MESTRE CALANGO

The Philosophical and Historical Legacy of Grupo União Capoeira

Grupo União Capoeira is an institution devoted to sharing and preserving the art and philosophy of capoeira, both in Brazil and internationally. Its founder, Mestre Biriba, established the group in 1985 in the Vila Nova Cachoeirinha neighborhood in the northern region of São Paulo, with the group’s official headquarters opening in 1990. For over the years, this location has been a vital center for the group’s activities, dedicated to the continuous growth and expression of capoeira.

Mestre Biriba envisioned Grupo União Capoeira as a path to embody and share the foundational pillars of Unity, Freedom, and Balance among capoeiristas. Through these principles, he sought to foster not only physical skill but also a philosophy of self-mastery, resilience, and communal respect that are intrinsic to the art of capoeira. Known for his swift and fluid movements, as well as his controlled and graceful ginga, Mestre Biriba left a legacy as both an exceptional capoeirista and a dedicated teacher. He trained numerous capoeira masters, including Mestre Mancha, who now leads the group uniao capoeira, and Mestre Calango, who serves as the group’s International Coordinator and Supervisor. 

As an international ambassador of Grupo União Capoeira, Mestre Calango has carried the teachings and philosophy of the group to students worldwide. His extensive travels across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa have brought the spirit of Grupo União Capoeirato a global audience, highlighting capoeira as both an art form and a cultural expression deeply rooted in Brazilian heritage. 

Under Mestre Mancha's leadership and Mestre Calango’s guidance, Grupo União Capoeira has continued to engage with diverse audiences through cultural presentations, including Maculelê, Puxada de Rede, Samba de Roda, and other traditional Brazilian dances.

These performances celebrate Brazilian folklore, connecting the movement and music of capoeira to the larger cultural tapestry of Brazil. Through these efforts, Grupo União Capoeira remains dedicated to the timeless values set by Mestre Biriba, upholding capoeira as a path toward unity, freedom, and balance that transcends borders, time, and cultural divides.

SALVE!!

Zairo Aparecido Mendes Silva, known as Mestre Biriba, was born on September 16, 1960, in Prata, Minas Gerais. He started practicing capoeira at the age of 16 in São Paulo under the guidance of Mestre Suassuna and graduated on July 26, 1980, alongside fellow students Marcelo Careivinha, Risadinha de Zambi, Falvio Tucano, and others.  

Mestre Biriba became known for the speed of his movements, his fluidity in flourishes, and his controlled, graceful ginga, which reflected his complete mastery over his body. Over the years, he trained and mentored numerous capoeira instructors and masters, including Mestre Mancha and Mestre Beleza, who are now part of GRUPO UNIÃO CAPOEIRA.  

He traveled extensively throughout Brazil, spreading capoeira, and introduced the art to several other countries, including the United States. In 1995, Mestre Biriba moved to Botucatu, São Paulo, where he promoted capoeira in local academies and at UNESP-Botucatu (São Paulo State University). On January 27, 1997, Mestre Biriba passed away, joining the legacy of great Mestres who have left an indelible mark on the world of capoeira. He left behind his children, family, students, disciples, and a clear legacy of his profound love for capoeira.  

Mestre Biriba was known as one of the greatest capoeiristas, carrying a deep sense of pride and dignity in his work. He was an incredible berimbau player and was fearless in the roda, willing to play with anyone. Despite his courage, he was introverted, a quiet and caring person who trained with intense dedication. His academy was always organized and impeccably clean, reflecting his meticulous nature. Mestre Biriba trained under the philosophy of união capoeira since 1972.

Ogum Yê Meu Pai 

He began his capoeira journey at an early age, when he was still a child. Son of Mestre Biriba and Shirley Aragão, who practiced Olympic gymnastics and athletics and was also an excellent capoeirista.

He graduated as a capoeira professor on November 23, 2002, and after much dedication, hard work, and love for the art of capoeira, he received the title and rank of first-degree mestre from Mestre Mancha in November 2011.

In Brazil, he sought learning from prominent capoeira figures, which gave him a broad teaching knowledge that he shares in classes, workshops, and lectures, reaching various Brazilian states and countries across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Africa.

As a scholar of Brazilian folklore, he also dedicates himself to the art of maculelê, samba de roda, and other dances, as well as to percussion and crafting instruments.

He is part of the new generation of capoeiristas among great masters and has worked to elevate the name of the GRUPO UNIÃO CAPOEIRA.