Association Filhos De Bimba-Lebanon, is a local NGO on a mission to catalyze social change through Capoeira for residents within marginalized communities.

Association Filhos de Bimba – Lebanon (FBL), is a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO) created in 2010 by educators and students of Capoeira (kap-wer-a). The approach to the intervention is holistic and multilayered, and uses a triad of sports, music, and dance as a catalyst for social change and improved wellbeing of residents within marginalized communities in Lebanon. To accomplish this goal, FBL introduced the hybrid system of arts and acrobatic movements characteristic of a traditional Brazilian martial arts form entitled Capoeira. Due to the highly effective and well-researched impact of martial arts among children, youth and adults from multiple backgrounds, and the impact of Capoeira specifically among marginalized groups FBL, has been able to successfully implement and develop complex intervention social-educational projects in multiple regions in Lebanon that aim at promoting peace and the empowerment of children and youth.

Capoeira is a Brazilian Art form combining fight, dance, music, philosophy and ritual. It improves posture, energy levels, coordination, balance, agility, fitness, strength and self esteem. It is not merely about fighting, but intricately linked with rhythm, interaction, conversation and tradition. It is an art and a philosophy, not just a sport.

Capoeira is present in approximately 200 countries, including almost all continents. This is because it offers a lush collection of information, symbolic wealth, body expression, musicality, improvisation, art, dance, and freedom.

Even though Capoeira is principally related to the Afro-Brazilian culture, its demand by foreigners is growing daily. It wasn't until 1932 that Capoeira became a legal sport in Brazil.
Mestre Bimba is credited with initiating the legalization of Capoeira by introducing it as a form of physical education. Also, Mestre Bimba developed the first teaching method and transmission of Capoeira which he called Capoeira Regional. Mestre Bimba was later acknowledged as an educator by the Federal University of Bahia in Brazil. In 1996, the university awarded Mestre Bimba the title of “Doctor Honoris Causa”, a university doctorate.

Bimba’s sons and students continued his work. Manoel Nascimento Machado, known as Mestre Nenel, is the president of the Fundação Mestre Bimba (Mestre Bimba Foundation), created in 1994 to preserve Bimba’s memory and teachings.