We all have roots, influences in our lives that we owe a great deal to, even without meeting them. Behind the scenes players who are the reason you are the way you are now without you even knowing it. People who serve their community tirelessly and have directly and indirectly influenced thousands of lives, including your own. Mestre Luizao is one such person.

Luiz Carlos Desideri (aka Mestre Luizao) is an important figure in the Capoeira community who has more than 50 years in Capoeira. He became mestre in 1986. He has graduated mestres, including grand mestres such as Mestre Rony of Capoeira Volta Ao Mundo, e Mestre de Paula. He also served on his city council in Pirassununga for two terms in 1983 and 1987. In addition, he founded APACAP - Associacao dos Praticantes da Arte Capoeira - and was named the regional inspector for the Paulista Federation of Capoeira and the financial director of the Brazilian League of Capoeira.

In July of 1991, Mestre Luizao suffered a tragic accident that left him tetraplegic and confined him to a mobility chair for the rest of his life. Despite this, he still went on to accomplish so much. Some of the people in his lineage include:

Mestre Rony

Mestra Cheri

Mestre Rajon

Mestre Aranha

Mestre Girino

Contramestra Nina

Contramestre Fogo

Contramestre Espigao

Contramestre Carne Seca

Contramestre Mascado

Contramestre Brooklyn

Contramestre Mico

Professor Sushi

and so many more.

Mestre Luizao's chair is giving out and needs to be replaced so he can remain mobile. Of course, it is not a cheap endeavor, the chair will be almost 10,000 reais. Luckily, our strength as people who live in the United States is that our dollar carries significant weight. 10,000 reais is 2000 dollars. We are asking for your help. 10 dollars here is 50 reais there, so anything you can spare will go a long, long way.

Help us tend to our roots, to someone who has served his community and his students without end.