How to do Armada, an in depth Capoeira Kick Tutorial.
0
Armada·Capoeira with Soquete
To really learn Armada , Watch this capoeira tutorial for beginners to advanced, learn how to do basic Capoeira kicks fr…
Armada
SubFamilyアルマーダ(Arumāda)
descriptiveTranslation: armada / fleet kick (Capoeira spinning outside crescent kick)
Overview
The Armada is a spinning outside crescent kick in Capoeira where the fighter turns their back to the opponent, spins on one foot, and delivers a sweeping kick that travels in an outward circular arc. [1] The kicking leg swings outward (like an outside crescent kick) powered by the full body rotation. It is one of the most versatile and commonly used kicks in Capoeira, appearing in both the ginga (basic movement) sequences and in the jogo (game/sparring). [1] The Armada can target the head, body, or legs depending on the height of execution. [1]
Armada KickMeia Lua de Compasso reverseCapoeira Spinning Kick
History & Origin
The Armada is one of the fundamental kicks of Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that developed among enslaved Africans in Brazil. [1] Capoeira disguised fighting techniques as dance movements, and the Armada's spinning, fluid motion reflects this heritage. It appears in both Capoeira Regional (the more combat-oriented style developed by Mestre Bimba) and Capoeira Angola (the more traditional style). [1]
Effectiveness
A versatile kick that can target any height and flows naturally within the Capoeira game. [1] The full body rotation generates significant force, and the spinning approach makes the kick difficult to predict. In MMA, Capoeira-style spinning kicks have been used successfully by fighters like Anderson Silva and Conor McGregor. [1]
Lineage
Capoeira lineage: African combat traditions → developed in Bahia, Brazil → Capoeira Angola (Mestre Pastinha) and Capoeira Regional (Mestre Bimba). The armada is a fundamental Capoeira kick. [1]
Competition Record
Performed in Capoeira roda (circle) and competition events sanctioned by regional and international Capoeira federations. Capoeira competitions evaluate technique, rhythm, and interaction rather than knockout/submission outcomes. [1]
Images
No images yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest an image.
Biomechanical Mechanism
Primary Action — Full body spin on the support leg, swinging the kicking leg in an outward circular arc
Joints Involved — Support ankle (pivot), full hip rotation (360°), kicking leg extended in circular path
Force Vector — Circular outward arc — the spin generates centrifugal force through the foot
Striking Surface — Blade of foot, heel, or outside edge of foot
Position & Entry
From ginga — Step back and across with the lead foot, turn the back to the opponent, and swing the rear leg in an outward arc
As a follow-up — After an esquiva (dodge), spin and deliver the Armada
Variants
Armada dupla — double spinning kick
Armada com martelo — spinning kick followed by a hammer kick
Armada pulada — jumping armada with airborne execution
Low armada — targeting the legs as a sweep
Videos
How to do Armada, advanced Capoeira concepts. An in depth Capoeira Kick Tutorial.
0
Armada·Capoeira with Soquete
This Advanced capoeira tutorial will take you to a new level. learn how to do Armada from within your ginga and even fr…
2 videos
What Instructors Say
The armada is a rotational crescent kick in capoeira that strikes with the outside edge of the foot, sharing the same release point as the keshada but differing fundamentally in approach. Both Capoeira with Soquete instructors agree that the technique requires coordinated rotation of the hips and shoulders, with arms driving the motion for both power and protection. The basic entry involves stepping from jinga position through cadeta: a heel step followed by a toe step positioned slightly forward of the standing foot to maintain center of gravity, followed by a twist that lifts both heels and generates oblique stretch. Advanced progression involves executing the rotation on a single foot, shifting weight onto the ball of the foot as the kick reaches its apex. Both instructors emphasize that the heel acts as a directional pointer toward the target and that internal foot rotation is critical. The arms and elbows function as both speed generators and braking mechanisms, with the head following last during rotation and arriving first upon reset. The kick should be contained past the centerline rather than completing a full arc, engaging hamstrings and glutes to pull the leg back and down efficiently. Advanced applications include loading and releasing directly from jinga or finta positions, enabling distance management and counter-striking opportunities. Both instructors stress finishing with hips, toes, and feet forward to defend against counter-strikes.
Synthesized from 2 instructors
- Capoeira with Soquete — How to do Armada, an in depth Capoeira Kick Tutorial.: Established foundational technique: entry through cadeta with heel-toe stepping, the loaded position with opposing rib-hip stretch created by shoulder twist and locked legs, the dual-foot rotation progression, and the importance of resetting with forward-facing hips and elbow safety positioning.
- Capoeira with Soquete — How to do Armada, advanced Capoeira concepts. An in depth Capoeira Kick Tutorial.: Expanded on intermediate-advanced mechanics: single-foot rotation with weight shift to the ball of the foot, internal foot rotation and heel-as-laser-pointer directional control, the role of elbows as speed and brakes, containment of arc past centerline for hip safety and speed, and direct loading from jinga or finta positions for distance management and counter-striking applications.
Learn This Technique
No instructional courses yet for this technique.
Sign in to suggest a course.
Ratings
Risk of injury to the person this technique is applied to
5
High5/10
The spinning momentum generates significant force, but Capoeira kicks are often delivered with control in the roda.
