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Mestre Jamaika found his passion for capoeira at seven years old living in Teixeira de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil. By age 15 he was traveling throughout Brazil to train and compete, under the direction of Mestre Loka of CapuraGinga, later winning three consecutive titles in the Brazilian Capoeira Confederation Championships, all before age 20.

Certified to teach under the title of “Professor” in 1997, Mestre Jamaika’s exceptional skill and explosive acrobatic talent have since placed him among the most sought-after instructors within the capoeira community, teaching, and performing at workshops and events throughout the world for the past 25 years. 

In June of 2013, Jamaika was awarded the title of “Mestre” by Mestre Amen. Mestre Jamaika continues to give workshops all over the United States and the world for other capoeira schools as well as for arts and professional dance programs. He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Amanda, and plans to continue sharing  Afro-Brazilian culture and strengthen community through capoeira.

This video was supported through a grant from the Utah Humanities and the National Endowment for the Humanities.

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The Salt Lake City Arts Council is a division of Salt Lake City Corporation in the Department of Economic Development and also maintains a nonprofit corporation, the Salt Lake City Arts Council Foundation with 501(c)(3) status.

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