by Joshua Peacock

Created on: May 25, 2009

When people think of take downs, wrestlers, brazilian jiu jitsuka, or Japanese Jujutsuka come to mind. Though less commonly known, Capoeira has its fair share of take downs. Though not as gritty or geared towards actual combat, Capoeira does usually beat out its grappling counterparts for style and grace. These different sweeps are an integral part of the art. Below is a list of take downs in Capoeira, as well as a basic description on how to execute them.

Negativa: Negativa is a position, or stance, used in Capoeira; but there is also a take down of the same name and nature. Bend one knee and dive away in the direction the kick goes. Slide with your other leg behind your opponent's pivot leg and hook in there. When the kick missed you, shift your weight over your hands and jump into straddle position. The hands stay on the floor.

Rasteira: Keep your weight over your right foot while trying to get your left foot behind the attacker's supporting leg. Your right knee should point straightly away from your target. Keep your left leg stretched and hooked behind your partner's supporting leg. Keep your left arm above your head. Stretch your left arm over and around until your hand touches the ground. This should pull your opponent's footing right out from under him, sending him crashing down.

Vingativa: Putyour right foot right beside your opponent's right and get behind your opponent with the other one. Use your elbow to prevent him from escaping to the front. Now shift your body weight from your right leg to your left.

Tesoura: Step with your left foot beside your partner's right foot and cross your other leg behind. Your torso is sort of facing downwards, but remember to keep yours eyes on the opponent. The right hand is planted on the ground. Once your body is properly aligned with you adversary's, whip your left arm around, rotating the rest of the body with it in a clockwise direction. This should make your opponent collapse inwards and fall back, like the Vingativa.

These are but a few of many take down techniques used in Capoeira. Though they take good form to pull off, these take downs rely heavily on timing. Practice these techniques over and over again with a partner to hone your ability, as well as get that timing down pat (this is actually the only way you can really master these movements). You will be training, but you'll also be having loads of fun!

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