Capoeira - Au Pesado
An Au Pesado (lit: Heavy Wheel) is a capoeira cartwheel that looks like your legs become very heavy in the middle of the movement. Before you try this, you should
strengthen your shoulders and your arms and of course learn the normal capoeira cartwheel. Find more capoeira videos here.
Execution
- Start from the ginga and plant your hands like if you were going to do a normal cartwheel (Au). Make sure you keep looking at your opponent and extend your legs at the beginning.
- Don't kick your legs too fast, and close your legs before you reach vertical level.
- Then bend your knees and go down to the other side. Bending the legs is what makes this cartwheel look heavy. Again, make sure you keep looking at your opponent and don't move too fast.
- Land on one leg first, then on the other leg and then go back to the ginga.
Advice
- For most people the left side (planting the left hand first) is easier.
- Learn both sides of the au pesado.
- Warm up and stretch your shoulder muscles and your arms before you try this.
- You can also bend your knees in the middle and kick them back out shortly before the landing.
Performance
Suggestions
