Person
Mestre Waldemar
Waldemar Rodrigues da Paixão
22 February 1916 – 16 March 1990
Born in Ilha de Maré, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Died in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
5
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- Life
- Lineage (training, titles granted)
- Locations
- approximate
Dated moments of this life, from the corpus.
- 191622 February 1916Born · Ilha de Maré, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- 1936Trained in Periperi, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil · at 20
- 1936Began training with Talabi, Siri de Mangue, Besouro Gago, Ricardo de Ilha de Maré, Neco Canário Pardo · at 20
- c. 1950Title granted to Ananias · at 34 · evidence
- 199016 March 1990Died · at 74
26
5 teachers
Siri de Mangue
1880s – ?Besouro Gago
1890s – ?Ricardo de Ilha de Maré
1890s – ?Neco Canário Pardo
1880s – ?
MestreWaldemar
→21 students
Mestre Zacarias Boa Morte
1923 – 20005 November 1923 – 3 November 2000Mestre Ananias
1924 – 20164 October 1924 – 21 July 2016Mestre Zé de Freitas
1926 –Mestre Traíra
1925 – 1970sNagé
1923 – 1958Cabelo Bom
1910s – 2010sMestre Brandão
1930 – 202410 February 1930 – 30 April 2024Mestre Bigodinho
1933 – 201113 September 1933 – 5 April 2011Macário
1920s –Tatá
1920s –Chita
1920s –Mestre Caiçara
1924 – 19978 May 1924 – 26 August 1997Mestre Gato Preto
1930 – 200219 March 1930 – 6 August 2002Mestre Boca Rica
1936 –Mestre Silvestre
1930s –Mestre Olavo
1942 –Mestre Camisa Roxa
1944 – 20137 January 1944 – 18 April 2013Bugalho
1900s – ?Mestre Gegê
1948 –Mestre Pelé da Bomba
1934 – 202425 December 1934 – 26 October 2024Mestre Pintor
1950s –
Waldemar Rodrigues da Paixão was born on February 22, 1916, on Ilha de Maré, one of the islands in the Bay of All Saints near Salvador. He would become one of the most influential capoeira mestres of the 20th century, bridging the era of street capoeira and the modern academy system while stubbornly refusing to formalize his teaching.
In 1936, at age 20, Waldemar sought out training in Periperi, a working-class neighborhood in Salvador's railway suburbs. "I learned capoeira in 1936 in Periperi", he recalled in a 1989 interview. "I had four mestres: Siri de Mangue, one; Canário Pardo, two; Talavi, three, and Ricardo from Ilha de Maré, four". He deliberately sought these teachers "to become professional", training for four years before he began teaching.
Siri de Mangue was a saveirista (boatman) from the Recôncavo who had been a training companion of the legendary Besouro Mangangá. Neco Canário Pardo taught him machete fighting. Talabi de Periperi was active at the "roda danada" (wild roda) where the old mestres gathered. Ricardo came from Waldemar's own birthplace of Ilha de Maré. Through these four teachers, Waldemar inherited knowledge that stretched back to the pre-legalization era of capoeira.
By 1940, Waldemar established himself in the Corta-Braço slum—later renamed Liberdade—on the Estrada da Liberdade in Salvador. He built a straw-covered shed (barracão) where he held rodas every Sunday. Unlike Mestre Bimba with his academies and graduation system, and unlike Mestre Pastinha with his formal Centro Esportivo de Capoeira Angola, Waldemar never institutionalized his teaching. "At those times there wasn't any Academy", he explained. "The Academy was everywhere there was a good shadow from the sun".
The Barracão de Waldemar became legendary. Every Sunday, capoeiristas from across Salvador gathered there. Waldemar earned the nickname "Sete Molas" (Seven Springs) for his agility—he could play capoeira without dirtying his white weekend clothes. He controlled his rodas with authority but without weapons, maintaining discipline through respect rather than force. "Everyone appreciates me, everyone likes me", he said.
His students included Zacarias Boa Morte (from 1942), José Cabelo Bom, Nagé, Traíra (from 1947), Bigodinho (from 1950), and many others. Traíra, who had served 11 years in prison for murder, came to Waldemar upon release. "The deceased Traíra took care of the roda", Waldemar recalled. "I went there, gave my order and went to have a beer. I was made". He taught using gestures and signals during play, indicating moves like tesoura and chibata without interrupting the game.
In 1942, Waldemar began selling decorated berimbaus at the Feira Água de Meninos market. He is credited with inventing the practice of painting and varnishing berimbaus, transforming them from rough instruments into works of art. He created a famous blue berimbau called "Azulão". This innovation became a significant source of income and established him as one of the master berimbau craftsmen of Bahia.
