Chapeu de Couro - Capoeira
Learn how to do a chapeu de couro (lit: leather hat). The chapeu de couro is a capoeira move where you go down, plant your hands behind your back and then kick your legs up in a circular motion. The trick is that you swing your
kicking leg hard and push your hips up at the right moment. Find more detailed capoeira instructions at capoeira main, and videos here.
Execution
- This video shows how to do a right chapeu de couro, moving to the right from the ginga.
- Go down, step to the right with your right leg and plant your right hand on the floor (fingers point straight back). Swing your left leg to the right at the same time and plant your left hand on the floor. Keep looking straight forward the whole time. Don't let your hips or your left foot touch the ground.
- Then kick your left leg up, swing your right hand over-head and push your hips up.
- Land on your left leg first and keep looking to your opponent. Don't stand up looking away from your opponent. Keep your head low, then turn and stand up so that you never lose sight of your opponent.
- Do a few ginga steps and then practice the other side.
Advice
- Keep your elbows straight.
- Don't relax your abdominals too much.
- For the other side, simply do the whole thing the other way around. For most people, the right side of the chapeu de couro feels easier.
- The harder you swing your left leg, the higher and faster you can stand up.
Performance
Suggestions
