Professor Reza "Baba" Massah

Founder, Centre For Capoeira India

Chef, restaurant owner, pilot, capoeirista – Reza Baba Massah wears many hats. His favourite though, is husband and father.

The youngest 50-year-old in the country, he started learning capoeira in Israel under Mestre Cueca 25 years ago. In 2005 he left Israel and returned to start, India's first capoeira academy. Starting with one chair as his first student, he has now grown capoeira in India to over 3000 students through his academy and in- school curricular program. He is single-handedly responsible for putting capoeira on the map of India.

Baba eats, lives, drinks, breathes capoeira. And he personifies passion. He fell in love with teaching capoeira as he saw how it changes people's lives, bringing them joy, friendship, and good health. His fitness and Flexibility levels belie his age and he gives all the credit to training capoeira. He approaches every situation and meets every person with the same infectious energy that he demonstrates in the capoeira game. He is a mentor to many students who say he has a magical and exceptional soul. His vision is to have a capoeirista in every home by introducing it to schools as an alternative to PE and help children grow up with meaningful purposeful education and experiences.

Prof. Baba has traveled the world to countries like Brazil, Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and UK to train with Mestres in different countries. He has completed his Capoeira Training Course from 'Wingate University' by Mestre Edan and believes in constantly upgrading his qualification to match the growing needs of young minds. Some of them are ' The Practical Instructors Course- Specialization with children and Team Leader by Mestre Cueca (Russia & Miami), The Science of Training Young Athletes- University of Florida, and First Aid course by Indian Red Cross Society.

Blessed with the most generous and giving spirit, Baba’s doors are never closed for anyone at any time. And his barbecues are the stuff of legend. The only thing Baba is incapable of is sitting still for more than five minutes. Which is why he is an airline pilot, and not a passenger.