The 1950s brought recognition beyond the capoeira world. In 1953, Dorival Caymmi invited Waldemar to Rio de Janeiro for the show "Acontece que Sou Baiano" at the Casablanca nightclub. Waldemar brought twelve capoeiristas he had trained and performed for three months. This was one of the first times capoeira was presented publicly in Rio as entertainment. During this decade, ethnologists Anthony Leeds (1950) and Simone Dreyfus (1955) came to his Barracão to record the sounds of the berimbaus. Artists including sculptor Mário Cravo, painter Carybé, and photographer Pierre Verger frequented his sessions, documenting his capoeira through their work.
Waldemar also created the "Dentinho de Angola", a technique he described as potentially lethal—a heel strike to the throat. He deliberately did not teach it to his students for safety reasons.
In 1968, Waldemar stopped actively playing capoeira due to age and declining health, though he continued crafting berimbaus. He developed Parkinson's disease in his later years but remained connected to the capoeira world. In 1984, despite his condition, he recorded an album with his friend Mestre Canjiquinha and participated in the I Encontro Nacional de Arte Capoeira in Rio de Janeiro, where he was described as "the oldest of all, considered the most important after the death of Mestre Pastinha".
Waldemar died on March 16, 1990, in Salvador. A neighborhood and a street in Bahia bear his name. He is remembered as "O Herói da Liberdade" (The Hero of Liberdade) and as one of the greatest mestres in the history of Capoeira Angola—a man who insisted on teaching the old way, in the open air, under a straw roof, preserving the street tradition even as capoeira moved into academies.
47
Some relations are disputed
Sources disagree about at least one relation on this page. Disputed relations are marked with a diamond.27
Granted titles to1
Waldemar granted the title of Contra-Mestre de bateria to Ananiasc. 1950
Received position of contra-mestre de bateria from Waldemar after rigorous testing by the mestres. Date approximate (sometime between 1946-1953 training period).
Student of5
Waldemar student of Talabi1936 – 1940
Third of four teachers. Talabi (also spelled Talavi, Telabi, Calabi) was active at the "roda danada" (wild roda) in Periperi.
Waldemar student of Siri de Mangue1936 – 1940
First of four teachers. Siri de Mangue was a saveirista from the Recôncavo and training companion of Besouro Mangangá.
Waldemar student of Besouro Gago1936 – 1940
DISPUTED: Listed by Grupo Liberdade Capoeira as a fifth teacher, but this CONTRADICTS Waldemar's own 1989 interview where he explicitly stated "I had four mestres" and named only Siri de Mangue, Canário Pardo, Talavi, and Ricardo. Besouro Gago ("the Stutterer") is distinct from Besouro Mangangá.
Waldemar student of Ricardo de Ilha de Maré1936 – 1940
Fourth of four teachers. Ricardo was from Ilha de Maré, the same island where Waldemar was born.
Waldemar student of Neco Canário Pardo1936 – 1940
Second of four teachers. Neco Canário Pardo was known for machete expertise and was a companion of Besouro at Trapiche de Baixo.
Teacher of11
Waldemar teacher of Zacarias Boa Morte1942 – 16 March 1990
Waldemar confirmed in 1987: "Zacarias foi meu aluno de 1942". First documented student of Waldemar. Waldemar pointed to Zacarias and José Cabelo Bom as "capoeiristas of the future who will continue his tradition".
Waldemar teacher of Zé de Freitas1946 – 16 March 1990
Mestre Caiçara introduced Zé de Freitas to Mestre Waldemar Rodrigues da Paixão (known as "o Poeta" - the Poet). Zé de Freitas became Waldemar's disciple and refined his technique and musical skills at Waldemar's famous Barracão in Liberdade, Salvador.
Waldemar teacher of Ananias1946 – 1953
Primary teacher at Barracão de Waldemar in Liberdade. Received position of contra-mestre de bateria from Waldemar after rigorous testing by the mestres.
Verified[4]- [4]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com(accessed 2 November 2026)
1946 - Until 1953 trained with M Waldemar, having been contra mestre de bateria.
- [4]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com(accessed 2 November 2026)
Waldemar teacher of Traíra1947 – c. 1975
Traíra began formal training with Waldemar in 1947. He became so trusted that he managed Waldemar's roda: "The late Traíra is who managed the roda. I'd arrive, give orders, then have beer" (Waldemar). Training continued until Traíra's death ~1975.
