04 Jun The Journey of Mestrando Cascão

The Journey of Mestrando Cascão: Roots, Mission, and Transformation

Luiz Fernando Monteiro, widely known in the Capoeira world as Professor Cascão, has built a remarkable path marked by courage, dedication, and a deep commitment to Afro-Brazilian culture. He began his Capoeira journey in 1984 and, over the years, became an international reference—especially in Europe—for his technical skills and human sensibility.

In 1996, he accepted a special calling: to travel to Angola on a mission that would unite culture, history, and spirituality. The experience was more than just a cultural exchange—it was a personal quest to connect Capoeira to its African roots. With support from Mestre Camisa, who led the initiative, and partnerships with the Brazilian Embassy in Luanda and the Angolan Ministry of Culture, Cascão helped establish a solid foundation for teaching Capoeira, creating training spaces and educational programs for local youth.
When it was time to return to Brazil, Mestre Camisa asked him to go back to Angola to continue the work. On this second trip, Cascão organized the first Capoeira batizado (graduation ceremony) in Luanda in 1998—a milestone in his career and a deeply transformative moment in his life. As he recalls:
“The most remarkable experience of my life—it helped me understand my culture better and connect with my roots.”

After completing his mission in Angola, Cascão moved to Portugal in 1999. He was the first ABADÁ Capoeira teacher to arrive in the country and begin teaching. He started classes in the northern region and later expanded to Lisbon. His pioneering efforts paved the way for other teachers and significantly contributed to the growth of Capoeira across Europe.

Over the course of 14 years in Portugal, he organized major events such as the European Games in 2011 and 2012, which strengthened his impact and presence in the community. But no moment was as symbolic as Zumbimba in 2012, when he was officially granted the title of Mestrando. In his own words:
“I don’t even know how to explain what I felt. It was the realization of a dream—like a movie showing 30 years of my life in Capoeira.”

Today, Mestrando Cascão is much more than a respected name—he is a living bridge between Capoeira’s African past, its Brazilian resilience, and its global expansion. His journey inspires those who see Capoeira not only as a fight or a dance, but as a true path of cultural and spiritual transformation.