Robson A.V. Ribeiro (03/27/62) is a native Brazilian, born in the Botafogo district of Rio de Janeiro.  He was first introduced to Capoeira in 1972 in Bahia at a roda overseen by his first Mestre, Pedrinho Fio do Ouro. Cigano went on to study with several other Mestres, graduating to Mestre at the age of 21 from Mestre Sardi of Rio. He founded Grupo Liberdade de Capoeira, in 1987 and emigrated to the USA the following year. While in Rio de Janeiro,he worked with and taught the omnipresent street children from the Favelas (slums) of the city. He worked in conjunction with Centro Arquediocese of Rio de Janeiro, forming courses of social integration, using Capoeira masters.

     In 1996, Mestre Cigano opened the New Jersey Capoeira Arts Center, in the East Ward of Newark, NJ.  He has dedicated himself to teaching students of all ages and backgrounds, not only the fundamentals of capoeira, but his philosophy of respect and integrity.

    Although the Center is designed for capoeira training, it is also home to other Brazilian arts such as samba, drumming, and dancing. Cigano also teaches at both New Brunswick and Newark campuses of the Rutgers University System.   His work adds important aspect for Capoeira in the tri-state area and in the United States Capoeira community his presence is felt and respected. Today, Grupo Liberdade has aspiring students at various levels of proficiency in this complex art.  The Group performs for private and public organizations, showing the joyous nature of the Brazilian spirit.

    Annual Batizados (Capoeira baptisms) take place to formally introduce new students into the art, and to graduate advancing students to their next level.  The Academy opens these Batizados to the public, and extends an open invitation to other Capoeira academies to visit and participate as extended family. The group comprises of a diverse number of individuals who share a common heart. They are musically and physically competent, with vitality and genuine desire to learn.