Skill level needed to execute this technique reliably
Intermediate
Whether this technique is allowed under major competition rule sets
Illegal
WKF Karate— spinning techniques with excessive contact prohibited for...
WKF Kumite Rules 2026PDFLegal
Capoeira Regional competitions— fundamental attack kick
Unified MMA— spinning kicks permitted
Unified Rules of MMA, August 2025PDFWAKO Kickboxing— spinning kicks permitted
WAKO Full Contact RulesPDFTraining Notes
✓The spin must be tight and controlled — keep the pivot foot planted
✓Sight the target over your shoulder as you spin — never kick blind
✓The kicking leg stays relatively straight throughout the spin
✓Practice at slow speed in the roda before increasing power
✓The Armada often flows into other movements — practice transitions
Common Mistakes
!Spinning too wide — lose balance and power
!Not sighting the target — kicking blind misses consistently
!Stopping after the kick — Capoeira requires flowing into the next movement
!Using only leg power — the spin must power the kick, not just the leg
Related Techniques
Counter Techniques
Setup Chain
1Ginga rhythm → step across → Armada to the head
2Negativa (ground dodge) → rise with Armada
3Feint a low kick → spin into Armada high
Sources & References
Primary Source
Capoeira tradition. Various Capoeira references.
1BookCapoeira tradition. Various Capoeira references.
[1] Capoeira tradition; referenced in multiple martial arts encyclopedias
2CitationCapoeira tradition. Various Capoeira references.
[1] Capoeira tradition; referenced in multiple martial arts encyclopedias
Community
Athletics
Requires
rotational balance, hip flexibility, spatial awareness during the spin
Key muscles
core obliques (rotation), hip rotators, calves (pivot), quadriceps (kick extension)
Notes
The armada is a fundamental Capoeira kick — a spinning outside crescent that is one of the art's most recognizable movements. In Capoeira, kicks are performed within the ginga (swaying) rhythm and roda (circle) format. (Capoeira texts in corpus; martial arts encyclopedias)
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the basic footwork pattern for loading an armada?
According to Capoeira with Soquete, you step with your first foot on the heel and your second step on the toe, then twist while keeping your hands up to protect your head. Make sure you can see before you release the kick.
How do I know when I'm ready to release the armada?
Capoeira with Soquete emphasizes that you should internally rotate your foot so your heel acts like a 'laser pointer,' and always make sure you can see your target before committing to the release. This loaded position also allows you to make a last-minute decision to fake the kick or transition to other techniques.
What role do my arms play in the armada?
Your arms and elbows serve as both your speed and your brakes during the armada. Keep your arms up to protect your head as you step and twist, and use them to control the momentum of the kick rather than letting the twist go all the way around.
How can I use footwork to manage distance when executing an armada?
Capoeira with Soquete explains that you can adjust your position during the loaded phase by stepping in different directions, and you must push forward with your other foot to bring your center of gravity forward before releasing. This flexibility allows you to adjust distance and even counter your opponent's techniques.
How does the Armada work?
The Armada is a spinning outside crescent kick in Capoeira where the fighter turns their back to the opponent, spins on one foot, and delivers a sweeping kick that travels in an outward circular arc. The kicking leg swings outward (like an outside crescent kick) powered by the full body rotation.
Where does the Armada come from?
The Armada is one of the fundamental kicks of Capoeira, the Afro-Brazilian martial art that developed among enslaved Africans in Brazil. Capoeira disguised fighting techniques as dance movements, and the Armada's spinning, fluid motion reflects this heritage.
Is the Armada legal in competition?
Capoeira Regional competitions: Legal: legal — fundamental attack kick; Unified MMA: Legal: legal — spinning kicks permitted; WAKO Kickboxing: Legal: legal — spinning kicks permitted; WKF Karate: Banned: banned — spinning techniques with excessive contact prohibited for safety
How dangerous is the Armada?
Danger rating 5/10. Moderate — the spinning momentum generates significant force, but Capoeira kicks are often delivered with control in the roda.
How do I set up the Armada?
The standard setup chain: Ginga rhythm → step across → Armada to the head → Negativa (ground dodge) → rise with Armada → Feint a low kick → spin into Armada high.
How do I defend against the Armada?
Standard counters include: Esquiva — duck under the spinning kick / Rasteira — sweep the support leg during the spin / Close distance — jam the kick before it extends.
What are the variants of the Armada?
Common variants: Armada dupla (double spinning kick); Armada com martelo (spinning kick followed by a hammer kick); Armada pulada (jumping armada with airborne execution); Low armada (targeting the legs as a sweep).
How effective is the Armada in competition?
Performed in Capoeira roda (circle) and competition events sanctioned by regional and international Capoeira federations. Capoeira competitions evaluate technique, rhythm, and interaction rather than knockout/submission outcomes.
What are common mistakes when doing the Armada?
Top errors to watch for: Spinning too wide — lose balance and power / Not sighting the target — kicking blind misses consistently / Stopping after the kick — Capoeira requires flowing into the next movement / Using only leg power — the spin must power the kick, not just the leg.
What are other names for the Armada?
The Armada is also known as Arumāda, Armada Kick, Meia Lua de Compasso reverse, Capoeira Spinning Kick.