Martelo

Video of Martelo

Martelo is a Capoeira kick similar in appearance to a roundhouse kick. A Martelo is not used to damage as much as to briefly sting the opponent in between a quick succession of moves.

Description of Martelo

It is performed by rotating the standing leg in, raising the kicking leg's knee and stretching the lower leg to make contact with the opponent with the instep part of the foot. The body leans a bit backwards for balance and the pelvis leans towards the target. The capoeirista must use the hand to protect body and the other hand to protect the face.