I have dedicated my life to the teaching of capoeira, a vibrant traditional art that is being embraced worldwide.

The greatest reason that I am still teaching capoeira in the United States and abroad at the age of almost 70 is my belief that capoeira has the power of transforming people's lives and to influence the future of the youngster in a positive way.

Through Projeto Kirimurê I reach out to a modest number of disadvantaged children in my home country of Brazil, kids whose ancestors gave us capoeira. This is my attempt to return to those children a little bit of what this art form has given to myself and so many others: an opportunity for a better life.