The Mestre

Mestre Barrão is the founder and President of Grupo Axé Capoeira Worldwide. He was the first person to bring capoeira to Canada. From there, his group has spread to over 20 countries. He currently resides on the Ilha de Itamaraca, Pernambuco, Brazil, and continues to evolve the group’s teachings and methodologies.

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 where he learned the ways of the Street Capoeirista. He learned about the variable situations of the street: how to be shrewd and clever when playing, how to read opponents, and how to judge situations that one invariably finds oneself in, both inside and outside of the Roda of Capoeira.

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. Such was his skill and fortune that in the end, he left as Brazilian Champion

After becoming National Champion, many opportunities came his way to teach in schools, community centers, and universities throughout Brazil and eventually formed Grupo Axé Capoeira. In 1987, he was graduated to First Degree Master by Mestre Pirajá.

In 1990, Mestre Barrão was invited to demonstrate his art at the International Children’s Festivals throughout North America and eventually found himself in Canada at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. After spending 1991 teaching in Italy, Barrão decided to immigrate to Canada in 1992 and begin teaching here at various locations. He started The Annual International Capoeira Encounter and has renowned and respected Mestres from all over the world visit and share their skills. In 1996, he opened Canada’s first Academy of Capoeira.

In 2000, World-renowned Mestres assembled at the “Melhores Do Século” (Best of the Century) event in Curitiba, Parana. They recognized Mestre Barrão as one of the most influential capoeiristas of the century, due to his skill and contribution to Capoeira.

Mestre Barrão has achieved the ranking of Grand Master, the greatest honor and ranking one can receive in capoeira. He is one of the most sought after presences to participate and teach at international capoeira events around the world. Mestre Barrão and has recorded 10 Albums of Capoeira music as well as multiple singles. His music is available here on Spotify. one other, together with Mestre Burguês which continues to be tremendously popular throughout Brazil. They have also released an instructional DVD set through Panther Productions as well as countless DVDs documenting their major capoeira events. Mestre Barrão has now spread Grupo Axé Capoeira around the world with factions in Canada, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Angola, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.

Mestre Barrão is the founder and President of Grupo Axé Capoeira Worldwide. He was the first person to bring capoeira to Canada. From there, his group has spread to over 20 countries. He currently resides on the Ilha de Itamaraca, Pernambuco, Brazil, and continues to evolve the group’s teachings and methodologies.

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 where he learned the ways of the Street Capoeirista. He learned about the variable situations of the street: how to be shrewd and clever when playing, how to read opponents, and how to judge situations that one invariably finds oneself in, both inside and outside of the Roda of Capoeira.

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. Such was his skill and fortune that in the end, he left as Brazilian Champion

After becoming National Champion, many opportunities came his way to teach in schools, community centers, and universities throughout Brazil and eventually formed Grupo Axé Capoeira. In 1987, he was graduated to First Degree Master by Mestre Pirajá.

In 1990, Mestre Barrão was invited to demonstrate his art at the International Children’s Festivals throughout North America and eventually found himself in Canada at the Vancouver International Children’s Festival. After spending 1991 teaching in Italy, Barrão decided to immigrate to Canada in 1992 and begin teaching here at various locations. He started The Annual International Capoeira Encounter and has renowned and respected Mestres from all over the world visit and share their skills. In 1996, he opened Canada’s first Academy of Capoeira.

In 2000, World-renowned Mestres assembled at the “Melhores Do Século” (Best of the Century) event in Curitiba, Parana. They recognized Mestre Barrão as one of the most influential capoeiristas of the century, due to his skill and contribution to Capoeira.

Mestre Barrão has achieved the ranking of Grand Master, the greatest honor and ranking one can receive in capoeira. He is one of the most sought after presences to participate and teach at international capoeira events around the world. Mestre Barrão and has recorded 10 Albums of Capoeira music as well as multiple singles. His music is available here on Spotify. one other, together with Mestre Burguês which continues to be tremendously popular throughout Brazil. They have also released an instructional DVD set through Panther Productions as well as countless DVDs documenting their major capoeira events. Mestre Barrão has now spread Grupo Axé Capoeira around the world with factions in Canada, Brazil, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Angola, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Czech Republic, France, Belgium, Portugal, Turkey, Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong and the Philippines.