Formando Congo

Steven Demei had always been a martial artist. At the age of 15 (in 1996), he fell in love with Capoeira after watching the movie *Only the Strong*. To his disappointment, there was no Capoeira group or instructor on Curaçao. However, he did not give up; he searched online and via ICQ Messenger for people who could help him obtain a VHS tape so he could practice Capoeira at home.

In 2000, Steven went to the Netherlands (he was not allowed to go to Brazil at the time due to his parents' wishes). There, he trained intensively for a month. In 2002, he moved to the Netherlands permanently to continue his studies and took up Capoeira again. At his first *Batizado*, Steven was given the nickname "Congo" by Professor Dengoso (now *Formado*) because of his powerful yet swift movements, reminiscent of the silverback gorillas from the Congo.

Since then, Congo has traveled to Brazil several times to practice Capoeira and discover the Brazilian roots of this art form.

In 2006, Congo earned the title of Graduado. He assisted with classes and served as a substitute instructor. Since then, Graduado Congo has frequently been invited as a guest instructor for events both within and outside the Netherlands. In 2009, Graduado Congo began teaching his own classes for children and adults in The Hague.

In 2011, Congo was promoted from Graduado to Instrutor. He lived in Belgium and began teaching classes there in Essen (BE), Roosendaal (NL), and Wuustwezel (BE).

In 2014, he returned to his birthplace, Curaçao. There, he now teaches his passion and founded an official branch of Grupo Capoeira Brasil.

In 2018, Congo earned the title of Professor, becoming the first Capoeirista born in Curaçao to achieve this rank.

In 2023, Congo returned to Belgium and was promoted that same year from Professor to Formando (Contra Mestre).