Manoel dos Reis Machado
Known as the creator and original master of Regional Capoeira, Manoel dos Reis Machado was born in Bahia, a state in Brazil. He was born in 1900 and passed away in 1974, after spending most of his life as a premier Capoeirista.
Manoel dos Reis Machado was exposed to the martial arts at a young age; his father was recognized as a champion Batuque fighter. However, he did not follow in his father’s footsteps; rather, Manoel dos Reis Machado was 12 years old, he began to learn Capoeira Angola instead. From that age, he continued to practice the martial art for many years and became more popularly known as Mestre Bimba.
Luta Regional Baiana: Capoeira Regional
Reacting to influences from students, different styles from other parts of the country and world, as well as different levels of the social strata, Manoel dos Reis Machado began to change the Capoeira he knew. Incorporating these different influences, he formed Luta Regional Baiana in the 1930s, now known as Capoeira Regional – a new form of Capoeira. Several aspects of Capoeira Angola were changed, such as rules governing the martial art and where it was practiced. As the practice of Capoeira Angola was illegal prior to the 1930s, Manoel dos Reis Machado is believed to have helped make the art legal (and the national sport of Brazil), as an essential aspect of Brazilian tradition and culture. In fact, it was his performance of Capoeira Regional for the president at the time, Getúlio Vargas, in 1937, that was key to this shift in perception.