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Advanced Capoeira Moves: Elevate Your Game with These Pro-Level Techniques

Advanced Capoeira Moves: Elevate Your Game with These Pro-Level Techniques

You've mastered the Ginga, the Esquiva, and the Au. You flow in the roda with confidence. Now, it's time to delve into the heart of Capoeira's complexity and poetry. This blog is for those who are ready to push their boundaries and add breathtaking, high-level techniques to their jogo.

Macaco

Often called the "monkey" move, the Macaco is a foundational flashy movement that sets the stage for more complex acrobatics. It's a one-handed back handspring that requires strength, flexibility, and a serious dose of courage. Unlike a traditional back handspring, the Macaco is performed with a deep squat and a twisting, fluid motion that is pure Capoeira.

In the roda, a well-executed Macaco is a powerful evasive maneuver that can transition seamlessly into a low attack or a standing position, keeping your opponent guessing and the energy high.

How to Practice the Macaco

  1. Stance: Start in a low, deep squat (negativa position can work), with one hand planted firmly on the ground behind you, fingers pointing away.
  2. Initiation: Swing your other arm back and push powerfully with your legs, kicking your back leg up and over.
  3. Rotation: As your hips go over your head, push off with your planted hand and spot the ground for your other hand.
  4. Landing: Land on your feet, ideally in a low, defensive position ready to continue your flow.
Pro Tip: Practice over a soft surface and use a spotter! Focus on the push from your legs, not just throwing yourself backward. Mastery of the Bananeira (handstand) is a crucial prerequisite for control.

Martelo Rotado

This isn't your standard Martelo. The Martelo Rotado, or spinning heel kick, is a devastatingly fast and powerful strike that comes from an unexpected angle. It combines the raw power of a Martelo with the deceptive momentum of a full-body spin, making it incredibly difficult for your opponent to read and defend against.

Its beauty lies in its disguise; it can start as a simple Ginga or a Troca de Pé (change of feet) before exploding into a whirlwind of force.

How to Practice the Martelo Rotado

  1. Setup: From your Ginga, plant your front foot and begin to pivot on the ball of that foot, turning your back to your opponent (momentarily).
  2. Wind Up: Use the spin to generate torque. Keep your arms close to your body to maintain balance and speed.
  3. Execution: As you complete the 360-degree turn and your target comes back into view, unleash your kicking leg in a straight, snapping motion, striking with the top of your foot or your heel.
  4. Recovery: Retract your leg quickly and land in a balanced Ginga, ready for the next move.
Pro Tip: The power comes from the hips and the spin, not just the leg. Practice the spin first without the kick to build balance and spotting (focusing your eyes on the target throughout the spin). Control is key to avoid injuring yourself or your training partner.

S-Dobrado

The S-Dobrado, or "double S," is the quintessential takedown (queda) for advanced capoeiristas. It's a complex, flowing movement that involves hooking your opponent's leg while using your own body as a lever to sweep them off their feet. It requires impeccable timing, a deep understanding of leverage, and a close, malicious game (jogo de dentro).

Executing a clean S-Dobrado in the roda is a sign of superior technical skill and strategic thinking. It's not about brute force; it's about using your opponent's energy and position against them.

How to Practice the S-Dobrado

  1. Entry: Get in close. This move often follows an attack or an evasion that puts you next to your opponent's leg.
  2. The Hook: Drop your body weight low and hook your leg behind your opponent's supporting leg, at the knee or calf.
  3. The Lever: Use your shoulder or torso to push against your opponent's chest or hip, applying pressure in the opposite direction of the hook.
  4. The Takedown: The combined pushing and hooking action will disrupt their balance and bring them to the ground smoothly.
Pro Tip: This is a partner technique that MUST be practiced with utmost care and communication. Never force the takedown. The goal is technique, not injury. Practice the motion slowly and with a trusted partner before attempting it at speed.

Au Sem Mão (Au de Colo)

The Au Sem Mão, or no-handed cartwheel, is the pinnacle of fluidity and style. Also known as the Au de Colo (neck cartwheel), this move involves launching into a cartwheel but landing on your neck/shoulders instead of your hands, before rolling out smoothly. It's a breathtakingly smooth and unexpected evasion.

In the roda, it's a move that screams malandragem (cunning). It avoids a low attack with a beautiful, circular flourish that can instantly change the tempo of the game and leave your opponent in awe.

How to Practice the Au Sem Mão

  1. Prerequisite: You must have a flawless, controlled Au (cartwheel) and a strong understanding of falling and rolling (queda de rins).
  2. Initiation: Start just like a regular Au, kicking your legs over your head.
  3. The Commitment: Instead of planting your hands, keep them close to your body or use one arm for a very light guide. Tuck your chin to your chest.
  4. Landing: Allow your upper back and shoulders to make contact with the ground in a rolling motion, immediately transferring the momentum into a forward roll or a Negativa to continue the game.
Pro Tip: This move carries a risk of neck injury. Practice the rolling motion from a squat first. Then, practice going over a soft barrel or with a spotter guiding your hips over. NEVER attempt this on a hard surface without being absolutely confident in your roll.

Take Your Jogo to the Next Level

Mastering these advanced moves isn't just about physical prowess; it's about deepening your understanding of Capoeira's language. Each technique tells a story of evasion, attack, and survival. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination. Train smart, train safe, respect your mestres and your training partners, and always, always keep the music playing.

Axé!

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