How do I defend myself?

Capoeira has a unique way to defend against attack: we escape rather than block, giving the game a nice flow.

Esquivas distinguish capoeira from other martial arts. Many of the attacks in capoeira are fully committed kicks that would cause injury if you tried to block instead of dodging them. Blocking an attack can also upset the flow of the game.

In capoeira, we go with the flow of the attack. Blocks do sometimes occur when one player is so caught off guard that they block instinctively. This generally happens when defending against hand attacks rather than kicks.

Cocorinha (low squat)

Cocorinha is a variation of the word “cócoras,” which means squatting. It is one of the simplest defense movements. With feet flat on the ground, squat with knees to your chest, close to the body. Cover the side of the torso and head with one arm, while the other hand is on the floor to the side of the body for support.

Technique: Correct positioning

Always keep a strong base. At the same time, try to relax your body to be able to quickly react. Capoeira moves should feel natural to your body. Be aware of the alignment of your knees and feet. More important than keeping your knees behind your toes, make sure your knees and feet are turned out at the same angle.

Esquiva recuada (backward escape)

Esquiva recuada is similar to esquiva lateral, except your body is perpendicular to your opponent, rather than facing them.

Esquiva baixa (low escape)

This dodge looks like a lunge, but the torso is bent forward, bringing the head low.

If the right foot is in front, the right hand is on the floor for stability, and the left hand is used to guard the face and head.

Be comfortable with doing the ginga and escaping!

Dedicate your practice to mastering all the escapes from the ginga and smoothly returning to the ginga, switching sides without confusion or missteps. This proficiency ensures you can confidently and effectively escape from any kick with ease and strength, as demonstrated in this video.

Rolê (roll)

Along with the ginga and au, this “rolling” motion is one of the basic ways of moving around in the game. It is essentially a spin to one side.

Rolê us use to get up from the floor in a more comfortable and effective way, also is use to connect others moves

We have to way to do rolê

1. The moment is circular and the same leg do the steps

2. The movement is in line and you alternate the leg when you step

Keep in mind to:

1. Always look your partner

2. Hands flat on the floor

3. Always protect your head

4. Only stand up if your safe from your opponent attacks

Avoid:

• Assuming the movement is finished and neglecting to maintain eye contact with your partner.

• Exposing your head.

• Keeping your hands not completely flat.

• Allowing your base and legs to lack strength and stability.

• Rolling without visual awareness.

• Failing to protect your head while standing up.

• Encroaching into your partner's space by moving your head towards them.

• Lastly but not least: Ensure you practice sufficiently to discern the various ways to execute a roll.

Negativa

This can be an escape and a transition move. You are low to the ground. One leg is bent, with weight on the ball of the foot. The other leg is extended forward, and the body weight is supported with one hand on the ground. The other hand protects the face.

Exercise 1.

Start practicing the negativa by doing negativa push up to get comfortable with the position, also is good to build arms strength

Exercise 2.

Combining moves: Finding the right position and balance in negativa can be hard in the beginning. To build up to it, we will combine 3 moves together: cocorinha + negativa + rolê

Now try negativa