Capoeira Kicks

In Capoeira the Kick techniques are two types:

• Straight kicks – thrown directly at the opponent they are quick and easy to be executed. In the group of the straight kicks go the following moves – Ponteira, Martelo, Bencao, Chapa.
• Spinning kicks - thrown at the opponent with a circular motion. These are much slower motions and more difficult to be executed. Still, they are pretty common in the Roda. Such spinning kicks are – Armada, Queixada, Meia-lua de Compasso.

Armada

This is a circular motion in which the legs are on the ground, the body is wind up from the torso and the arms are located in front of the body. The arms should be opened and free to float when the move begins. In fact, the hands and the body being wind up is what gives power to Armada.

Once started, the hands move from their current side to the other releasing the body’s torque after which the outer leg is released in the opponent’s head direction. It is important to remember that the leg shall be lifted as higher as possible when passing the opponent’s head. Otherwise, the leg will hit the arm or the shoulder of the opponent. This would not cause him damage but will most probably cause you a lot of pain.

Chapa

This is a straight kick, which is fast and easy to perform. For this, the opponent can rarely understand what you intend to do. Chapa is a wonderful attacking technique, though sometimes it may be used as an escape.

The Chapa usually starts from Ginga. Once in a standing position throw one leg to the opponent and bend the body on a side to keep the balance. The body should be bent on the opposite side of the leg that is kicking.

Like many other Capoeira moves, Chapa has several variations:

• Chapa-de-Costas

It is very similar to a horse kick. When doing Chapa, both hands should be placed on the ground and the body placed backwards to the opponent, however still able to follow his movements. Once ready, throw a backwards kick to the opponent with one leg.

• Chapa-de-Frente

This move starts from Queda. The leg is straight and the hips are pushed upwards for greater extension of the body.

Queixada

This movement is pronounced “kay-shah-dah” and is one of the most common kicks in Capoeira Regional. To execute, the capoeirista steps forward from a middle ginga position with one leg (on 45 degrees from the other leg) twisting the body to continue facing the opponent. From here, the player tries to untwist the body releasing the front leg and bringing it up to the opponent to execute the kick. The torque is what gives power to this move. In fact, it is very easy to achieve if you only move your tosro and leave the leg to follow it. Once the capoeirinsta completes Queixada, he goes back to a middle ginga position.