Master Barrão
Marcos da Silva, Mestre Barrão, was born in the port city of Recife, on the North East coast of Brazil. Recife is renowned for its Brazilian music and dance, and its long Capoeira tradition.

In 1974, Marcos began studying Capoeira with Mestre Pirajá. While learning the foundations of the art, he showed an affinity for the drums and other instruments as well as the skills that would conduct his life. After three years of training with Mestre Pirajá, who eventually left on sabbatical, Marcos went on in 1977 to continue his training with Mestre Teté.

In 1979, he began to enter Capoeira competitions throughout North East Brazil and in 1980, Marcos began to teach. In 1982, a young Barrão was determined to test his skills against the best opponents he could find and entered the prestigious National Championship in Rio de Janeiro and left as Brazilian Champion. Upon his return he formed Grupo Axé Capoeira.

In 1990, Mestre Barrão was invited to demonstrate his art at the International Children’s Festivals in North America. After spending 1991 teaching in Italy, Barrão decided to immigrate to Canada in 1992. In 1996, he opened Canada’s first Academy of Capoeira. Mestre Barrão now has schools in Canada, Brazil, the United States, Peru, Russia, Bermuda, Barbados, Dominican Republic, and Poland.

website: http://www.axecapoeira.com/
email: mbarrao@intergate.bc.ca

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