Gildo Valu

Biography

Gildo Valú is a capoeira master who learned his craft in Salvador, Brazil, the birthplace of capoeira. His training was primarily conducted in the street rodas (circles) of Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo, where he absorbed both contemporary and traditional capoeira styles. He studied under Mestre Boca Rica and trained with several other schools, developing a distinctive style that blends traditional and contemporary approaches. Valú began his teaching career in the early 1980s, establishing himself as an influential instructor and cultural ambassador.

Beyond his role as a capoeira instructor, Valú has also pursued musical endeavors, recording Afro-Brazilian music and rhythms. His work reflects the deep connection between capoeira and music, as capoeira combines dance, acrobatics, music, and martial arts. Through his teaching and performances, Valú has expanded his influence internationally, with students in Brazil, Holland, Gambia, and the United States. He founded Grupo Balança Nashville, a capoeira group operating under the non-profit Global Education Center in Nashville, where he continues to teach and preserve capoeira traditions while fostering cultural exchange.

Fun Facts

• Mestre Valú trained in the legendary street rodas of Pelourinho and Mercado Modelo in Salvador, Brazil, absorbing capoeira from its most authentic urban sources rather than formal academies.
• His influence extends globally across at least four countries: Brazil, Holland, Gambia, and the United States, demonstrating capoeira's role as a cultural bridge.
• Valú has recorded Afro-Brazilian music and rhythms, including the track 'Papa Toja,' reflecting the integral connection between capoeira and music in his artistic practice.
• He founded Grupo Balança Nashville under the Global Education Center as a non-profit organization, emphasizing capoeira's educational and cultural value beyond commercial performance.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Mestre Boca Rica - Primary teacher and capoeira master who trained Gildo Valú (Traditional and contemporary capoeira instruction) [Pre-1980s]

Key Collaborators

• Professor Eme Eme - Student and colleague who has trained primarily with Mestre Valu since 2012 and teaches alongside him in Nashville (Grupo Balança Nashville classes and performances) [2012-present]
• Professor Cabeça no Ceu - Colleague instructor at Grupo Balança Nashville with training in both traditional and contemporary capoeira styles (Grupo Balança Nashville classes and events) [2015-present]
• Professor Paciência - Colleague instructor at Grupo Balança Nashville with acrobatic and expressive style influenced by break dancing (Grupo Balança Nashville classes and performances) [2012-present]

Artists Influenced

• Professor Eme Eme - Direct student whose style is very similar to that of Mestre Valu; has taught in Nashville since 2012 (Grupo Balança Nashville instruction) [1999-present]
• Multiple international students - Valú's school has grown to include students across multiple countries (Capoeira instruction and cultural transmission) [1980s-present]

External Links

• Spotify
• [Wikipedia](Not found)