Ourico History

Antonio Jose De Pinho Neto, known in capoeira as a Formando Ourico, was born in Brasilia (capital of Brazil) on November 27, 1975. He first discovered Capoeira as a child through a local black man by the name of Jorge who would encourage the kids to play capoeira with him after they had played football. Their capoeira was a lively fun game that used the clapping of hands, not instruments, to provide the rhythm for the game. It was not a formal roda (circle) as they did not have a Master, so the children would simply joke, laugh and play capoeira together with the teacher.

In the 1987 at 12 years of age, Formando Ourico began formal capoeira training with Master Dionizio where he trained for several years. In 1993, Formando Ourico’s family moved to the city of Vila Velha (Espirto Santo) where he trained with
two capoeira groups (first Malungos, then Senzala) to further develop his knowledge of capoeira. In 1997 Professor Ourico opened his own capoeira school and then in 2000 he joined the capoeira group Capoeira Brasil, training with Master Paulinho Sabia.

With more than 20 years of experience, Professor Ourico has travelled throughout Brazil participating in events, seminars and workshops, in order to share and build upon his profound knowledge of capoeira. His international experience began in 2000 when he travelled to Italy and in 2002 he founded the first school of Capoeira Brasil (Master Paulinho Sabia) in Italy. During this time Professor Ourico travelled to over 17 countries throughout the world to participate in International Festivals and teach workshops. Several years later Professor Ourico travelled to New Zealand and finally moved to Australia in June 2008 where he now lives. Professor Ourico’s dedication and contribution to capoeira continues today through his school of Capoeira in Sydney, Australia.