Who is Mestre Panao?

Mestre Panao (Robson Alexandre Pedro) started playing Capoeira in 1982, when he was just 13 years old . He began training with Professor To, who was a student of Mestre Paulo Carioca, at the  "Netos de Amaralina" Academy, in the Jacana neighborhood in the city of Sao Paulo.

In early 1984, Mestre Panao went to train with Mestre Rizadinha (graduated by Mestre Suassuna), who graduated him to the level of Contra-Mestre, and to whom he credits his basic knowledge of Capoeira. During this time, he also acquired some knowledge of Capoeira Angola through Mestre Gato Preto (berimbau de ouro da bahia), at his mestre's academy.

in 1992, Mestre Panao started " Grupo de Capoeira Resistencia". With a lot of work and dedication, he was able to stand out in the capoeira community of Sao Paulo by demonstrating that his students have the ability to truly play Capoeira, and not just to fight and use brute force.

Mestre Panao has participated in many Capoeira events within Brazil abd throughout the world. he has also appeared on TV shows,magazines,etc.

in 1995, Mestre Panao came to the United States for the first time and has beenin demand for workshops, batizados,events and encounters ever since. Mestre Panao has also traveled to Mexico and Canada to give workshops and participate in shows.

in 2002, Mestre Panao opened his first acadamey outside Brazil in San Diego, California.

In 2006, Mestre Panao was invited to come teach a workshop by Capoeira students in RIchmond, Virginia and has now started a Capoeira Acadamey