Mestre Raimundo

Mestre Raimundo is an early figure in the development of capoeira in Duque de Caxias, in the Baixada Fluminense region of Rio de Janeiro. His full name is not documented in available sources, but he is recognized as one of the "Mestres imprescindíveis" (indispensable masters) of capoeira in Caxias, alongside Mestre Gegê and Mestre Levi.

In 1973, alongside Mestre Josias da Silva, Raimundo taught capoeira to a young Cinézio Feliciano Peçanha—who would later become the internationally renowned Mestre Cobra Mansa, co-founder of GCAP and founder of FICA. The relationship between Josias and Raimundo is described in sources both as training partners who started together and as Josias training Raimundo, suggesting an evolving dynamic where they may have begun as peers and Raimundo later formalized his training under Josias.

Raimundo is listed among Josias da Silva's notable students, alongside Canela, Butt, Crispin, and Irani—all of whom became recognized capoeiristas in the Baixada Fluminense tradition.

These lineages, originating from the pioneer academies of Josias and Barbosa, have contributed to significant cultural initiatives in the region. Mestre Raimundo's tradition, along with those of Mestres Gegê and Levi, helped build the Museu Vivo da Capoeira (Living Capoeira Museum), based mainly in the second and third districts of Duque de Caxias.

The capoeira community in Caxias has been described as "uma árvore muito caudalosa" (a very branching tree), with multiple traditions flowing from these foundational masters. Caxias itself is recognized as "a powerful exporter of capoeira to the world", with mestres from the Roda Livre de Caxias spreading the art internationally.