Grupo Capoeira Nagô

On November 15, 2001, after 21 years in the world of capoeira, Mestre Pequinês decided to form his own group. With 17 years under his belt as an "Aluno Formado," Pequinês left Grupo Candeias founded by Mestre Suíno.  For 6 months, the newly formed group used the temporary name of "Pequinês Capoeira;" after a group-wide vote, the group took the permanent name "Grupo Capoeira Nagô" founded on May 9, 2002 in the capital city of Goiana, Goiás.

The long range projection of Mestre Pequinês' work started when he was only a professor. While touring abroad, Pequinês became sponsored by Bad Boy, arguably signifying his status as the best capoeirista in the world. However, Pequinês is most proud of the achievements of his formados, graduados, and professors, who represent Capoeira Nagô in Brasil, the United States, Australia, Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, England, Germany, Holland, Colombia, Greece, Malta, México, and Peru.  Combining the skillful administration of Mestre Pequinês with the dedication of his students, Capoeira Nagô is a propulsive force in the worldwide expansion of Brazilian culture through the art form known as capoeira.

Capoeira Nagô USA was founded by Contra-Mestre André Gusmao in 2002. Contra-Mestre André's group in New York (www.capoeiranagonyc.com) is recognized as one of the foremost driving forces in the capoeira community in the United States' largest city.

To meet the rapidly growing demand for the high quality and uncomprimising standards that Capoeira Nagô represents, Contra-Mestre André invited Graduado Sapo to start a branch of the group in Milwaukee, WI.  Contra-Mestre André has only granted this honor to two other top students- Graduado Sargento in Brooklyn, NY and Graduado Vagalume in Miami, FL.