Contra Mestre Carlinhos Ferraz is a capoeirista and musician from Olinda, Pernambuco, whose life has been deeply shaped by Brazilian popular culture. From an early age, he was drawn to traditional expressions of music and movement. At just 11 years old, his first contact with capoeira came through songs he heard from a neighbor in his apartment building—an encounter that left a lasting impression.

At 13, he began formal training at Mestre Sapo’s academy with the group Gunga, which worked with both Capoeira Regional and Capoeira Angola. A few years later, Mestre Sapo chose to dedicate himself entirely to Capoeira Angola, and the group became Angola Mãe, which remains one of the most important references for Capoeira Angola in Pernambuco.

In 1997, Carlinhos was invited to lead a core group of Angola Mãe in Curitiba, where the work focused on preserving, researching, and spreading the traditions of Capoeira Angola. In 2000, he left Angola Mãe, marking the birth of Capoeira Angola Resistência e Arte. During this period, he deepened his studies through extensive research and multiple trips to Bahia, engaging with different lineages and masters.

In 2002, Mestre Lua de Bobò (Capoeira Angola Menino de Arembepe, Bahia) agreed to guide Carlinhos and his group. This relationship, along with ongoing exchanges with other elder masters, has allowed for a continuous refinement and renewal of the fundamentals practiced within Resistência e Arte.

In 2019, Carlinhos moved to Biel, Switzerland, where he initially taught Capoeira Angola independently. Shortly after, he was invited to support the Ashé Odara groups in Bern and Zurich. From 2022 onward, he officially established his work in Switzerland under the name Capoeira Angola Resistência e Arte, with Biel and Zurich now forming part of this growing family.

Contra Mestre Carlinhos Ferraz is known as a charismatic, patient, and highly didactic teacher, with decades of experience in capoeira and music. He warmly welcomes all who wish to learn and experience the depth, history, and beauty of Capoeira Angola.