Mestre
Mestre
Portuguese for master, the highest title in capoeira. Besides technique it covers music, singing, knowledge of tradition and leading a group.
Quick Facts
Term typeTitle and rank
LanguagePortuguese
Formnoun
Pronunciation[mes-tree]
Alternative Namesmaster
Readings and romanizations
IPAˈmɛstɾi
Definition
Mestre means master and in capoeira it is the highest title. It is usually earned after decades of practice and teaching. Besides playing, a mestre is expected to play the berimbau and other instruments, know the songs, history and rituals, and be able to lead their own group. The title is awarded by another mestre or by a council of the group's masters, often at a festive ceremony. Lower titles and their order are set by each group itself. Contramestre is a common rank before mestre. In capoeira angola groups the title is often awarded without a cord system.