Mestre Paulinho Sabiá was the confirmed headline guest of this first edition. His passing changed what this gathering means. Fest 2026 is held in his honour. Every roda across these six days carries his name, and the masters on this line-up are coming, among other reasons, for that.

Mestre Mindinho - Raphael Cunha He began practicing capoeira at age 11 and eventually started teaching at 17. He later studied various martial arts such as jiu-jitsu, boxing, judo, and luta livre. Mestre has taught more than 500 students and also participates in sports camps and school assemblies. He is one of the most recognized teachers in the United States (San Diego) and has dedicated himself to promoting capoeira throughout his career.

Based in Belgium, he is one of the masters of the Capoeira Brasil group, recognized for his loyalty to the institution's foundations and his ability to transmit GCB's methodology to a multicultural audience. He stands out for his musicality and energy in the roda. He is a tireless organizer of international events that bring together capoeiristas from all over the world, promoting cultural exchange between Brazil and Europe. His work has been key to establishing a solid connection between the Niterói school and practitioners in the heart of Europe.

He is recognized as a pillar of contemporary capoeira and is known for his leadership within the Capoeira Brasil Group. Director of the renowned Volta ao Mundo - Bambas (VMB) tournament, he has earned respect within the capoeira world by combining the tradition of the game with a modern vision of sports management. This unique approach has made him one of the masters with the greatest impact on the current global capoeira scene.

With over 25 years of experience, Mestre Muito Tempo is a prominent figure in the capoeira world, formed under the lineage of Mestre Amen Santo in Capoeira Batuque. Musician and producer of the album "Joga Muita Capoeira", he also works as an actor and stuntman in Hollywood, bringing the art of capoeira to the big screen. Based in Los Angeles, his unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and cultural depth makes him one of the most versatile capoeiristas of his generation.

With over 30 years of capoeira and 20+ years teaching across the globe, Mestre Chipa is the founder of Associação Ginga Mundo Capoeira and a true ambassador of the art. Champion of Red Bull Paranaué Barcelona 2016, he has brought capoeira to 8 countries including China, Spain, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Czech Republic, Australia, and the USA. His explosive style, deep knowledge, and international experience make him one of the most accomplished and well-traveled mestres in the world today.

With 26 years of capoeira and 7 years living in Brazil, Mestrando Sapo made history as the first Mexican ever to participate in the VMB (Volta ao Mundo de Berimbau) — and he didn't just participate, he won. Champion of VMB 8, he has represented Mexico in over 10 countries including England, Belgium, France, and the USA, carrying the flag of Mexican capoeira to the highest levels. His journey from Mexico to Brazil and back is a testament to his dedication, making him a symbol of pride for the entire Latin American capoeira community.

Mestre Rafinha — Moleque Ligeiro From the group Moleque Ligeiro, Mestre Rafinha is a three-time VMB Champion with explosive energy in jogo, singing, and maculelê. Based in Querétaro, México, he plays a fundamental role in the growth of capoeira across the country, inspiring a new generation of practitioners.

Contramestre Juruna — Sinhá Capoeira Contramestre Juruna began his journey in 2002. With over 20 years in the capoeira world, he has made his mark in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and the United States. Currently part of Capoeira Sinhá, he represents the Mexican capoeira experience from Mexico City.

Contramestre Songo — Capoeira Lembrança Director of Capoeira Lembrança, he has taught workshops across several states in México and in Brazil. Creator of the Xplaining Capoeira YouTube channel with over 200k followers — tutorials on movements, acrobatics, and training techniques for the global community. From Aguascalientes, he motivates thousands to push past their limits and keep growing in capoeira.

Mestre Cigano — Longe do Mar Mestre Cigano is the first Mexican capoeirista to receive the rank of Mestre, granted by Mestre Acordeon — a landmark moment for Mexican capoeira. He leads Grupo Capoeira Longe do Mar, one of the largest groups in Mexico, and organizes annual events that gather hundreds of capoeiristas. From Mexico City, his work marked a turning point for the entire Mexican capoeira community.

