MESTRE BUDIAO

Olá! This is Mestre Budião.

Edvaldo Correia, aka Mestre Budião is the Capoeira Mestre of Grupo Capoeira Beringandão, a vibrant community that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Capoeira. He is a passionate Capoeirista born on the picturesque Island of ITAPARICA, where the rhythms of the ocean inspire his movements and teachings.

Throughout his life, he has developed a unique and accessible method of movement that originates from Capoeira Angola, a traditional style that emphasizes fluidity, grace, and the deep connection between body and spirit. Currently in his mid-40s, Mestre Budião has dedicated over 30 years to mastering this art form, honing his skills under the guidance of esteemed masters Gérson Quadrado and Jaime de Mar Grande. His extensive experience not only enhances his own practice but also enriches the lives of those he teaches, as he shares his knowledge and passion for Capoeira with future generations, fostering a sense of community and cultural pride wherever he goes.

Mestre Budião teaches a methodology he calls Beringandão, which refers to an ancestral Capoeira teaching/training style, inherited by Mestre Budião from the late MESTRE GERSON QUADRADO, a revered figure in the Capoeira community. Mestre Gerson Quadrado was originally from Itaparica Island, Vera Cruz, Mar Grande, Bahia, where he developed and refined his artistry in the rich environment of Afro-Brazilian culture.

When Mestre Quadrado shared this innovative training method with Budião, he used a branch from a bananeira, which is a type of banana tree known for its flexibility and strength. This choice left a profound impression on Budião, influencing his approach for years to come as he reflected on the symbolism of the bananeira, which represented resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Many years later, as Mestre Budiao began to develop and utilize his own version of this method, he decided to incorporate the berimbau into his practice, considering its ability to connect the physical movements with the soulful rhythms of capoeira, creating a harmonious blend that resonated with both the body and spirit.

In a moment of creativity, he coined the word “BERINGANDAO,” blending two distinct cultural words. One of them, “Barangandao,” is typical of Itaparica and Bahia, referring to a pendulum that symbolizes balance and movement, while the other word is “Berimbau.” If you read this website, you already know what a berimbau is, and you can appreciate how this instrument adds a unique dimension to Budião’s training method.

This information came from my capoeira sister LIZA BERNSTEIN, who’s been studying under Mestre Budiao for about 2 years, as of this writing.

Mestre Budião is intricately involved with the documentary “Let the Circle be Unbroken,” which not only showcases Mestre Gerson Quadrado and his profound Capoeira Angola methodology but also delves deeply into the rich cultural tapestry and daily life on Itaparica Island, a place steeped in tradition and history. This captivating documentary includes never-before-seen footage that offers a rare glimpse into the practices and philosophies surrounding this ancestral knowledge, as well as insightful discussions that reveal the nuances and significance of Capoeira Angola within the community. Through interviews with local practitioners and cultural historians, the film captures the vibrant spirit and resilience of the island’s inhabitants, illustrating how Capoeira serves not only as a martial art but also as an essential medium for cultural expression, social bonding, and the transmission of history.

Furthermore, the documentary elegantly intertwines the personal stories of individuals whose lives have been transformed by Capoeira, revealing the intricate connections between their backgrounds and the rich cultural roots of this art form. It paints a vivid picture of how this practice continues to thrive amidst modern challenges, adapting to contemporary contexts while retaining its core values and traditions. Through interviews and captivating visuals, the film showcases not only the physicality of Capoeira but also its role as a powerful tool for personal growth and community building, thereby ensuring that the legacy of Capoeira Angola remains an integral part of local identity and heritage, fostering resilience, unity, and a deep sense of pride among practitioners.

Mestre Budião, who is featured prominently in the documentary, reflects on his experiences as a young student of Mestre Gerson Quadrado, sharing his personal journey of learning and growth within this intricate and passionate art form, and highlighting the mentor-student relationship that is so vital to the passing down of cultural heritage in Capoeira. He reminisces about the challenging yet transformative moments that shaped his character and skill, emphasizing how these experiences not only improved his techniques but also deepened his understanding of the philosophy and values intrinsic to Capoeira. Through these layers of storytelling, the film aims not only to entertain but also to educate viewers about the importance of preserving this invaluable cultural legacy for future generations, ensuring that the essence of Capoeira, with its rich history and profound teachings, continues to thrive.

In short, Mestre Budião is a Capoeira Mestre carrying on the legacy of His Mestres, embracing the ancestral teachings of Beringandão within the Capoeira community. Through his unwavering dedication, he not only preserves the rich history and cultural significance of this art form but also fosters a vibrant environment where practitioners can explore their identities and deepen their understanding of Capoeira’s philosophical roots. His commitment extends beyond mere practice; it encompasses the transmission of values such as respect, discipline, and community, which form the very foundation of Capoeira.

By hosting workshops, community events, and interactive classes, he creates inclusive spaces that invite both beginners and seasoned practitioners to connect with one another, fostering an environment of mutual respect and learning. Each event is enriched with stories from the past, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of those who came before, thus forming a bridge between generations and providing context that deepens their understanding of Capoeira. In each gathering, participants are encouraged to share their own experiences, contributing to a collective narrative that strengthens the community’s bonds. His commitment to mentorship is evident, as he inspires a new generation of practitioners to appreciate their roots and understand the importance of Capoeira in their lives, urging them to not only practice the movements but also embody the spirit of resilience, community, and culture that Capoeira represents. By instilling these values, he cultivates a sense of pride and responsibility in his students, motivating them to carry the legacy forward and explore their own potential within this rich cultural tradition.

Speaking of which, here’s Mestre Budião, and my talented Capoeira sister Liza Bernstein, who brings her unique energy and insight to the practice that is truly inspiring. Together, they are sharing invaluable wisdom at the Multiartes Collective Festival, held in the vibrant city of Guarulhos, SP, on May 18, 2025. With interactive workshops and performances, attendees can immerse themselves in the rhythm and spirit of Capoeira, learning not just the art form itself but also the philosophy that underpins it, making this an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

In this extraordinary event, Mestre Budião shares what is called a Lamento, a deeply emotional expression in Capoeira, then he sings his signature Ladainha, which he wrote when he was just 18 years old, reflecting the essence of his early experiences and teachings. Following this, he provides enlightening insights into the significance of both a Lamento and a Ladainha, exploring their historical context and their role in connecting practitioners to the heart of Capoeira. He also speaks passionately about the island of ITAPARICA, delving into its rich history and how it has influenced the art form over the centuries, weaving stories of resilience and cultural heritage that resonate deeply with the audience. Then, he introduced Liza, who captivates everyone with her own Ladainha that she wrote, which was inspired by her transformative experiences studying under the guidance of Mestre Budião. Liza also shares a wonderful poem she composed about discovering an ancient hand tool on the ground in Botswana, illustrating her connection to our most ancient human ancestors, and drawing parallels to Capoeira as well as her practice of working with clay, a medium that reflects the malleability and rhythm of the art itself.

This event not only highlights the rich traditions of Capoeira but also fosters an environment of learning, camaraderie, and celebration among practitioners and enthusiasts from various backgrounds, creating an unforgettable experience for all attendees who come together to honor and embrace the art form in all its vibrant glory.

This commitment to education and community engagement ensures that the ongoing evolution of this dynamic tradition is not just a personal journey but a collective effort to honor and innovate within this beautiful Afro-Brazilian cultural expression. By fostering collaboration among diverse groups and encouraging participation from all age demographics, we cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of the rich heritage that informs this art form. . This exchange of ideas not only enhances the cultural landscape but also strengthens community bonds, paving the way for future generations to engage with and contribute to this vibrant tradition.