The science of the art of capoeira

Capoeira Moves

A list of capoeira moves, updated reguarly with short videos of single moves, some sequences and tutorials. If there is a capoeira move you would like me to cover, please post a request to the forum. Capoeira movement tutorial videos are premium content and require you to REGISTER in order to view. Registration is FREE and take minutes.

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  • Folha seca - TUTORIAL
    Your rating: None Average: 4.7 (123 votes)
    A fantastic capoeira tutorial, Professor Narcelio.. taking us step-by-step through one of capoeira's flagship jumps - Folha Seca! Enjoy :-D
  • Piao de mao handspin (tutorial)
    Your rating: None Average: 4.6 (70 votes)

    For our second capoeira move tutorial allow me to introduce Instrutor Tico as he takes us step by step through Piao de mao, otherwise known as Handspin.

  • Volta ao Mundo
    Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (31 votes)

    This is the aerial, hands-free capoeira version of volta ao mundo - called tinsika in gymnastics. It is basically a cartwheel where you twist your body 90 degress to come out facing front, arching your back as you do so.

  • Piao de Mao
    Your rating: None Average: 4.1 (23 votes)

    Getting a good Pião de Mao (handpsin) relies on a strong clean handstand and knowing what to do with the heel of your hand.

  • Relogio
    Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (21 votes)

    Relogio means clock as looking from above, you spin like the hands of one.

  • Combo: Parafuso into Mortal Americano
    Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (22 votes)

    A flying spinning capoeira kick called Parafuso leads straight into a twisting somersault known as a Mortal Americano. nice.

  • Folha Seca Helicoptero
    Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (35 votes)
    Yikes!! Super advanced capoeira move. At the time I hadn't seen this particular variation of Folha Seca Parafuso before and back in 2007 I didn't really understand it. Now I do...
  • Butterfly Twist
    Your rating: None Average: 4.5 (30 votes)
    Butterfly twist is cientista's favourite acrobatic capoeira move. This sweet spinning matrix style move orignates from Kung-Fu and those guys do a lot of variations, into splits, 540 falling onto your front and even doubles - while wielding swords, poles or spinning metal chains.
  • Backflip
    Your rating: None Average: 3.8 (23 votes)

    This capoeira classic is also known as Palhaco, Xango, Pulo do gato [jump of the cat] and of course back-flip, flick, flic-flacs etc.

  • Au Sem Mao
    Your rating: None Average: 4.4 (30 votes)

    If you are into capoeira acrobatics then you should probably start with an Au Sem Mão.

  • Armada Dupla
    Your rating: None Average: 4.2 (49 votes)
    Also known as Double-leg by some in the MAT community, Armada Dupla is a high end aerial acrobatic and a signature move of capoeira. This one is performed by Kuniteke of Grupo Engenho da Bahia, Salvador.