Professora Pantera Negra is a dedicated capoeirista from Chicago, known and respected in the Capoeira community for her powerful presence, love of travel, and commitment to the art. She is a Professora in Mestre Mindinho's lineage and lives in Chicago, where she helps supervise Capoeira Brasil Chicago alongside Professor Brucutu. With years of experience teaching, training, and performing, she brings passion, discipline, and cultural pride into every roda and class. Professora Pantera Negra continues to honor the roots of Capoeira while inspiring the next generation through movement, longevity, and education.

The music and movement of Capoeira first captured Bruxa's attention in 2005 while living in Ecuador. The group in Madison became her capoeira family in 2006 and has been a constant source of support and growth since then. She is part of Mestre Mindinho's lineage in Grupo Capoeira Brasil. Bruxa is a teacher by profession and is passionate about practicing and teaching Capoeira, Maculelê, Samba, and any other sister arts to Capoeira. She has led classes in various locations and currently teaches youth and adult classes at MY Arts. For Bruxa, Capoeira has been an opportunity to challenge herself physically, express herself creatively, and connect with communities and friends locally and throughout the world. She loves to share her passion for movement, language (English/Spanish/some Portuguese) and music with anyone interested in singing, dancing, playing, and learning with her.

Congo has always been a martial artist. At 15, he fell in love with Capoeira after watching "Only the Strong", but there were no teachers on Curaçao. Determined, he searched online for anyone who could help him train with VHS tapes at home. In 2000 he went to the Netherlands, where he trained intensively for a month. After moving there permanently in 2002, he continued his guided Capoeira journey. At his first Batizado he received the nickname Congo from Professor Dengoso (now Mestre), inspired by the powerful yet fast movements of Congo's silverback gorillas. Congo later travelled to Brazil several times to deepen his knowledge of Capoeira. In 2006 he became Graduado, assisting classes and teaching as a substitute. From then on he was regularly invited as a guest instructor in and outside the Netherlands. In 2009 he began teaching his own classes in The Hague. In 2011 he earned the title Instrutor and started teaching in Belgium and the Netherlands. In 2014 he returned to Curaçao, where he founded an official branch of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. In 2018 Congo became Professor, the first Capoeirista born on Curaçao to reach this level. In 2023 he returned to Belgium and was promoted to Formando (Contra Mestre). Since 2024, Formando Congo teaches in Antwerp and continues to travel worldwide, sharing his unique style and vision with Capoeira students from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Kelly first experienced Capoeira while living in Brazil in 1994, and the combination of fluidity of movement, acrobatics, and music captured her interest. As a result, she began playing with the UW Madison Capoeira Group in 1996. She has taught classes through the UW Madison Recreational Sports Program, Horizon Health & Fitness, the YMCA, and currently holds classes at the Madison Youth Arts building. In addition to Capoeira, Kelly has choreographed Samba, Maculelê, and Frevo performances and taught Samba classes in the Madison area, providing access to sister arts which complement Capoeira beautifully. She is also tri-lingual, speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Professor Caxixi (Harly Materan) began his capoeira journey in 2001 in Caracas, Venezuela. From the start he immersed himself in the movement, music, culture and traditions of capoeira, developing a deep passion for this Afro-Brazilian martial art. Caxixi's early training took place at Raízes do Brasil, where he learned from Penguim, Rabicho and Caranguejo. As he continued to develop, he joined Grupo Capoeira Brasil, sharpening his technique under Instrutor Guaraná and later, in the United States, under Mestre Mindinho. After moving to the US, Professor Caxixi dedicated himself to spreading capoeira throughout Indiana. Through classes, workshops, school programs, demonstrations and cultural events, he has brought capoeira and Brazilian culture to thousands of children and adults. He has taught in schools, universities, gyms and community organizations, helping build a strong capoeira community in Indianapolis. He is currently co-founder of 317 MVMNT, where he continues to run capoeira, fitness and movement programs centered on community, health, culture and personal development.

Instrutora Tempestade is from Indianapolis, IN. She is co-leader of Capoeira Brasil in Indianapolis and a strength and movement coach by profession.