Nestor Capoeira was initiated by Mestre Leopoldina, a living legend. Later he joined the Senzala Group and in 1969 received the coveted red-rope, Senzala's highest graduation. In 1990 he left Senzala and started to teach his personal approach to the Game at his own school. He has been a pioneer at teaching capoeira in Europe, and his books have been published in France, Denmark, Germany, and the United States. He has worked in film, theater, and television and currently teaches at the Planetario de Gavea in Rio de Janeiro.