Verified[5]- [5]Mestre Traíra, CapoeiraWiki, teachers / biography section(accessed 2 November 2026)
Around 1947, Traíra began training under Mestre Waldemar
- [5]Mestre Traíra, CapoeiraWiki, teachers / biography section(accessed 2 November 2026)
Waldemar teacher of Cabelo Bom1940s – 16 March 1990
Primary student of Waldemar at Barracão in Corta-Braço/Liberdade. Waldemar designated him as one of two "capoeiristas of the future who will continue his tradition" alongside Zacarias Boa Morte.
Waldemar teacher of Brandão1950 – 16 March 1990
Began training with Mestre Waldemar in 1950, encouraged by a friend from sports. Waldemar operated the Barracão de Waldemar on Estrada da Liberdade in Salvador from 1940-1968.
Waldemar teacher of Bigodinho1950 – 1970
Bigodinho began training with Mestre Waldemar at the Barracão in Liberdade in 1950 when he moved to Salvador. He frequented the Barracão for over 25 years, becoming one of the most respected capoeiristas there. Left capoeira in 1970 due to repression.
Waldemar teacher of Silvestre1950s – 16 March 1990
Primary teacher; learned capoeira in the second half of the 1950s with Waldemar da Liberdade
Waldemar teacher of Caiçara1950s – 16 March 1990
Caiçara trained under Mestre Waldemar at the legendary Barracão in Liberdade, Salvador, during the 1950s. Sources particularly note his development of berimbau and singing skills, which made him famous as "a great singer" with a "contagious and hypnotic" voice. CapoeiraHub lists Waldemar as one of his primary teachers.
Verified[10][11]- [10]Mestre Caiçara, Capoeira Wiki(accessed 2 November 2026)
A student of Mestre Aberrê and Mestre Waldemar, Caiçara became one of the most controversial and charismatic figures
- [11]velhosmestres.com: destaques 27
- [10]Mestre Caiçara, Capoeira Wiki(accessed 2 November 2026)
Waldemar teacher of Olavo1960 – 1970
Olavo moved to Salvador in 1960 at age 18 and began studying capoeira and berimbau-making with Mestre Waldemar. Learned steel wire (arame) and gourd painting (cabaças) techniques from Waldemar. Directed rodas at Agnelo's bar (1969-1970) under Waldemar's oversight.
Waldemar teacher of Bugalho
Bugalho frequented Waldemar's barracão in Liberdade as a regular capoeirista and berimbau player. Sources describe him as one of Waldemar's bambas. He was photographed by Pierre Verger at the barracão (~1955) and filmed in "Voyage sans passeport" (1960) with Waldemar.
Guided the training of10
Waldemar guided the training of Nagé1940s – 1958
Nagé was part of the scene at Waldemar's Barracão in Corta Braço. Waldemar mentioned him in 1989: "um preto por nome Nagé—que juntaram cinco homens pra matar ele"
Waldemar guided the training of Macário1950s – 16 March 1990
Macário trained at Waldemar's barracão in Liberdade, Salvador during the early 1950s. João Grande played with him directly and praised his skill.
Likely[16][17]- [16]João Grande 1989 interview (reference incomplete), 1989
- [17]velhosmestres.com: featured 44
Waldemar guided the training of Boca Rica1950s – 16 March 1990
Frequented Mestre Waldemar's famous barracão at Passeio de Aguinelo in Liberdade neighborhood. Learned berimbau rhythms from Waldemar alongside his primary training with Pastinha.
Waldemar guided the training of Gato Preto1950s – 16 March 1990
Gato Preto trained under Mestre Waldemar da Paixão. The 1962 LP "Capoeira" was recorded at Waldemar's barracão. Waldemar described him as "a good fellow" and noted his father Eutíquio was "a good capoeira master".
Waldemar guided the training of Tatá1950s – 16 March 1990
Tatá trained at Waldemar's barracão in Liberdade, Salvador during the early 1950s. João Grande described him as one of the "snakes, experts" there.
Likely[16][17]- [16]João Grande 1989 interview (reference incomplete), 1989
- [17]velhosmestres.com: featured 44
Waldemar guided the training of Chita1950s – 16 March 1990
Chita trained at Waldemar's barracão in Liberdade, Salvador during the early 1950s. João Grande described him as one of "Waldemar's students" and played with him directly.
Likely[16][17]- [16]João Grande 1989 interview (reference incomplete), 1989
- [17]velhosmestres.com: featured 44
Waldemar guided the training of Camisa Roxa1960s – 16 March 1990
Played in the rodas of Mestres Waldemar and Traíra on Rua Pero Vaz in Liberdade, Salvador. Highly respected for his posture and knowledge of capoeira fundamentals.
