Capoeira Balanca

This video shows how to do a basic balanca in capoeira (also known as Cavalo). The balanca is used to delay your ginga and throw off your opponent's timing and sometimes also to escape from a coming attack. All kinds of kick, punches and headbutts can be thrown from the balanca. For another capoeira balanca variation click here, and for more capoeira videos, go back to capoeira videos main.

Execution

• Start from the ginga.
• When both feet are in one line to your opponent, (the balanca is not executed in the mid-position of the ginga) bend your upper body down to the side instead of stepping back to the middle. This will delay your ginga by one step and throw off your opponent's timing.
• At the same time, extend (block) one hand towards your opponent and make sure you keep looking straight to your opponent.
• Then go back to your capoeira ginga or throw a punch/kick/headbutt.

Advice

• Practice both sides of the balanca.
• Learn how to throw basic kicks and punches from this position.
• Exercise: Practice the capoeira balanca face to face with a training partner. Do a balanca every few steps.

Performance

• In this Video: Javier & Juan Manuel from Cordao de Ouro from Bolivia
• Club: Capoeira Bolivia - Cordao de Ouro
• Location: La Paz - Bolivia
• Taped by: Mavi

Suggestions

• Capoeira Ginga
• Capoeira Balanca Hop
• Capoeira Negativa da Regional
• Capoeira Negativa da Angola
• Wushu Kip Up
• Capoeira Main

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