Aruanda - Capoeira Apeldoorn

Aruanda - Capoeira Apeldoorn was officially created by HSM (Highly Skilled Migrant) Formado Maré, Rodrigo Valentim, on August 3, 2024 and to be registered in 2026 with the KvK as soon as legally possible (after passing the integration exam - Inburgeringsexamen), with a focus on social inclusion and dissemination of Capoeira as a Brazilian martial art and culture, without limiting itself to teaching a specific style, in search of its authenticity and adaptation to the regional culture of the city of Apeldoorn.

One of the most legendary and respected figures in street capoeira in Salvador, Bahia. He is the master who best represents the living tradition at the Mercado Modelo – the ancestral and most iconic stage of capoeira, where great names in Brazilian martial art have played for decades.

Having frequented the Mercado Modelo since his 20s, Mestre Americano has become one of the oldest masters still fully active in the square. His daily presence in the rodas preserves the authentic style of street capoeira: malicious ginga, improvised games, traditional songs, and an energy that blends fight, dance, music, and cultural resistance. He regularly plays alongside other historical masters, keeping alive the essence of the open rodas that attract both local capoeiristas and visitors from around the world.

Today, he is responsible for capoeira at the Mercado Modelo, participating in rodas, events, and sharing his art. Follow his journey on his Instagram.

Year	Responsible	Summary
1989	Mestre Valtinho	I started capoeira at 8 years old, but after a few months I lost interest and decided to stop.
1994	Mestre Beck	After several invitations from a friend, I decided to try capoeira again, liked it, and returned permanently.
1995 to 1997	Professor André	Due to Mestre Beck's move to the United States, Professor André took over the group.
1998 to 2001	Mestre Cícero Tatu	By coincidence or destiny, Mestre Tatu was the one who baptized me, gave me my first cord, and defined my capoeira name; over time I ended up identifying with him and the capoeira he taught.
2002 to 2018	Various	With 4 to 6 hours of daily work travel in different locations, I had to continue capoeira whenever possible and with a group close to my routine, so I was never officially affiliated with any group or school and ended up learning various styles.
2019 to 2022	Professor Zuzu	A few weeks after moving to Apeldoorn, I returned to practicing capoeira in just one school.
2023	Professor Andorinha	After Professor Zuzu moved and stopped teaching in Apeldoorn.
2024	Mestre Americano	After Andorinha's promotion to Contra-Mestre, in the summer of this year, we talked and concluded that the most appropriate thing would be for me to open my own school, since I prioritize capoeira as a whole, unlike his style. From that moment on, Mestre Americano, with whom I already trained regularly during my trips to Salvador, became my mestre.
2025	Mestre Americano	I received authorization from the mestre to teach classes.