Marcus Aurelio (Lelo), was born in the city of Recife in the northeast of Brazil. He began training Capoeira at the age of three with his father Mestre Barrão, whom he accompanied to his classes, Capoeira events, and street rodas. With all of Marcus' extensive experience and expertise in Capoeira, he inherited the Axé Capoeira Vancouver Academy from his father, at the age of seventeen. He trains students from the ages of three to sixty-five years plus, on a daily basis. He has guided and developed a number of students into becoming top level instructors within the martial arts community. For the last twenty years, he has provided families and communities with a healthy and positive environment.