Professor Vandamme

AICARDO CARTAGENA was born in Medellin, Colombia in 1981. At the age of 7 he started karate at TAO Martial Arts School under the leadership of Sensei Lankatar (Black Belt 2d Dan Shotokan Karate). He won two silver medals in a national tournament and a gold medal in an Inter club championship. After several years of training he receives his Black Belt in Shotokan Karate and Shoto Ryu styles.

In 1998 he joins the Colombian Army and serves as a jungle commando and counter terrorism ops for 2 years, learning skills such as hand-to-hand combat and urban warfare. After being wounded in combat he leaves the army with uncountable commendations.

At 20 he starts to practice Capoeira under the leadership of Mestre Caolho, over time Aicardo became a brave athlete and an exceptional Birembau player, participating in several tournaments around South-America winning in 2007 the title of “Fastest KO” in the pan-American Championships.

Today, Professor Vandamme teaches at his school in Medellin, Colombia where his strong and dedicated training helps to form a excellent group of Capoeiristas.