Nozinho da Cocheira

Nozinho da Cocheira was a capoeirista active in Salvador, Bahia, during the 1920s and 1930s. He is featured in "Mestres e capoeiras famosos da Bahia" with the subtitle "Valente trabalhador" (Brave worker), which distinguishes him among his contemporaries as someone known for both his courage and his work ethic.

The nickname "da Cocheira" (of the stable/coach house) likely refers to his workplace or neighborhood. In early 20th century Salvador, many capoeiristas were identified by their occupations or the areas where they lived and worked. A cocheira was a place where horses and carriages were kept, and working there would have required physical strength and offered proximity to the transportation networks that were vital to Salvador's economy.

Unlike some of his contemporaries who were known primarily as political capangas (henchmen) or street fighters, Nozinho da Cocheira's epithet emphasizes his identity as a worker who also happened to be brave - suggesting a more positive characterization that combined capoeira skill with honest labor.

Nozinho was defended in court by Major Cosme de Farias, the legendary "rábula" (self-taught lawyer) who defended over 30,000 people including capoeiristas, thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and the poor. Farias was known for his emotional appeals rather than strict legal arguments, portraying his clients as "defenseless people trusting in justice's righteousness".

His dedicated chapter in "Mestres e capoeiras famosos da Bahia" indicates that the historians who documented Salvador's capoeira heritage considered his story significant enough to preserve. The "valente trabalhador" subtitle suggests a man who earned respect through both his physical prowess and his dedication to work.