SinhaBahia - Tata

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Born in Rio De Janiero in 1979, Professor Tata was exposed to Capoeira from an early age through his older brothers, Mestre Cicatriz and Mestre Torpedo. He would feel the urge to participate in their training and rodas, and one day to become a great capoeirista just like them. "I would see my brothers playing and say to myself, if I could become only a small part of what they were, I would be happy. That of course presented a great challenge, and a goal I was determined to achieve."

Professor Tata started playing Capoeira at the age of 10, often getting himself into trouble for practicing his kicks around the house and breaking things. Yet despite being in the shadow of his brothers, he always had admiration and respect for them. "In the absence of our father, my brother (Mestre Cicatriz) was like a father for me. Like a real father he must have had some kind of magical telescope that enabled him to see every little mistake I made. If I missed a Capoeira class, he would be on the phone from Japan, telling me to "wake up to yourself Tata! Wake up!". And you know what? I'm glad he did, because right now, if I hadn't, I would still be in Rio, without any of the opportunities that I have been given. He has been there for me, emotionally, financially and spiritually."

By the age of 15 Professor Tata was already a very good Capoeirista and by the age of 17 he gained his Instructor grading. His training included guidance from three Sinha Bahia Masters including Mestre Cicatriz, Mestre Lotar and Mestre Cabeca. "I remember spending a whole summer with Mestre Cabeca. I admire him for not only being able to put up with me, but for teaching me so much. At his age, and after all his life experiences, he is still 150% dedicated to Capoeira and his students. That is love if you ask me".

Professor Tata also developed the discipline needed to become a great Capoeirista through experience in numerous rodas in Rio de Janeiro. "I would go to a roda and be hit in the face. I would come back and hope to be hit again, yet in another way, on another day, and by another capoeirista ; because we learn to live and live to learn, and as long as you don't make the same mistake twice, I think you've got a chance."

Whilst in Brazil, Professor Tata has also trained intensively in the style of Capoeira Angola with Mestre Dengo and Contra-Mestre Coelho. "You know, in Brazil, capoeira is almost a sort of political game and rivalry, especially between members of the Capoeira Angola "schools" and those of the Regional "schools". It was constantly a matter of who kicked who, rivalries between different groups, Angola Capoeiristas who would think Regionol Capoeiristas to have no culture and no understanding of capoeira; and alternatively, Regional Capoeirstas claiming Capoeira Angola is too passive. But you know what the best part of it is? Its when the person who was kicked in the roda shakes the hand of his attacker, when rival groups can have a great time playing each other, and when Angola and Regional players teach each other a piece of their own art. That is what Mestre Dengo from Grupo Raes de Aruanda did for me. He took me in under his own roof and taught me Angola, like I was his own son. That is what Capoeira is about: Respect, Friendship and Peace. It is not about destroying, but about creating, in love friendship and knowledge".

After teaching Capoeira on a voluntary basis to disadvantaged children in Brazil, Professor Tata embarked on a challenge to establish a Sinha Bahia branch in Jakarta, Indonesia. "I think if there is something that you love, like I love Capoeira, you should share it with others. I loved working in Indonesia, because Capoeira to them is a novelty, and only through their admiration of my culture have I started to really understand its worth."

Whilst Professor Tata was in Indonesia he collaborated closely with his other brother Mestre Torpedo who was at the time concurrently establishing a Sinha Bahia Branch in Thailand. "My brother Torpedo helped me out so much during my stay in Indonesia, and for that I am very grateful. For the first time I felt like I was getting closer to being what I always wanted to be, and doing what I always wanted to do: work alongside my brothers. I am by no means as good as them, nor do I ever think I will be, but at least we continue to learn from one another and that is what is important."

After gaining his Professor grading, Tata has decided to embark on a further challenge and return to the side of his brother and Master, Cicatriz, and help strengthen the Sinha Bahia Group in Sydney. "You know, I came here as a Professor with the aim to teach capoeira, yet I have realized that I have a great deal to learn. That's ok though, I'm prepared to fall. What about you?"

Professor Tata

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