“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“
Today, I am showing you a basic kick that’s NOT NECESSARILY from Capoeira Angola, but is utilized by many Angoleiros.
The “Martelo” (Portuguese for “hammer”) is a dynamic and powerful roundhouse kick in Capoeira, often delivered with the instep or the lower part of the shin.
This striking technique is not only characterized by its speed and agility, but also by the fluidity and rhythm that are fundamental to Capoeira as a whole. Practitioners often utilize the Martelo to surprise their opponents, executing the kick with precision while maintaining an impressive level of balance and control. In addition to its offensive capabilities, the Martelo can also serve as a defensive maneuver, allowing the practitioner to deflect incoming attacks while simultaneously countering with their own strike. Moreover, mastering this kick requires extensive practice and strength training, as it engages multiple muscle groups and demands coordination and timing, ensuring that it remains an essential component of Capoeira training routines and sparring sessions.
The most common forms of the Martelo include:
Martelo em pé
This is the most common martelo seen in Regional and Contemporânea rodas. Its execution on the very basic level is identical to the sport version of the roundhouse kick commonly seen in Tae Kwon Do and kickboxing. Capoeira emphasizes using kicks anywhere at any time, which allows for a dynamic approach to combat. As practitioners advance, more intricate forms of the martelo em pé can emerge, often springing from feints to mislead opponents, skipping to create distance while launching the kick with the front leg, and employing evasive maneuvers like the esquiva diagonal to avoid strikes. This creative use of movement not only showcases the beauty of Capoeira but also emphasizes the strategic aspect of the art. Players must maintain their balance and awareness, continually calculating the best moments to strike while staying agile. Emphasis is placed on speed and deception rather than merely delivering a knockout blow. However, even with this precaution, knockouts still occur due to the weight and sheer force of the leg, reminding practitioners of the power behind each technique and the importance of control in practice. Such experiences contribute to a deeper understanding of the art’s physicality and underlying principles, fostering a respect for both the discipline and the unpredictability of a roda environment.
Martelo do chão
Martelo do chão or martelo de negativa is a martelo that starts from the negativa position, showcasing the elegant flow and complexity of capoeira techniques. The Martelo do chão is delivered from a lower position, usually right before a rolê, allowing for a seamless transition between movements while in esquiva baixa or downward going into a queda de rins. This kick, characterized by its deceptive angles and powerful execution, has a confusing amount of names, depending on the group, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of capoeira where different regions and schools impart their unique terminologies and styles. The variation in names not only adds to the intricacy of the art form but also illustrates the diverse approaches practitioners may take, often blending traditional methods with innovative interpretations during their practice.
Martelo rodado
A spinning martelo, similar to a 540 kick, is a dynamic and powerful movement often seen in martial arts and acrobatics. The martelo rodado combines the techniques of the 540 or parafuso with the classic martelo. While the parafuso is characterized by a spinning motion from the outside to the inside, producing a crescent kick that adds elegance to the maneuver, the martelo rodado focuses primarily on delivering force. Unlike its counterpart, the martelo rodado strikes with the instep of the foot, allowing for a more impactful contact with the target. In this execution, control is sacrificed for sheer power, as the leg does not stop abruptly but continues through the motion, following with an impressive full rotation of the hips. This fluidity in movement not only enhances the strength of the kick but also showcases the practitioner’s athleticism and skill, making the spinning martelo a visually captivating and effective technique in various combat sports.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 