🇧🇷 Mestre Pontapé – Biography

Mestre Pontapé, born Heitor Challegre Damiao on April 6, 1966, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, is a respected capoeira master and the leader of the Luandaé Cultural Centre in Europe. Though often associated with the name “Amazonas”, this refers not to his birthplace, but to one of the capoeira groups within his international organization — Capoeira Amazonas in Croatia.

🌱 Early Life

Heitor was born and raised in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, where poverty, social tension, and criminal politics shaped everyday life. Despite these harsh circumstances, he developed a strong sense of discipline, identity, and resilience.

🥋 Beginning in Capoeira

As a young man, he entered the world of capoeira seeking a new path away from the dangers surrounding him. Under the mentorship of two great mestres — Mestre Panteira (ACDP) and Mestre Luiz (Luandaé) — he grew not only as a practitioner but as a leader dedicated to social impact.

He began organizing social programs for children and youth, helping them find purpose, community, and a life beyond the streets. This work shaped his philosophy of capoeira as both a martial art and a tool for transformation.

🌍 Move to Europe & Rise as a Mestre

In 2000, Heitor moved to Europe, where he continued expanding his work and influence. His dedication to teaching, leadership, and community-building led him to be recognized as a Mestre in 2002.

He eventually settled in Hungary, where he continues to live and teach.

🏛️ Luandaé Cultural Centre

Mestre Pontapé is the leader of the Luandaé Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural Luandaé), an international capoeira network that unites groups across several continents. Among its branches are:

• Capoeira Balanço da Meia Lua – Slovenia

• Capoeira Amazonas – Croatia

• Capoeira Oxumare – Slovakia & Czech Republic

• Capoeira Árvore da Vida – Malaysia / Sarawak

The group Capoeira Amazonas started in Croatia and came under the Luandaé network at a time when there were no Brazilian teachers in the area.

🎶 Teaching Philosophy

Mestre Pontapé emphasizes musicality, especially respect for the rhythm set by the berimbau. He teaches his students to be able to play in any roda, regardless of the style encountered.

He describes two challenges in this philosophy:

1. A student who trains a mix of styles may take a long time to become truly skilled.

2. A student who trains only one style can become technically strong quickly but may have difficulty adapting to diverse rodas and groups around the world.

His goal is to create well-rounded capoeiristas who can adapt, listen, and play with awareness.

⭐ Legacy

Mestre Pontapé is recognized by his students and peers as:

• an inspiration,

• a guardian of capoeira’s traditions,

• and a guide who teaches life lessons along with movement.

His journey from the favelas of Rio to leading an international cultural organization reflects the transformative power of capoeira and the depth of his dedication.