Capoeira Techniques
Capoeira Moves: Ginga, Kicks, Escapes and Takedowns
Get your capoeira technique checked: upload a clip and mmaGPT marks each mistake with a timestamp and a drill. First review free.
Capoeira moves are learned by their Portuguese names, so each entry below gives the name, what it means in English, one cue and the mistake that shows up most on video.
Everything starts from the ginga. If the ginga is off, every kick and escape built on it is off too, so that is the first thing to check when you film yourself in the roda.
Base and escapes
Ginga (swing)
The constant rocking base movement of capoeira.
Cue: Arm covers the face on the side of the back leg.
Common mistake: Standing tall with the arms down.
Esquiva (escape)
Dodging a kick by dropping or leaning out of its path.
Cue: Arm guards the head while you go low.
Common mistake: Leaning without covering the head.
Negativa (negative)
Low escape close to the ground with one leg extended.
Cue: Weight on the hand and bent leg, head covered.
Common mistake: Sitting down flat on the floor.
Role (roll)
Low turning movement to change position on the ground.
Cue: Stay low and keep your eyes on your partner.
Common mistake: Looking at the floor as you turn.
Cocorinha (squat)
Deep squat escape with a hand covering the head.
Cue: Heels down if you can, arm up.
Common mistake: Squatting with no guard.
Kicks
Meia lua de frente (front half moon)
Straight-leg kick sweeping in an arc across the front.
Cue: Leg stays straight and passes at head height.
Common mistake: Bending the knee so the arc collapses.
Meia lua de compasso (compass half moon)
Spinning kick with the hands on the floor.
Cue: Look under your arm at your partner as you spin.
Common mistake: Losing sight of your partner mid-spin.
Armada (armed)
Standing spinning kick with a straight leg.
Cue: Turn the head first, the kick follows.
Common mistake: Kicking before the hips finish turning.
Queixada (jaw kick)
Outside crescent kick swinging from the inside out.
Cue: Step across first to open the hips.
Common mistake: No step so the kick has no height.
Martelo (hammer)
Roundhouse kick with the instep.
Cue: Chamber the knee and pivot the support foot.
Common mistake: Flat support foot.
Bênção (blessing)
Front push kick with the sole of the foot to the chest.
Cue: Knee up first, then push through.
Common mistake: Leaning back so the kick has no push.
Movement and takedowns
Au (cartwheel)
Cartwheel used to move and change angles in the roda.
Cue: Eyes on your partner through your arms.
Common mistake: Looking at the floor so you are open.
Rasteira (sweep)
Low sweep that takes out the supporting leg.
Cue: Stay low and hook the leg while their weight is on it.
Common mistake: Sweeping a leg with no weight on it.
Ponte (bridge)
Back bridge used to escape and to build flexibility.
Cue: Push through the hips, not only the arms.
Common mistake: Hips low so the arms carry everything.
FAQ
Capoeira technique questions.
- A beginner should learn the ginga, the esquiva, the negativa and the meia lua de frente first. Kicks and acrobatics build on a ginga that already protects the head.
- Capoeira comes from Brazil, so the moves, songs and rituals keep their Brazilian Portuguese names in academies around the world.
- mmaGPT can: film your ginga, kicks or a game with your whole body in frame and it returns timestamped notes on what went wrong plus a drill, in about 30 to 45 seconds. It supplements your mestre, it does not replace one.
Get one clip checked.
Film a 20 to 60 second clip on your phone with your whole body in frame, upload it in the browser, and in about 30 to 45 seconds mmaGPT returns timestamped notes on what went wrong plus a drill to fix it. It is a second set of eyes between classes, not a replacement for your coach. First session free, no card needed.