Elvio Dos Santos, known in Capoeira as Professor Tigrão, was born in Guarulhos, São Paulo, Brazil. He began training Capoeira at the age of 11 years and has not stopped since, continuing to train and improve in all aspects of Capoeira, and constantly searching for new techniques.

Throughout the years, Tigrão's gift for teaching has become evident. Through his profession, Tigrão demonstrates his philosophy of life and his love for this Brazilian martial art. He has participated in and organized numerous rodas, competitions, festivals and workshops around the world. Moreover, his experience in social work in São Paulo and Minas Gerais, Brazil, has taught him to value the benefits that Capoeira offers the community. Tigrão also sees Capoeira as a link between the past and the future, whose deep roots respect tradition yet continue to evolve.

In 2002, Tigrão met Mestre Barrão and became part of Grupo Axé Capoeira. The following year he came to Canada to participate in Mestre Barrão's Capoeira Festival. He stayed to teach classes in Vancouver and train directly under the supervision of Mestre Barrão, from whom he learned much about Capoeira and about life. In 2004, he received his belt of Professor status from the hands of his Mestre in an Axé Capoeira batizado ceremony. In many ways this was just the beginning for Tigrão. He is grateful to the many people who have contributed to his life in Capoeira. He has seen and played with great Mestres and capoeiristas, and continues to learn many lessons from one jogo to the next.

For links to other Axé Capoeira groups around the world,
click here.

For class schedule, click here.