Mestre Tiburcinho, also known as Tiburcio Jaguaripe, is one of the few Capoeiristas known as a Mestre of Batuque too. He was also a Grand Mestre of Capoeira and an important figure in the popular Brazilian culture.
Tiburcio Santana Joseph was born in 1870 in Jaguaripe. He learnt batuque under Mestre Bernardo, in the same Reconcavo. He was a big batuqueiro and one of the last ones to preserve this art.
After having moved to Salvador (like several other workers at the time), he learnt about Capoeira at the Mercado Popular and trained with the local Capoeiristas, becoming one of them. He was recognised for his skills in Capoeira circles.
After some time, Mestre Tiburcinho began to visit Mestre Pastinha’s academy and was often seen there. Even after he turned 80 years old, he was regarded as a malicious Capoeirista, a dangerous mandingueiro. He always sang about batuque, a practice that he continued to keep the art alive.
Another important aspect of the Brazilian culture, is that Mestre Tiburcinho helped Mestre Bimba (introduced to the founder of Capoeira Regional by Mestre Decânio) to remember many old songs and, he also brought back to life the choreography of Maculelê. Thanks to his help, Mestre Bimba introduced Maculelê in shows that he performed with his group (thus enabling the development of Maculelê in other Capoeira groups).
This Grand Mestre also played a part in the movie by Jair Moura “The war dance”.
