Mestrando Cocada

Rogerio Valencio da Silva, better known as Mestrando Cocada in the capoeira world, began training at the age of 15 in his city of Goioere, Parana, Brazil . At the age of 18, Mestrando Cocada began training with Mestre Fran and opened his own academy in 1999. In conjunction with the local government, Mestrando Cocada implemented a social project in ten schools of Goioere. The programs are highly successful today with over 500 students ranging from ages 5 to 15. In August 2008, Mestre Fran promoted Mestrando Cocada to the level of Mestrando, the second highest level in Capoeira.

Since coming to the United States, Mestrando Cocada has traveled all over the country as a guest of great Capoeiristas. He has participated in events and workshops in New York, Florida, Texas, Georgia, Colorado, and Missouri. In 2005, Mestrando Cocada appeared in the Sergio Mendes and Black Eyed Peas video Mas Que Nada as well as in the video Miracles with the group Arrested Development.

Mestrando Cocada has trained, taught, and lived Capoeira for over 16 years. He is now in New Orleans with the desire to introduce Capoeira and Brazilian culture to the people of this great city.