Cartwheel (aú)

Biomechanics: what the body does

A cartwheel adapted for fighting. It is done slowly, with arms and legs bent to keep a low target, and the eyes stay on the other player rather than on the floor, because the inverted body is open to a low headbutt or a push kick. From the open form the free arm reaches over the head in the direction of travel and the far leg kicks off first to give momentum. Players can pause in a handstand or kick from it.

Appears in 1 art

More in this category

Front stance Horse stance Back stance Cat stance Hourglass stance (sanchin) Boxing stance (orthodox / southpaw) Sliding step (front foot first) Natural walking step Following step Body evasion by turning (tai sabaki) Entering and turning (irimi / tenkan) Ginga (rocking base of capoeira) Jump-forward (balestra) Back breakfall Side breakfall Forward rolling breakfall Clinch (stand-up grappling) Underhook

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