Hi Everyone,
This is Mestre Boa Gente.
Now although the small documentary below basically says everything that you need to know about his life, there are a couple of additional things to say about his life, and besides, this video may not be here forever.
Vivaldo Conceição Rodrigues, Mestre Boa Gente, was born in May 17th 1945, in Ibicarai, in the South of Bahia, Brazil.
Capoeira Angola captured his heart and soul in 1956 in Ilhéus after watching teachers João Grande, João Pequeno and Antônio Cabeceiro, among others, play capoeira during the celebration of St. Sebastian, patron saint of the city. There he began his journey with mestre Antônio Cabeceiro, on the streets of Ilhéus. He learnt capoeira in the same manner with which the slaves learnt to play in “capoeiras” (cleared areas in the jungle), by watching others and applying what he saw in the roda, because at that time there were no Capoeira schools in Ilhéus. Then, by virtue of fate, he went to Salvador.
His experience with Capoeira Angola was not just a physical practice; it was a deep dive into the rich history and culture that surrounded this Afro-Brazilian martial art. His fascination with the movements, the music, and the rituals of Capoeira Angola led him to immerse himself in its practice, seeking not just proficiency in the martial art but a profound understanding of its roots and significance.
The streets of Ilhéus and the roda of Salvador became the classrooms of his education in Capoeira Angola, where each step, each ginga, and each jogo de dentro held within them the wisdom of generations past. His journey was not just about learning the physical techniques of capoeira, but also about embracing the spirit of camaraderie, respect, and resilience that defines this art form.
As he moved to Salvador, the cradle of Capoeira Angola, he found himself in the midst of a vibrant community of practitioners, mestres, and cultural custodians who generously shared their knowledge and experiences with him. This exchange of wisdom and the bonds forged within the roda became an integral part of his Capoeira Angola journey, shaping not just his skills as a capoeirista, but his outlook on life and his place within the larger tapestry of Afro-Brazilian culture and heritage.
In Salvador, he found himself not just as a student of Capoeira Angola, but as a custodian of its traditions, carrying forward the legacy of the mestres who had shaped this art form for centuries. His journey was no longer just about personal growth, but also about the responsibility to preserve and perpetuate the essence of Capoeira Angola for future generations.
The rhythm of the berimbau, the twirl of the atabaque, and the energy of the roda became intertwined with his very being, weaving the story of Capoeira Angola into the fabric of his life. From the dusty streets of Ilhéus to the vibrant neighborhoods of Salvador, his was a journey marked not just by physical prowess, but by a deep spiritual and cultural connection to an art form that transcended boundaries and spoke the language of resilience, liberation, and unity.
After embarking on the quest to find his brother Dominguinhos, he dedicated himself to the art of Capoeira Angola, honing his skills and discipline at the prestigious “Escola Baiana de Capoeira Angola” under the guidance of Mestre Gato. Over the course of several years, he immersed himself in the rich traditions of this martial art, embracing its history and deepening his expertise under the watchful eye of his revered mentor. This transformative journey not only shaped his physical abilities but also instilled in him a profound sense of respect for the art form and the cultural heritage it represents.
The story of Valdemar Santana, also known as the “Black Leopard” (Leopardo Negro), intertwines with the rich tapestry of martial arts history in Brazil. Santana’s visit to the Escola Baiana de Capoeira Angola marked a pivotal moment, as the renowned MMA champion recognized the exceptional potential in a dedicated student named Boa Gente. This recognition led to a significant invitation for Boa Gente to join Santana’s prestigious MMA academy, setting the stage for an incredible journey ahead.
With an unwavering commitment and passion for martial arts, Boa Gente embraced the opportunity and flourished, ultimately achieving the esteemed title of MMA champion of Bahia in 1974. However, his journey was not solely defined by this remarkable accomplishment. In 1972, Boa Gente’s path led him to a presentation of the “Sons of Oba” at Casa de Pedra, a defining moment that would shape his martial arts trajectory. During this event, where he was actively involved in training Capoeira, Boa Gente received a compelling invitation from Professor Lee to delve into the world of Korean Karate.
Embracing the invitation with characteristic enthusiasm, Boa Gente embarked on a transformative journey with Professor Lee, resulting in the founding of the Tae kwon-do Association of Bahia. This pivotal venture offered him the opportunity to further expand his expertise and skills in the realm of martial arts, leaving an indelible mark on the martial arts community.
Part of Boa Gente’s training of MMA included visiting other gyms and academies. When Boa Gente went to train at the Academy of Mestre Bimba, who had gone to Rio de Janeiro, mestre Vermelho 27 had taken over the training at the academy, providing the hard-training that Boa Gente needed. After this visit, he was not only deeply impressed by the skills and dedication of mestre Vermelho 27, but he was also greatly inspired by the rich cultural heritage and history of capoeira that he encountered at the academy. The experience of learning from such a knowledgeable and respected master like mestre Vermelho 27 left a lasting impression on Boa Gente.
Feeling a strong connection to the teachings and traditions of capoeira, Boa Gente was invited by mestre Vermelho 27 to train with him further. Under the guidance of the experienced mestre, Boa Gente honed his skills and expanded his knowledge of capoeira, embracing the principles of discipline, respect, and perseverance that are deeply ingrained in the art form. This period of training and mentorship not only contributed to his growth as a capoeirista, but also instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to carry forward the legacy of capoeira.
Fueled by his passion for capoeira and a desire to create a space where others could also experience the transformative power of the art, Mestre Boa Gente went on to found the “Associação de Capoeira Mestre Boa Gente” (Association of Capoeira Mestre Boa Gente) in 1981. The association aimed to preserve and promote the art of capoeira, offering a supportive environment for individuals to learn, practice, and develop their skills while embracing the cultural significance of the art form. Through his dedication and vision, Mestre Boa Gente’s association became a vibrant hub for capoeira enthusiasts, fostering a community that celebrated the heritage and spirit of capoeira.
Boa Gente’s remarkable story serves as a testament to the profound impact of dedication, mentorship, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the diverse world of martial arts. His journey encapsulates the fusion of traditions, disciplines, and the relentless pursuit of mastery, creating a lasting legacy within the martial arts landscape of Brazil and beyond.
Thereafter Mestre Boa Gente devoted his life to social work in “Vale das Pedrinhas”, “Nordeste de Amaralina”, Santa Cruz, and about 17 years of teaching at the College of São Paulo, one of the most respected institutions in the State of Bahia. His dedication to social work and education has made a significant impact not only in Brazil but also internationally. Through his workshops, courses, and lectures held in various parts of the world including the United States (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Las Vegas), Europe (Lisbon, Portugal), and Australia, he has shared the rich cultural heritage of Capoeira, influencing countless individuals and communities. Mestre Boa Gente’s innovative approach to teaching Capoeira to children and adolescents in schools has not only enabled them to learn a traditional art form but has also contributed to their overall learning and development. His pioneering efforts in this field have paved the way for the integration of Capoeira into educational programs, enriching the lives of many young people globally.
Today, Mestre Boa Gente still teaches and supervises classes daily in the area called “Vale das Pedrinhas”. He continues to impart his knowledge and wisdom to his students, passing down the rich traditions of his craft. With unwavering dedication, he upholds the values and intricacies of his art, inspiring those under his guidance to embrace the heritage and essence of capoeira. His presence in “Vale das Pedrinhas” serves as a pillar of strength, uniting the community through the art form that has been a source of empowerment and cultural significance for generations.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 