Marcelo Azevedo Guimarães, known worldwide as Mestre Peixinho, was born on December 20, 1947, in Vitória, Espírito Santo. He arrived in Rio de Janeiro at a young age and started capoeira in 1964, training with Cláudio Danadinho. In 1965, when he met the brothers Paulo and Rafael Flores, he joined the group of young capoeiristas that would become the legendary Senzala Group, of which he was one of the founders.

With his refined technique, strict discipline and unique creativity, Peixinho stood out very early on in Rio's rodas. Between 1967 and 1969 he took part in - and helped the group win for three consecutive years - the historic Berimbau de Ouro tournament, which made Senzala's name known nationwide. His game was marked by precision, balance, clean blows, impressive anticipation and acrobatic movements executed with lightness and naturalness.

In 1974 he was recognized as Mestre. In the same period he became one of the main people responsible for the professionalization of capoeira, opening in 1974 the famous academy on Travessa Angrense, in Copacabana, a hub that trained generations of great capoeiristas.

With a degree in Physical Education from UFRJ, Peixinho also studied Business Administration and developed a strong university career:
- Professor of Capoeira at UFRJ (1973-1980)
- Professor at UERJ (1979-1983)

He also left a deep mark on the internationalization of capoeira. He was one of the organizers of the First European Capoeira Meeting, held in Paris in 1987 - a milestone that helped consolidate capoeira in several countries. From 1990 onwards, he also coordinated the Scandinavian Capoeira Meetings, contributing to the growth of the art on four continents.

As a craftsman, he became one of the best makers of berimbaus and atabaques in the world. His instruments, known for their exceptional sound, were sought after by international masters and musicians. Peixinho also produced knives, jewelry, beach tennis rackets and various objects, always with perfectionism and creativity.

As a teacher and master, his pedagogy combined firmness, simplicity, humor and sensitivity. He challenged his students to the limit, but always with respect and humanity. He created a huge network of teachers working in Brazil, Europe, the Americas and Oceania.

After a decade of great violence in the rodas of the 1990s, Peixinho turned to a capoeira of more dialog and joy. He developed the "jogo de dentro", a style for playing the berimbau that emphasized flow, balance and movement close to the ground - an innovation that has profoundly influenced the modern practice of capoeira.

Throughout his life, he took part in performances at the Teatro Municipal do Rio, Sala Cecília Meireles, the Reunion Island International Festival, and the Brazil in Black and White project in Europe. He was a central figure in the global expansion of the Senzala Group, recognized as a master of masters and a technical reference worldwide.

Calm, attentive, discreet and profound, Peixinho inspired generations. For many, he was like a father - an example both inside and outside the roda. He passed away in 2011, leaving behind an immense body of work and an eternal legacy.

"The problems are the same... they just change their address."
- Mestre Peixinho