João Pereira dos Santos or Mestre João Pequeno de Pastinha (27 December 1917 – 9 December 2011) was a prominent figure within the capoeira community. His legacy is intertwined with the rich tradition of capoeira, and he is celebrated as one of the most learned students of the late Mestre Pastinha, along with Mestre João Grande. This esteemed position was bestowed upon him by Mestre Pastinha himself, a testament to his dedication, skill, and profound understanding of capoeira. As a custodian of Mestre Pastinha’s teachings and techniques, Mestre João Pequeno played a vital role in preserving and perpetuating the art of capoeira for future generations. His contributions continue to inspire and influence capoeira practitioners worldwide, ensuring that the vibrant legacy of Mestre Pastinha endures through his enduring dedication and mastery of this captivating martial art and cultural phenomenon.
I couldn’t find much information about him in english, so the videos about him that I posted on this page are in portuguese. If you don’t speak portuguese, well you should learn it. It’s a beautiful language. If you’re a capoeirista, you should be learning portuguese anyway. (You don’t have to, but you should be learning it). So, much of the information I typed below are from the few sources I could find about him, mostly from Wikipedia.
During the 70s, traditional Capoeira Mestres and dedicated practitioners amongst the populace faced great hardships to continue the practice of their beloved art. Many of them died poor and hungry. Those who were able to, chose to migrate to other parts of Brazil, and even to other countries in search of greener pastures. Many Capoeira schools couldn’t survive. However, the most significant loss of the time was the closing down of Pastinha’s Capoeira academy (Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola) and his death in 1981.
This period marked a challenging time for the Capoeira community, with the loss of experienced practitioners and the dispersion of knowledge and schools. The closure of Pastinha’s academy was a particularly poignant event, as it represented the end of an era for Capoeira Angola. Despite these difficulties, the spirit of Capoeira persevered, with dedicated individuals striving to keep the art form alive and maintain its cultural significance both within Brazil and internationally. The resilience and determination of those who continued to practice and teach Capoeira during this time contributed to its enduring legacy and continued relevance in the modern era.
On 2 May 1982, as the world barely started to recover from the recession, João Pequeno bravely took up the spear, metaphorically speaking, and established the Academia de João Pequeno de Pastinha. The primary aim of this institution was to perpetuate the teaching lineage of Capoeira Angola in the same tradition as it was passed down in Mestre Pastinha’s academy. This lineage faced near destruction when Pastinha’s academy was initially shut down by the local government under the pretense of “renovating” the buildings in the PELOURINHO neighborhood, where the academy was situated. This pivotal moment marked the resilience and determination of João Pequeno in preserving the rich legacy of Capoeira Angola, ensuring it thrived despite the challenges it encountered.
Documentário sobre um dos mais importantes mestres de capoeira da história – o mestre João Pequeno de Pastinha – realizado pelo seu discípulo Pedro Abib em 1999, quando havia a ameaça do mestre perder o espaço onde funciona sua academia no Forte Santo Antonio até hoje. Esse documentário foi um importante instrumento de luta que garantiu a permanência do mestre no Forte. O mestre faleceu em 2011, mas o seu legado e sua memória continuam sendo preservadas por seus discípulos no mesmo local onde ele dava aulas e comandava as suas famosas rodas de capoeira.
Documentary about one of the most important masters of capoeira in history – master João Pequeno de Pastinha – carried out by his disciple Pedro Abib in 1999, when there was the threat of the master losing the space where his academy works in the Fort Antonio Antonio until today. This documentary was an important instrument of struggle that guaranteed the permanence of the master in the Fort. The master passed away in 2011, but his legacy and memory continue to be preserved by his disciples in the same place where he taught and ruled his famous capoeira rodas. Again, this video is in Portuguese, and as I said all trough this website, if you can’t speak portogues, then you should learn it.
The situation regarding Mestre Pastinha and the CECA is truly a testament to his unwavering dedication to preserving capoeira despite the challenging circumstances he faced. The government’s confiscation of his school space for renovations, without it ever being returned, represents a significant obstacle that he encountered. However, it’s remarkable to note that with the assistance of João Grande and João Pequeno, Mestre Pastinha managed to keep CECA operational under very trying conditions. Their resilience and commitment to capoeira are truly commendable.
