Welcome to International Vem Camará Capoeira site
International Federation Vem Camará Capoeira was established in September 2009 by Sandro Felix dos Santos (Mestre Paçoca) and his closest students after leaving the Abadá Capoeira group. Their cooperation had already begun in 2002.
The federation is currently represented in Austria, where it has its official headquarters in Klagenfurt, as well as in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary.
The Federation unites the national associations and coordinates their activities to fulfill its common objectives. It takes the responsibility for holding all main events like seminars, international sport-camps, national championships, international open competitions and Open European Championship.
The philosophy of our group is to preserve original and traditional merits and its qualities in combination with functional and high standard teaching processes. Also, to develop the sport competition structure for adult and children at local, national and international level. It is highly important to keep the high standard of given lectures, by regular instructors training and certification at its professional and also human approach. As it is stated in the name of the group we are open to any cooperation or exchange that will lead to improve the general state of Capoeira.
Mestre Paçoca began practicing Capoeira in Recife, Pernambuco, in 1981. His first teacher was Mestre Bentivi. In 1985 he met Mestre Camisa of Grupo Senzala and later continued his training in Rio de Janeiro at Mestre Peixinho’s academy, deepening his knowledge with the leading members who went on to establish Abadá Capoeira.
In 1992 he travelled to Europe to help develop Capoeira, beginning in Copenhagen. He later established academies in Germany and Spain, led workshops throughout Western Europe and became one of the influential figures of the European Capoeira scene. He was also among the first organizers of a European Capoeira championship.
In 2000 he settled in Vienna, Austria, where he established a successful academy. From 2002 onward, cooperation expanded to Slovakia and the Czech Republic through students including Ete, Camelo, Robocop, Big Baby and Atabaque. Further partnerships followed in Hungary and other European countries.
In 2009 he founded Vem Camará Capoeira together with his closest students. The organization was built on respect for Capoeira’s traditions, high-quality teaching, international cooperation and the development of sporting opportunities for children and adults.
In 2012 Mestre Paçoca received the title of Mestre and the red cord from Mestre Capixaba in the presence of respected Mestres including Mestre Di Mola and Mestre Tucano. In 2026 he received the new white-red cord, the highest level in the current Vem Camará Capoeira grading system.
Mestre Paçoca continues to lead Vem Camará Capoeira internationally. His commitment, professionalism and enthusiasm remain an inspiration to new generations of Capoeiristas.
