Contra Mestre Sinbad - Bio

Flavio, known in the Capoeira world as Contra Mestre Sinbad, began his journey with Capoeira during high school in Switzerland, where an introductory class sparked his initial interest. Although the opportunity to pursue it further wasn’t available then, his fascination with this martial art remained.

It wasn’t until 2008, during his second year at university in Wellington, New Zealand, that Contra Mestre Sinbad truly embraced Capoeira. This was the year Grão Mestre Bira, fresh to New Zealand, founded his school in Wellington, thanks to the efforts of Professora Bandida (Anne Arola), who invited and persuaded him to establish roots there.

In those formative years, the group quickly evolved from a collection of strangers to a close-knit community. Training began at Victoria University and later expanded to local gyms, where Mestre Bira secured better spaces for practice. The early days were intense and filled with repetitive drills, but they were also immensely rewarding. Beyond the physical training, deep friendships formed as the group spent time together both in and outside of class.

Over time, Contra Mestre Sinbad came to understand the profound meaning behind Grão Mestre Bira's description of the group as a family. Capoeira became a cornerstone of his life, drawing him back to Wellington time and again, even after work voyages at sea or holiday travels.

In 2018, the growth of the group culminated in the opening of the MAI Dojo, a dedicated space for Grão Mestre Bira to pass on his extensive knowledge of martial arts. For Contra Mestre Sinbad, this dojo symbolized the evolution of the community and its enduring strength.

Despite experiencing physical setbacks and injuries over the years, Contra Mestre Sinbad remained deeply connected to Capoeira. During periods when he couldn’t train physically, he focused on other aspects of the art—learning instruments, mastering songs that narrate Capoeira's history, and supporting the group's continued growth.

In 2024, Contra Mestre Sinbad received the distinguished grade of Contra Mestre from Grão Mestre Bira, a milestone that holds immense meaning for him. This recognition underscores his dedication to the art and the family-like community that has grown around it.

Many of the individuals who joined the journey with him, from the beginning and along the way, remain important parts of his life. For Contra Mestre Sinbad, Capoeira is more than a martial art—it is a lifelong passion, a source of resilience, and a family to which he is profoundly grateful.