The Capoeira MarAzul Group was founded on the 10th March 1983 by Valdenor Reis (Sarará) and Joãozinho da Figueira, both graduated by Mestre Carioca from the Capitães de Areia Academy in São Paulo, Brazil.

São Paulo

In São Paulo, the Group started its activities in the Pontificia Catholic University, where it stayed for almost two years, developing a programme of cultural integration with the Academic Centres of the University. With the fire that destroyed the Tuca Theatre in September 1984, the group was transferred to a gymnasium, as the university space was out of bounds for reconstruction.

When Joãozinho left for Manaus, Sarará remained responsible for MarAzul, and continued the Group's work.

Today, MarAzul in São Paulo is coordenated by Mestre Carioca, accompanied by Valdenor and Nathanael, who are giving lessons in academies, and also with social projects in the periphery of the city, for children, adolescents and people on low incomes.

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