User:Mestre Doutor

Mestre Doutor (Adenilson Dos Santos) was born in Pernambuco, Jaboatão, Brazil. An early influence on Doutor's Afro-Brazilian roots comes from his upbringing in a spiritual household that was run by his mother, Dona Severina Apolonia Das Santos, a Yalorixa ( Mão de Santo ) or mother of saints.

At 12 years old, Doutor tried a capoeira class with Of Capoeira in Santos, Brazil, and then decided to train with Mestre Bandeira. Mestre Doutor has practiced Capoeira for 29 years and received his Mestre's belt after 25 years, becoming the first Mestre Capoeira to teach in Philadelphia. As well as teaching in many universities and earning numerous awards and certifications, he is the founder and artistic director of the American Society of Capoeira and Arts from Brazil (ASCAB), a capoeira group, Project Capoeira, Inc., a non-for-profit organization, and the Philadelphia Capoeira Arts Center (PCAC).

As a result of his outstanding knowledge and achievements, Mestre Doutor was recognized as "a person of extraordinary ability in his field" and granted permanent residency in the US in 2004. His passion and dedication reflects his commitment to the preservation of Afro-Brazilian roots and makes him a strong role model, invaluable teacher and inspirational leader.