Hello my friends,
I introduce you to a true Pioneer of Capoeira Angola in the United States, Mestre Themba Mashama, Baba Themba.
Mestre Themba Mashama is a highly respected mestre in Capoeira Angola, boasting an impressive four decades of experience in the art form. His journey in capoeira began in the vibrant world of Regional/Contemporanea Capoeira under the guidance of MESTRE ACORDEON, a prominent figure in the capoeira community, known for his innovative techniques and deep cultural insights.
Throughout the years, under the invaluable guidance of MESTRE MORAES, Mestre Themba Mashama has dedicated himself to mastering the intricate nuances of Capoeira Angola, immersing himself in its rich history and traditional practices. His unwavering commitment to this art has not only earned him widespread recognition for his expertise but has also established him as a key figure in the preservation of Capoeira’s historical roots. Mestre Themba’s profound understanding of this traditional Brazilian martial art has allowed him to teach and mentor countless students, thereby ensuring that the essence of Capoeira Angola is passed on to new generations.
After gaining the title of mestre under Moraes, he went on to make significant contributions to the spread of Capoeira Angola in the United States. His endeavor led to the establishment of the very first Capoeira Angola academy in the country, located in Oakland, California. This marked a pivotal moment in the history of Capoeira, as it brought this traditional Brazilian martial art and cultural expression to a whole new audience in the United States, allowing it to flourish and grow in a vibrant and diverse new environment. As he began to teach and share the philosophy behind Capoeira Angola, his academy became a sanctuary for individuals from various backgrounds, uniting them through the shared passion for this unique art form.
His contributions to the preservation and evolution of Capoeira Angola have left an indelible mark on the community, inspiring generations of practitioners to delve deeper into the rich cultural heritage of this captivating art form while fostering a sense of unity and respect among practitioners worldwide. Through his workshops, performances, and community outreach, he continues to share the spirit of capoeira, emphasizing its significance as a transformative practice that encompasses physicality, artistry, and cultural identity. Each class is not merely a lesson in technique but a journey through history, rhythm, and movement, where students learn about the roots of Capoeira and its importance as a means of expression and resistance. He encourages his students to embrace not only the physical challenges but also the deeper connections to the community and the values that Capoeira embodies, thus ensuring that the legacy of this extraordinary martial art continues to thrive for future generations.
His upbringing in San Francisco played a significant role in shaping his values and perspectives. Growing up in such a diverse and vibrant city exposed him to a wide range of cultures and ideas, laying the foundation for his future activism.
The influence of his parents, particularly his strong father, provided him with invaluable guidance and support, instilling in him the determination to stand up for what he believes in. His ongoing work as an activist in the Bay area not only reflects his deep-rooted commitment to his community but also serves as an inspiration to others. It is truly commendable how he continues to dedicate himself to creating positive change and addressing important societal issues.
If you would like to know more about Mestre Themba’s life and history, I invite you to check out the recent podcast below.
This podcast provides a fascinating insight into his early influences, significant milestones, and the profound impact of his teachings. Tune in to discover the captivating narrative of a true master, as well as gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical context that shaped his remarkable story.
Click HERE to go to the podcast.
In reference to the podcast discussion, I find it challenging to contribute additional insights beyond the content already presented. Nevertheless, I am eager to share a brief account of my personal interactions with him.
The photo below was taken the weekend when I first met him.
That weekend, Jelani Lateef, the guy doing a back-bend (or “Ponte”) had arranged for his students at the time to meet Mestre Themba and his group, Capoeira Angola Preto Velho, for a Saturday of training. We had planned to only train with Mestre Themba on that Saturday, then on Sunday, we were gonna go to a local Roda.
However, while we were eating some food in Oakland’s Chinatown, Mestre offered to teach us another class on Sunday, which we eagerly accepted. That trip, and subsequent trips to Oakland to train with Mestre Themba has been enlightening, in many ways.
This experience not only allowed us to deepen our understanding of capoeira but also provided us with a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the local community.
The teachings of Mestre Themba and the exchanges with Capoeira Angola Preto Velho have left a lasting impact on our practice and our perspective, opening our eyes to the beauty and complexity of this mesmerizing art form. As we reflect on those days spent training and learning, we are filled with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a meaningful and transformative journey.
The connections made, the knowledge gained, and the memories created during our time in Oakland will forever hold a special place in our hearts, inspiring us to continue our quest for growth and understanding through the art of capoeira.
The video above is a game between Mestre Themba’s son TJ, and Naomi Hanna at an open roda commemorating Mestre Pastinha, at the conclusion of a 3 day workshop Mestre Themba had taught in November, 2018.
The experience of training with him is truly remarkable. His ability to discern your strengths and weaknesses, and personalize your training to unleash the full potential of the capoeirista within you is unparalleled.
Engaging in training sessions with him not only facilitates the acquisition of extensive technical skills in capoeira angola, encompassing musical and movement training, but also provides a profound insight that can only be gained from someone who has dedicated four decades to immersing themselves in the art of learning, teaching, and LIVING Capoeira Angola. His guidance transcends the physical aspects of the practice, delving into the essence of Capoeira Angola as a way of life, enriching your understanding and appreciation of this ancient tradition.
And yes, at times the training is strenuous, but also quite rewarding.
He also has a great sense of humor, which you’ll see in this last video playlist I posted here.
In this playlist, Head Coach Ras of ATACXGYM CAPOEIRA went to Oakland to visit the good people of Capoeira Angola Preto Velho.
Now some of you out there may have… ISSUES with Head Coach Ras and what he does, but that has nothing to do with me, or this website.
And also because in my opinion, there were many gems dropped by Mestre Themba, his student Treinel Mo, and Head coach Ras in these videos.
In addition to the invaluable insights shared by Mestre Themba, Treinel Mo, and Head coach Ras in the videos, it is essential to highlight the depth of knowledge and expertise they brought to the discussions. Their combined wealth of experience undoubtedly provided a wealth of valuable information, each contributing unique perspectives and in-depth understanding to the topics at hand. Each gem of wisdom shared by these respected individuals presents an opportunity for deeper reflection and learning, enriching the overall content and making it a truly enriching experience for the viewers.
The story of this dedicated angoleiro is truly inspiring. Over the years, he has devoted his life to the art of Capoeira Angola, imparting knowledge to numerous generations of students. Although he has stepped back from regular teaching, his passion for Capoeira Angola continues to thrive. Through workshops and presentations, he imparts his wealth of experience and expertise, leaving an indelible mark on all those who have the privilege of learning from him.
Furthermore, the fact that he has fostered a committed group of teachers dedicated to sharing Capoeira Angola across the United States is a testament to his profound impact on the art form. It’s evident that his legacy will endure through the passion and skill of the teachers he has mentored, ensuring that Capoeira Angola continues to flourish for years to come.
Today (May 5th, 2025), while browsing YouTube, I discovered the podcast Reflections on Capoeira featuring an enlightening interview with Mestre Themba, a prominent figure in the Capoeira community known for his profound insights and teachings. Listening to his captivating stories and perspectives on the art form not only inspired me to create a BLOG POST, but also encouraged me to delve deeper into the rich history and cultural significance of Capoeira. I was particularly moved by his emphasis on the importance of community and self-expression within this beautiful practice.
As a testament to his wisdom, I decided to share the video with all of you, hoping to spark their interest in Capoeira and its transformative potential.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 