Mestre Jamaika
Mestre Jamaika is an internationally recognized practitioner of the Afro-Brazilian art form of capoeira, and has engaged and positively impacted students and audiences of all ages and backgrounds for over 30 years. Born in the heart of capoeira’s birthplace and his ancestral land, he’s passionate about honoring his roots by sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and strengthening the community through his work.
Born in the heart of capoeira’s birthplace and his Afro-Brazilian ancestral land, Mestre Jamaika (Mauro Romualdo) discovered his passion for capoeira as a young child. It was there in Bahia, Brazil, that he began training with Mestre Gil and the Capoeira Garras De Ouro group. By 13 years old, Jamaika was traveling throughout Brazil to train and compete under the direction of Mestre Loka and CapuraGinga, later winning three consecutive titles in the Brazilian Capoeira Confederation Championships, all before age 20.
Certified to teach under the title of “Professor” in 1997, Mestre Jamaika’s exceptional skill and explosive acrobatic talent put him on the world stage, and he was invited to live and teach in Israel in 1998, followed by an invitation to teach in the United States where he has lived since 1999. In 2013, Jamaika was awarded the highest title in capoeira of “Mestre” by Mestre Amen of Capoeira Batuque.
In addition to his excellence in the multifaceted art of capoeira, Jamaika has studied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for over 15 years with Gustavo Rodrigues BJJ. He received a black belt in 2020, and has taught since achieving this level of expertise.
Mestre Jamaika had the honor of being recognized as a Utah Performing Arts Fellow due to his demonstrated extraordinary talent, bold vision, and his leadership and advocacy for the art of capoeira. He has engaged and positively impacted students and audiences of all ages and backgrounds for over 30 years. In addition to teaching and performing, he has inspired video game characters, danced in music videos, lectured at universities, participated in documentaries, and served on boards for arts organizations.
He lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife, Amanda, and plans to continue honoring his ancestor’s and capoeira’s roots by sharing Afro-Brazilian culture and strengthening the community through these arts.
