This is Roberval do Espirito Santo, AKA Mestre Roberval.
Mestre Roberval was born in 1964 in Salvador de Bahia, in the Cosme de Farias neighborhood.
He began learning Capoeira Angola at the age of 14, a pivotal moment that ignited his lifelong passion for this Afro-Brazilian martial art form. Roberval do Espírito Santo’s dedication and commitment to Capoeira Angola thrived as he diligently honed his skills under the expert guidance of Mestre Alfredo and Mestre Celste. Spending extensive hours in the captivating rodas, he delved into the profound history and traditions of this art form, cultivating a profound understanding of its cultural significance and influence.
It was a ritual for him to eagerly anticipate and partake in the roda at Mestre João Pequeno’s academy in Forte de Santo Antonio every Sunday, immersing himself in the contagious rhythm and vibrant energy while absorbing invaluable wisdom from the experienced members. The interactions with luminaries such as João Pequeno, Moraes, Cobrinha, Curió, Lua de Bobó, and João Grande further enriched his understanding, offering diverse perspectives, and fostering deep connections with influential capoeira masters from Bahia. These encounters significantly contributed to shaping his capoeira journey, providing multifaceted insights and invaluable guidance, ultimately leaving an indelible mark on his lifelong dedication to Capoeira Angola.
His dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, and soon he began to demonstrate his own unique style and flair in the roda, earning the respect of his peers. As his expertise in Capoeira Angola flourished, Roberval became increasingly involved in the local capoeira community, becoming a revered figure among practitioners and enthusiasts alike. This period of his life laid the foundation for his future contributions to the preservation and advancement of Capoeira Angola, leaving an indelible mark on the art form.
In 1981, a pivotal year in his life, he crossed paths with Laércio, Rosalvo, Fabio, and other passionate capoeiristas who shared his devotion to the art form. This led to the establishment of the esteemed group Filhos de Angola, a significant milestone in his mission to promote and preserve Capoeira Angola. Through unwavering dedication, Mestre Roberval has cultivated a global presence for Capoeira Angola, with his students now spanning across Brazil, Sweden, England, France, Spain, Switzerland, and Germany.
Not confined by geographical boundaries, he has also extended his commitment to the youth in impoverished areas of Brazil. In addition to conducting impactful Capoeira Angola activities, he has dedicated himself to establishing educational programs aimed at providing opportunities for personal and professional development. Through these initiatives, he strives to cultivate a sense of empowerment, foster cultural enrichment, and inspire hope for a brighter future among the young people in these communities.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 