Formanda Meirelou, born in Moji Guacu, Sao Paulo, began practicing Capoeira in 1992. She began and still continues to study under Mestre Peixe Ensaboado of Grupo Capoeira Brasil. As one of Peixe’s first students in Australia she remains as one of his longest serving and highest graded students.
In 1995 Formanda Meirelou moved back to Brazil with her husband and new born daughter for a year where she trained with Mestre Railson of Grupo Capoeira Gerais, Sul da Bahia. During this time she also had the opportunity to meet and participate in workshops with Mestres such as Ezequiel, Suassuna, Medicina, Mao Branca, Curumin, Bocao, Antonio Dias, Zumbi and many others.
In Rio de Janeiro, the birth place of Capoeira
Brazil Group, Meirelou also practiced, periodically, with Mestres and Contra-Mestres such as M. Paulinho Sabia, Mestre Espiga and M.Curumin, M.Cabeca, M.Girino, M.Indio, M.Leo Pivete, M. TiTiTi, and Formada Magali, Formado Trapo, Formado Fuinha, all from Group Capoeira Brasil, also from other groups such Senzala: M.Toni Vargas, M.Ramos, M.Peixinho, M.Sorriso, M.Itamar among others
achievements in capoeira
Back in Australia, after having her second child Formanda Meirelou has now been teaching since 1997. With current trips to Brazil, the belts she obtained during this time (Blue, Green(instructor) and Purple(teacher)and Brown(Formanda)) were all given directly from the hands of the great Mestre Boneco, co-founder of Grupo Capoeira Brasil.
Not only capable of teaching adults of all ages, Formanda Meirelou has had continuing success teaching children’s classes as well as running workshops, courses, performing in festivals, TV shows and many other presentations.
related experience
She is a qualified PE teacher, with a diploma from PUCCamp Sao Paulo (graduate 1985) Preparation and studies for post-graduation in “Kinesiology” at UNICAMP. She therefore understands the biomechanics of the Capoeira movements and how to get the best from her students, working around and beyond their limitations. Also through understanding the movement of Capoeira she keeps a close eyes on all students making sure they perform movement correctly to prevent injury and ensure longevity it the art.
work experience with children
After graduating university Meirelou worked with underprivileged children; taught blind children to swim; and in 1986 she was a pioneer working with swimming programs for infants and babies. She was also a successful personal trainer in the late 80s’ where she developed a program of localized exercises and body tones combined with aqua-aerobics in weight loss clinic and retreat in the state of Sao Paulo.
-In Europe
1987: Continuing her swimming work with children in condominiums in London; recreation and leisure in holiday camps in Ibiza-Spain.
-In Australia
She has developed programs for fine and gross 
motor movement and co-ordination, balance and reflexes for child care centres. With her qualifications and experience, Meirelou has been developing her work with Capoeira, always pre-occupied with the physical, emotional and social development of the children. She also offers classes to the parents of those children who wish to participate in the activities, thus creating one more form of communication (physical expression).
Always with the support and supervision of Mestre Peixe Ensaboado, Meirelou has been acquiring space in primary and secondary schools
(state and private) as well as at the University of NSW. Thus she has an impact on their current curriculum of sport and culture.
Meirelou is recognised by the Australian Sports Commission as a community coach under the Active after school Communities program she has been teaching at various public schools in Sydney. The ASC sports activity programs are delivered at primary schools and after school care centres involved in the Australian Sports Commission’s Active After-school Communities program. www.ausport.gov.au/aasc