“There are not more than five musical notes, yet the combinations of these five give rise to more melodies than can ever be heard. There are not more than five primary colours, yet in combination, they produce more hues than can ever been seen. There are not more than five cardinal tastes, yet combinations of
them yield more flavours than can ever be tasted.”
― Sun Tzu, The Art of War“
Capoeira Angola is a defensive martial art known for its intricate trap-like defenses designed to catch opponents off guard and provide fluidity in movement. It encompasses 8 basic defenses, each with unique unexpected attacks and counter-attacks based on the opponent’s positioning, which are essential for creating opportunities during a confrontation. Mastery of these movements enables capoeiristas to defend against individuals carrying various weapons, including sticks, clubs, knives, and potentially even firearms with the appropriate skills; by understanding the principles of anatomy, timing, and rhythm, practitioners can enhance their ability to react swiftly and effectively. Furthermore, the art form emphasizes not only physical technique but also the mental aspects of strategy and awareness, allowing capoeiristas to anticipate an opponent’s actions and respond accordingly, making it a holistic approach to self-defense that integrates body and mind.
Today, I’m gonna “type” about one of the most fundamental techniques, one of the “trademarks” if you will, of Capoeira Angola, the RABO – DE – ARRAIA.
Rabo de arraia (stingray’s tail) is a key technique in capoeira involving inverted kicks over the head, reminiscent of a stingray’s strike, characterized by its fluid motion and dynamic execution. This kick is often seen as the most associated with capoeira, serving not only as an offensive maneuver but also as a means of showcasing the practitioner’s agility and finesse. While executing the rabo de arraia, the capoeirista must maintain a deep understanding of balance and timing, which are crucial for delivering the kick effectively.
Moreover, it includes various movements that seamlessly blend into the overall flow of the game, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the performance. It is regarded as one of the most powerful and effective capoeira kicks and stands out as a signature move, alongside the RASTEIRA, which further highlights the versatility of a capoeirista’s arsenal. A capoeirista’s skill level is often judged by how hard and fast they can perform it, as the beauty of this move lies not only in its impact but also in the seamless integration into the rhythm and spontaneity of the game, reflecting the cultural richness of capoeira.
Rabo – De – Arraia is a parent term includes following major techniques:
MEIA LUA DE COMPASSO with its variations, the traditional rabo-de-arraia in capoeira Angola.
ESCORPIAO (SCORPION KICK) with its variations, the traditional rabo-de-arraia in capoeira carioca.
The kick is done with the heel, a technique that is not only unique but also adds a distinct flair to the player’s arsenal. It is extensively used in the “low game,” a traditional sport that emphasizes agility and precision.
In the “inside game” of capoeira, players are in close proximity, which requires cunning and strategic thinking to outsmart one another. A lapse in attention can lead to serious consequences, particularly because kicks to the head, like the rabo de arraia, are more effective in this position, often catching opponents off guard and demonstrating the importance of precision and timing.
Certain movements like rabo de arraia (meia lua de compasso and scorpion kick) originated from the African martial art n’golo. These acrobatic maneuvers not only showcase the physical prowess of practitioners but also reflect a deep cultural heritage intertwined with spiritual beliefs. Inverted positions, foundational to these techniques, likely stem from Bantu Ngangas using handstands to emulate ancestors who walked on their hands in the spirit realm, serving as a bridge between the physical world and the spiritual. This practice highlights the significance of body movement as a form of communication and connection to ancestral lineage.
In engolo, spinning kicks performed with hands on the ground are referred to as okuminunina or okusanene komima, illustrating the unique blend of artistry and combat that defines this martial art, where each technique is rich with historical context and meaning, often telling a story of resilience and cultural identity.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 