Waldemar guided the training of Pintor
As a teenager, Pintor traveled to Bahia and trained under Waldemar among other mestres. Waldemar was the iconic Angola mestre of Liberdade neighborhood.
Waldemar guided the training of Pelé da Bomba
Pelé da Bomba frequented Mestre Waldemar's legendary barracão in Pero Vaz (Corta Braço), Liberdade neighborhood. When Pelé arrived, Waldemar would greet him: "Lá vem Satanás!" (Here comes Satan!). He participated in the rodas but Bugalho was his primary teacher.
Waldemar guided the training of Gegê
In Salvador, Gegê learned to fabricate painted berimbaus from Mestre Waldemar. This was before his 1965 move to Rio de Janeiro.
20
Associated with16
Waldemar was associated with Pastinha1940s – 1960s
Contemporary mestres who practiced together in Salvador. Waldemar and Pastinha were both active during the 1940s-1960s, representing different approaches to preserving capoeira Angola.
Verified[20]- [20]Diário de Notícias 1970 interview: Waldemar said he had "vadiado" with Pastinha, Bimba, and Totonho Maré (reference incomplete), 1970
Waldemar was associated with Totonho de Maré1940s –
Both were from Ilha de Maré and practiced together. Totonho (1894-1974) was older and was one of the "owners and proprietors" of Gengibirra.
Verified[20]- [20]Diário de Notícias 1970 interview: Waldemar said he had "vadiado" with Pastinha, Bimba, and Totonho Maré (reference incomplete), 1970
Waldemar was associated with Cobrinha Verde1940s –
Contemporary mestres who influenced each other. The 1962 LP "Capoeira da Bahia" was recorded at Waldemar's residence. Both were important Angola mestres in Salvador.
Waldemar was associated with Sete Molas1940s – 1950s
Sete Molas had a roda close to Waldemar's in Liberdade. Both were contemporary mestres active in the 1940s-1950s.
Waldemar was associated with Bimba1940s – 1960s
Contemporary mestres who practiced together despite their different approaches. Waldemar (Angola) and Bimba (Regional) both operated in Salvador during the 1940s-1960s.
Verified[20]- [20]Diário de Notícias 1970 interview: Waldemar said he had "vadiado" with Pastinha, Bimba, and Totonho Maré (reference incomplete), 1970
Waldemar was associated with Antônio Cabeceiroc. 1953 – c. 1954
Cabeceiro was one of the formidable capoeiristas at Waldemar's roda in Liberdade, Salvador. João Grande recalled: "Antônio Cabeceiro was as wicked as anything". He bought the game from João Grande and threw him into the street during a meia lua de costas (~1953-1954).
Waldemar was associated with Crispim1954 –
Both appeared in "Vadiação" (1954) by Alexandre Robatto Filho.
Waldemar was associated with Curió1954 –
Curió appears in 1954 photographs at Mestre Waldemar's legendary barracão in Liberdade, captured by French photographer Marcel Gautherot (IMS collection). This places him among the vibrant roda scene of 1950s Salvador.
Waldemar was associated with Zeca do UruguaiJanuary 1955 –
Both played berimbau at the 1955 Ribeira carnival roda; documented in Marcel Gautherot photographs held by Instituto Moreira Salles
Waldemar was associated with Mucungê1950s –
Mucungê was part of the bateria at Mestre Waldemar's legendary Barracão in the Liberdade neighborhood of Salvador during the 1950s, before migrating to Rio de Janeiro.
Waldemar was associated with Espinho Remoso1950s – 1960
Waldemar attended Espinho Remoso's Sunday roda at Jaqueira do Carneiro in the 1950s.
Verified[27][28]- [27]Mestre Virgílio: Meio Século de Capoeira, Portal Capoeira, 2008
- [28]Mestre Espinho Remoso, Wikipédia
Waldemar was associated with Nô1963 –
Around 1963, at the festa of Ribeira in Salvador, Nô was consecrated as a capoeirista in Mestre Waldemar's roda. This was his public recognition by the great mestres of Salvador.
Waldemar was associated with Bom CabritoNovember 1984 – December 1984
Played berimbau together at I Encontro Nacional de Arte Capoeira (Circo Voador, Nov-Dec 1984). Both were among the seven traditional Old Masters from Bahia at this event.
Waldemar was associated with Geni16 September 1986 – 16 September 1986
Geni played atabaque and sang chorus on Waldemar and Canjiquinha's 1986 LP recording at Boca do Rio studio, Salvador.
