Martelo

Variations

The martelo, or martelo em pé (standing hammer), is a quick, forceful kick in capoeira, traditionally struck with the foot's top. Arm movement is key, helping to build momentum and power while keeping the body balanced. After the kick lands, the leg is brought back under tight control. This version typically comes from the back leg while in the ginga. To perform it, you adjust the standing foot's angle for proper alignment, lift the knee up in front of you, pivot your body sideways, and then snap the leg out straight to hit with the top of your foot.

The martelo do chão starts from the negativa position. From there, the hand on the opposite side of your supporting arm reaches toward the leg that is stretched out. You lift your hip, and the leg that was bent then kicks out at your opponent. This ground-based attack is often used offensively against someone who is standing, and it shows up more frequently in capoeira Angola.

The chapéu de couro (leather hat), also called S-dobrado (double-S), is a more intricate move. It begins on the floor and launches toward the opponent in a slicing arc through the air, with both legs following the same path. This can catch an opponent off guard by springing directly from a grounded position. You start in the negativa, then do a strong hop off your front foot, swinging your other leg up and forward across your body while keeping one hand on the ground.

For momentum, your legs, torso, free hand, and head all move together in the kick's direction. During the striking part, you do not reach your free hand back to the floor like you would in a regular S-dobrado. Instead, you finish the kick with that hand off the ground and land on the foot that kicked. According to Da Costa, the S-dobrado follows a feigned sweep.

The capoeirista starts a strong rasteira in front of the opponent without making contact, supporting their weight with one leg and the arm on that same side. The opposite arm, on the side of the extended leg, lifts up for balance. As the sweeping leg comes back toward the supporting leg, the raised hand touches the ground. Using the momentum from the fake sweep, the supporting leg straightens, lifts off the floor, and delivers a powerful kick to the opponent.