Full Name: Rodrigo Bruno Lima
Born: January 28, 1978 – São Paulo, Brazil
Capoeira Name: Minhoca
Affiliation: Casa Mestre Ananias – Centro Paulistano de Capoeira e Tradições Baianas
Profession: Cultural producer

Early Training

Rodrigo “Minhoca” Bruno Lima began his capoeira journey in 1993. His first teacher was Professor Palito of Grupo de Capoeira Leão de Ouro, with whom he trained for six months.
He then continued from 1993 to 1995 with Mestre Geraldo Baiano, training in Grupo Cativeiro and Raízes de Angola.

In 1995, Minhoca began training with Mestre Ananias, one of the foundational figures of Capoeira Angola in São Paulo. He remained under Ananias’ guidance until the mestre’s passing in 2016, forming a bond that shaped his identity, his game, and his approach to the art.

Influences

Beyond his direct teachers, Mestre Minhoca was influenced by several notable mestres, including:

• Mestre Miguel Machado

• Mestre Chita

• Mestre Cavaco

• Mestre Joel

• Sambadores do Recôncavo: Gerson Quadrado, Manteguinha, João do Boi, Alumínio, Domingos Preto, Antônio, and Elcinho

These figures contributed to his musicality, ritual understanding, and deep roots in Afro-Bahian traditions.

Teaching and Cultural Work

Minhoca has been teaching capoeira since 2007, including participation in cultural and educational projects such as the Ponto de Cultura – Casa Mestre Ananias.
Although he has not yet formed mestres, contramestres, or professores, he is recognized as a skilled educator and a guardian of traditional practices.

Casa Mestre Ananias

Today, Rodrigo Minhoca is a key figure in Casa Mestre Ananias, managing the institution and helping preserve the legacy of his mestre. His work includes promoting cultural activities, organizing rodas, and maintaining the strong Angola tradition rooted in São Paulo.

He is considered one of the pillars of the Roda da República, one of the most respected and traditional public rodas in the country. As a player, he is widely admired for his Angola game, musical knowledge, and solid presence in the roda.

Role in Capoeira Today

• Renowned Angola capoeirista

• Respected teacher in São Paulo

• Manager of Casa Mestre Ananias

• Cultural promoter connected to Bahian traditions

Mestre Minhoca continues to represent the lineage of Mestre Ananias with integrity, skill, and devotion, contributing to the preservation and evolution of Capoeira Angola in São Paulo.