Waldemar was associated with Canjiquinha16 September 1986 –
Canjiquinha and Waldemar recorded a 34-track LP on September 16, 1986 at Boca do Rio studio in Salvador. Liner notes by Mestre Itapoan described them as "heirs of the roots" from masters Siri de Mangue and Aberrê. Chorus included Mestres Itapoan, Suassuna, Ezequiel, and Geni.
Waldemar was associated with I Encontro Nacional de Arte CapoeiraDate unknown
Unverified[33]- [33]I Encontro Nacional de Arte Capoeira (1984)(accessed 5 October 2026)
o mais velho de todos
- [33]I Encontro Nacional de Arte Capoeira (1984)(accessed 5 October 2026)
Influenced4
Waldemar influenced Suassuna1950s –
Suassuna visited Waldemar's terreiro in Salvador as part of his efforts to learn from the most famous mestres of Bahia.
Waldemar influenced Laércio1978 – c. 1990
Encountered at Caiçara's academy and Salvador rodas. Listed among mestres who influenced Laércio. Waldemar died 1990.
Waldemar influenced Tabosa1987 –
Waldemar presented Tabosa with "Ás de Ouro 88" berimbau at I Jornada de Capoeira Ouro Preto (1987) and Salvador (1988), recognizing his stature.
Waldemar influenced Madeira? – 16 March 1990
German sources describe Madeira's relationship to Waldemar as "meetings" (Treffen) that "particularly influenced" (prägten) him. Named his group in honor of Waldemar's favorite mestre.
1
Trained in: Periperi, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
1936 –
- 47
- statements
- 36
- · 77%
- with a source
- 11
- without a source
- 1
- disputed
Relations by confidence
- Verified: 31
- Likely: 14
- Unverified: 1
- Disputed: 1
Sources cited
- [1]grupoliberdadecapoeira.com.br: linhagem mestres ×1cited 1 time
- [2]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1942 1 ×1cited 1 time
- [3]Mestre Zé de Freitas (Linhagem do Urucungo Capoeira), Wiki Urucungo ×1cited 1 time
- [4]Velhos Mestres – featured (Mestre Ananias timeline), velhosmestres.com ×1cited 1 time
- [5]Mestre Traíra, CapoeiraWiki ×1cited 1 time
- [6]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1989 2 ×2cited 2 times
- [7]velhosmestres.com: featured 52 ×1cited 1 time
- [8]velhosmestres.com: featured 11 ×1cited 1 time
- [9]matumbecapoeira.com: mestres ×1cited 1 time
- [10]Mestre Caiçara, Capoeira Wiki ×1cited 1 time
- [11]velhosmestres.com: destaques 27 ×1cited 1 time
- [12]artesanatodabahia.com.br: mestre olavo da bahia ×1cited 1 time
- [13]velhosmestres.com: destaques 65 ×1cited 1 time
- [14]esquiva.wordpress.com: mestre bugalho ×1cited 1 time
- [15]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1955 3 ×1cited 1 time
- [16]João Grande 1989 interview ×3cited 3 times
- [17]velhosmestres.com: featured 44 ×3cited 3 times
- [18]taylorsbantus.wordpress.com: mestre pintor ×1cited 1 time
- [19]aldeiacapoeira.com: mestregege ×1cited 1 time
- [20]Diário de Notícias 1970 interview: Waldemar said he had "vadiado" with Pastinha, Bimba, and Totonho Maré ×3cited 3 times
- [21]1962 LP "Capoeira da Bahia" recorded at Waldemar's residence ×1cited 1 time
- [22]velhosmestres.com (Araújo 2010) ×1cited 1 time
- [23]Interview with Mestre João Grande, Capoeira Connection ×1cited 1 time
- [24]Mestre Curió, Velhos Mestres ×1cited 1 time
- [25]Waldemar 1955, Velhos Mestres ×1cited 1 time
- [26]sites.google.com: mestre ananias ×1cited 1 time
- [27]Mestre Virgílio: Meio Século de Capoeira, Portal Capoeira ×1cited 1 time
- [28]Mestre Espinho Remoso, Wikipédia ×1cited 1 time
- [29]capoeirapalmares.co.uk: mestre no ×1cited 1 time
- [30]velhosmestres.com: featured 72 ×1cited 1 time
- [31]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1984 ×1cited 1 time
- [32]velhosmestres.com: waldemar 1986 ×2cited 2 times
- [33]I Encontro Nacional de Arte Capoeira (1984) ×1cited 1 time
- [34]filhosdeangola.eu: biografie ×1cited 1 time
- [35]Ás de Ouro 88 article ×1cited 1 time
- [36]siridemangue.com: grupo siri de mangue ×1cited 1 time