Professor Renato Martins de Lima, in Campo Grande. Through Renato, he was introduced in 1985 to Mestre Mano “Fernandinho”, who was already an established figure in the capoeira scene of Mato Grosso do Sul.

When Renato stepped away from teaching, Barnabé continued his path directly with Mestre Mano, officially beginning his training with him on 6 October 1986.
This relationship shaped his technical and cultural foundation, connecting him to the traditional lineage passed down through Mestre Caiçara and the old masters of Bahia.

Barnabé’s first group of students appeared in 1988, marking the beginning of his work as an instructor.
On 10 January 1993, in Campo Grande, he received the title of Mestre de Capoeira (“Cordão Branco”) from Mestre Mano, formalizing more than a decade of dedication to training, teaching, and study. He also completed additional capoeira coursework with Mestre Mano in 1986.

Teaching Career and Community Work

Since 1988, Mestre Barnabé has taught capoeira throughout the city of Campo Grande and surrounding areas. His career spans:

• capoeira academies

• community centers

• educational institutions

• social and cultural projects

He began teaching formally in 1987 and quickly became known for his commitment to education and discipline within capoeira.

Social Projects

He has participated in initiatives such as Mais Cultura nas Escolas, contributing to cultural education and the inclusion of young people in sports and arts. His educational work emphasizes capoeira as both cultural heritage and a tool for personal development.

Influences and Lineage

Throughout his journey, several mestres and teachers contributed to his development, including:

• Contramestre Renato

• Mestre Ronaldo

• Mestre Rui

• Mestre Caju

• Mestre Mano (Fernandinho) – his principal formador

He trained in groups such as Grupo Regional Brasil and the Academia de Capoeira Campo-Grandense, always remaining active in the city where he began.

Mestre Barnabé has also contributed to the formation of new instructors, contra-mestres, and mestres, continuing the lineage he inherited.

Legacy and Recognition

With decades of uninterrupted work, Mestre Barnabé is today one of the strongest representatives of capoeira in Mato Grosso do Sul. His presence at events such as the Festival Nacional Malungo Capoeira highlights his respected position in the national capoeira community.

His long-term dedication — from student in the early 1980s to mestre in the early 1990s — reflects a life committed to:

• teaching

• preserving traditions

• developing new generations

• strengthening capoeira as culture, art, education, and social practice

Mestre Barnabé remains active in Campo Grande, where he continues to teach, organize projects, and uphold the values of the capoeira he learned under Mestre Mano.