From capoeira - the raiz features an off-axis flip and about 90 degrees of rotation. The word raíz, which the raiz is named after, means 'root' in Portuguese and Spanish.

Beginner

Touchdown Raiz

Bring the right shoulder down and across the midline to prepare for the raiz. This completes 90 degrees of rotation on the ground, and it puts your hips in position to drive your leg in front of your body (as opposed to behind it). Both of these factors make for an efficient raiz, and importantly also reduce the amount of lumbar spine torsion you will experience in the air.

Entrance

Drive both the left leg and left shoulder up as you open your entire body. The leg should first open to the side, and then to the front of your body as you rotate slightly - you can aim for over the left shoulder. The further you can drive your leg before leaving the ground, the more efficient your raiz will be.

Takeoff

Reach for the ground with the plant leg and pull the swing leg as far back behind the body as possible. 

Raiz

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Key Positions & Pathways

Entrance

Takeoff

Eagle

Tricks to Learn Next