Mestre Bimba

Mestre Bimba (Manuel dos Reis Machado, 1900-1974) was the creator of Capoeira Regional, the more structured and combat-effective style of Capoeira. Born in Salvador, Bahia, Bimba was frustrated by the theatrical direction traditional Capoeira was taking and developed a new curriculum blending Capoeira Angola with elements of Batuque (a now-extinct African Brazilian fighting art) and other influences. In 1932 he opened the first official Capoeira school in Brazil - a revolutionary act at a time when Capoeira was illegal. His work legitimised Capoeira as a Brazilian martial art and national heritage, leading to its legalisation in 1937.