Mestre Jamaika (Mauro Romualdo) found his passion for capoeira at age seven as a native of Teixeira de Freitas, Bahia, Brazil. He began his training under Mestre Gil, of Capoeira Garras De Ouro. By age 15 he was traveling throughout Brazil to train and compete (under the direction of Mestre Loka of CapuraGinga), later winning three consecutive titles in the 1996, 1997 and 1998 Brazilian Capoeira Confederation Championships, all before age 20.
Mestre Jamaika Certified to teach under the title of “Professor” in 1997, Mestre Jamaika’s exceptional skill and explosive acrobatic talent have since placed him among the most sought-after instructors within the capoeira community, teaching and performing at workshops and events throughout the US, Canada, Israel, New Zealand, Mexico, and Brazil for the past 20 years. You might recognize him from roles in various independent films, documentaries, and music videos, or as Shockwave’s popular Capoeira Fighter 3 video game character, appropriately named “Jamaika.” In June of 2013, Jamaika was awarded the title of “Mestre” by Mestre Amen.
Mestre Jamaika continues to give workshops all over the United States and the world for other capoeira schools as well as for arts and professional dance programs. He currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Amanda. He has extensive experience as a teacher, performer, and musician and would like to continue to reach people through the multi-faceted martial art of capoeira.
