Acrobatics

Demonstration involving great agility or complex body movement

Understanding acrobatics in capoeira

In capoeira, acrobatics are called “floreios.” They can be used as both offense and defense. Some capoeira schools use a lot of acrobatic movements and have a specific musical rhythm for acrobatic games. Other schools play without much acrobatics at all.

There is a wide variety of acrobatic movements in capoeira: from bridges and headstands to complex sequences including jumps and backflips.

Important: An acrobatic movement (called a “floreio”) at the wrong time can show how unprepared the capoeirista is.

Your signature move

In the same way that capoeira has signature movements that define it compared to other martial arts, many capoeiristas have their own “signature” move, something they are known for. The most advanced capoeiristas use floreios to show their abilities, and also how much they understand the game’s rhythm and the conversation with their partner.

The game never stops.

When you are upside down, there is always the risk of receiving a low head-butt, front push kick, or some other attack. Look at your partner!

Preparation:

Practice this exercises to prepare your body to the acrobatics moves:

Moving around - ANIMALS MOVES

Animals Moves Flow Exercises are an integral part of training to improve capoeira skills close to the floor. These exercises draw inspiration from the natural movements and agility of animals, and they are designed to enhance the fluidity and control of the capoeirista. By emulating the graceful and agile movements of creatures like cats, mankeys, or crabs, practitioners can develop the core strength, flexibility, and coordination necessary for executing intricate moves near the ground. These exercises not only improve balance and stability but also enhance the capoeirista's ability to transition seamlessly between different positions, facilitating smooth ground sweeps, takedowns, and escapes. Engaging in Animals Moves Flow Exercises helps capoeiristas embrace their animalistic instincts and truly embody the essence of capoeira's dynamic and acrobatic nature.

Au (cartwheel)

A basic au is performed with arms and legs bent to be as small a target as possible. Players sometime pause midway during an au, holding a bananeira (handstand), from which they can perform a wide variety of moves.

Au benefits

Au can strengthen your arms and shoulders, help with body awareness and balance...and it’s fun! A lot of people are scared of doing cartwheels, but when they try it and get it right, they realize it’s not so hard after all. With time, the au became natural for people in capoeira.

Students become more confident because they overcome their fears.

Bananeira (handstand)

This movement gets its name from the banana trees of Brazil. One difference between bananeira and a regular handstand is that in capoeira, instead of looking down at your hands or the ground, you are always looking at the other player.

Bananeira benefits

Like au, bananeira can strengthen your arms and shoulders and help with body awareness and balance.

Exercise:

Bananeira facing the wall.

1. Walk your feet up the wall into a bananeira position then back down.

3 sets of 5x

2. Walk your feet up the wall then hold.

3 sets of 10 sec

Ponte (bridge)

The ponte is a bridge with the stomach facing upward and the hands and feet pushing the ground to keep the back arched.

Benefits of ponte

We spend a lot of time sitting and hunched over at the computer or looking at our phones. Ponte can help with posture by opening the chest, relaxing the muscles that are always in contraction (like our abs), and strengthening our back muscles, balancing the body.