How to Do a Macaquinho

The origin of capoeria is not certain. The art's original practitioners were African slaves who lived in Brazil. Experts traced its roots back to Africa, as well as the dance, games and rituals practiced by the indigenous Brazilians. Because the slave owners did not want their slaves to learn how to fight, the slaves disguised the martial art as a dance, which they practiced on Sundays. Today, people practice capoeria around the world. In this eHow, you will learn a capoeria move known as the macaquinho.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Begin the macaquinho by balancing yourself on the balls of your feet with your heels off the ground and your butt resting on your heels. The position will look similar to a squat, though with your feet facing front and your bent knees closer together.
2. Lean back until your left hand touches the ground.
3. Turn your torso to the left as you lean back and place your left hand in the same line as your left heel. Be careful not to place your hand too far away from your body, for this will restrict your movement.
4. Bend your arm, so your elbow and upper arm supports your torso. Your elbow should press against your side and not the middle of your torso.
5. Drop your knees to make resting your side on your elbow more comfortable, while still keeping your knees from the ground.
6. Kick your left leg out and up so that your foot goes over your head. Bring your other foot back as well, so you are essentially turning a low, controlled backward somersault.
7. Land from the somersault and resume the same position in which you started: the modified squat.
8. Keep your head turned toward your opponent at all times while doing the macaquinho. This aim is easier because you turn your torso in the same direction as you are looking.
9. Reverse the position to do the macaquinho in the other direction. Instead of leaning on your left elbow and looking left, lean on your right elbow and look right.