In 1979, they were able to secure a small space on Rua Gregoria de Mattos at Ladeira do Ferrao, a crucial step that allowed them to continue their work in preserving and promoting capoeira. The subsequent passing of Mestre Pastinha two years later undoubtedly posed further challenges for the continuation of CECA’s mission. This period marked a time of great adversity, and yet the legacy of Mestre Pastinha and the efforts of João Grande and João Pequeno endure as a beacon of inspiration within the capoeira community.
The legacy of João Pequeno’s academy in upholding Pastinha’s teachings extended beyond the mere transmission of techniques and pedagogical approaches. It encompassed a profound commitment to the spiritual and cultural development inherent in the practice of Capoeira Angola. João Pequeno not only preserved Pastinha’s vision but also breathed new life into it, realizing the original objectives of the Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola. In doing so, he honored the timeless traditions of Capoeira Angola, embodied the fundamental principles of the Angoleiro, and fostered a supportive community for Capoeiristas, thereby ensuring the perpetuation and celebration of this rich heritage.
The impact of Mestre Pastinha’s death was deeply felt within the Capoeira community, resonating through the lives of prominent figures such as João Grande. Despite the profound impact, João Pequeno remained resolute during these challenging times, dedicating himself to the restoration and revitalization of Mestre Pastinha’s esteemed school. It is worth noting that his unwavering commitment and determination significantly contributed to the preservation of Capoeira’s rich cultural heritage.
Furthermore, the decision of João Grande to temporarily cease his Capoeira practice underscores the magnitude of Mestre Pastinha’s passing and its reverberating effects. However, João Pequeno’s steadfast resolve in upholding the legacy of Mestre Pastinha reflects his profound dedication and unwavering loyalty to their shared art form.
In a symbolic continuation of their shared legacy, João Grande later followed in the footsteps of his dear friend and Capoeira companion by establishing his own academy in New York City. This marked a pivotal moment, extending the reach of Capoeira and the traditions of its lineage to the United States in 1990, further solidifying its global presence and influence. Such actions serve as a testament to the enduring spirit and legacy of these esteemed Capoeira masters, ensuring the perpetuation of their art for future generations.
The Capoeira Angola community owes a great deal to Mestre João Pequeno, who dedicated his entire life to preserving and teaching Pastinha’s unique style of Capoeira Angola. His commitment to the art form has had a lasting impact, as many of his students have gone on to become esteemed Mestres in their own right, further spreading the traditions and techniques that Mestre João Pequeno worked so diligently to uphold.
Even as he reached his 90s, Mestre João Pequeno continued to impart his knowledge and passion for capoeira at his academy located in the historical Forte do Santo Antonio Alem do Carmo, a place deeply intertwined with the history and evolution of Capoeira Angola. Through his tireless efforts, the academy has been affectionately renamed Forte da Capoeira, becoming a symbol of the resilience and endurance of this martial art form. Situated on the north side of the historical center of Salvador da Bahia, known as Pelourinho, the Forte da Capoeira stands as a testament to the cultural significance and enduring legacy of Capoeira Angola in Brazil and beyond.
At the ripe old age of 93, Mestre João Pequeno, a renowned capoeira master, passed away on December 9, 2011. Mestre João Pequeno was a highly respected figure in the world of capoeira, having dedicated his life to the practice and promotion of this traditional Brazilian martial art. Born as João Pereira dos Santos in the state of Alagoinhas, Bahia, Brazil, on December 27, 1917, he began his journey in capoeira at a young age and went on to become a key figure in its preservation and evolution.
Mestre João Pequeno’s impact extended beyond the realm of capoeira, as he was also known for his musical talents and his role as a custodian of Afro-Brazilian culture. His passing marked the end of an era, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and influence practitioners of capoeira around the world. The profound knowledge and wisdom he shared during his lifetime continue to resonate within the capoeira community, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the art form to which he dedicated himself.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 