Aldenor Benjamim, known as Mestre Arraia, was born on January 17, 1946, in Jacobina, Bahia. He grew up in a family strongly connected to education and public service, alongside his siblings Adilson and Maria. Later, he became the father of Ali and Marília, and the grandfather of Leonardo and Gabriela.

He spent his youth in Salvador, where he developed a deep appreciation for the city’s cultural traditions and first made contact with capoeira. His interest grew naturally through community life, social gatherings, and the artistic atmosphere of the region.

In the 1960s, he studied History at the Federal University of Bahia, remaining active in cultural and academic environments. Capoeira continued to be part of his everyday life and personal development.

Later, he moved to Brasília, where he began teaching capoeira, especially in the southern area of the city. His classes brought together a dedicated group of students and helped establish an important local community. It was during this period that he met Fernanda, his first wife, with whom he had two children.

Throughout the 1970s, he became a positive influence on many young practitioners in Brasília. Students remember him for his thoughtful teaching style and for encouraging values such as cooperation, respect, and cultural appreciation.

In the 1980s, health challenges gradually reduced his activity. After returning to Salvador, he later shared many years of companionship with Tereza, his second wife, and enjoyed family life with his grandchildren.

Mestre Arraia passed away in January 2005, in Porto Seguro, Bahia, a place he valued deeply. He is remembered as an early and respected capoeira teacher in Brasília, and his influence continues through his family, students, and the community he helped build.