NZ's First Capoeira Master!

NZ's First Capoeira Master! 13 APRIL 2007

Capoeira Pasifika Mandinga Aotearoa (CPMA), the oldest and largest capoeira school in NZ had a surprise over the Easter weekend when the group's founder, Grant Cole was promoted to the title of Mestre (Master).

This is the highest level in capoeira and not previously attained by a New Zealander. He is now to be known as Mestre Brabo (Brabo being his nickname, meaning 'angry').

Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art that combines music, movement, martial art and fun in a dynamic game or performance. It has been growing steadily in New Zealand and has been here since 1992 when Cole first introduced it, when he returned back from the US.

Every Easter, CPMA holds it's annual encounter event in Rotorua, bringing international Mestres from around the world to teach workshops and master classes.

The group’s event this year was hosting Cole's Mestre, Mestre Marcelo Pereira, the founder of the Capoeira Mandinga school, with whom Cole has been training since 1984.

In the final event of the weekend on Sunday in the formal roda (capoeira circle) Mestre Marcelo used a simple trick to surprise Mestre Brabo with his new green and white Mestre's belt.

He was due to have graduated last year in an event in Brazil but had been unable to attend due to various difficulties. His chance to graduate now is recognition of the huge amount of work he has put into his group, and capoeira in New Zealand.

CPMA have capoeira classes available for all levels in Auckland, Hamilton, Raglan, Mt Maunganui, Hokianga, Wanganui, Wellington and Christchurch.

For more about this story and interviews with Grant Cole, please contact Eliot Pryor on 021 1899226, or tucano@capoeira.org.nz.

Details about the group and the Easter event can be found on
www.capoeira.org.nz.

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