How to do a Macaco - Capoeira

This video shows how to do a macaco in capoeira. The macaco is one of the most popular and basic capoeira moves. It's basically a slow, slanted capoeira back handspring where you plant one hand first. Click here for more capoeira videos or go back to the animated capoeira section.

Execution

Sit down with your legs closed.
Then plant your left hand about one shoulder width behind you. Very important: Your fingers have to point to your feet. If your fingers point the wrong direction this will not work at all and you can actually dislocate your shoulder. To avoid this, learn the capoeira kip up first.
As your left hand touches the ground, swing your right hand over head, extend your legs and push your hips up. Lean a little to the left at this point (see video) and don't bend straight back like if you were doing a gymnastic back handspring.
Plant your right hand before your legs reach vertical level and kick your legs over like if you were doing a back handspring. That's where you close your legs and straighten up.

Advice

Learn the capoeira kip up before you try the macaco. This will help you get used to planting the left hand correctly and without the risk of injuring your arm/shoulder.
A lot of people use the macaco to learn the back handspring. The advantage of this method is that it's easier. The disadvantage is that it can take you a long time to straighten your back handspring later.
Again, be careful with the way you plant your left hand.

Performance

In this Video: Edil
Club: Capoeira Bolivia - Cordao de Ouro
Location: La Paz - Bolivia
Taped by: Mavi

Suggestions

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