Pêndulo

Step by step guide

• The pêndulo resembles more the slipping and bobbing.
• Whereas the balanço moves side to side, the pendulo is used more to roll and move under attacks.
• Most of the movement starts from the upper body but also includes dropping with the knees.
• When the arms are used while the upper body follows the same path as the letter C.
• The move works really well with incoming fast or direct attacks.
• Pêndulo is done from the parallel position, meaning that both legs are slightly wider than hip with and you’re in a slight squat.
• If the attack is coming from your left side then you’ll want to move your left leg outwards, anticipating the pendulum motion.
• The next part is to squat down even further and slowly bring your body down and around to the other side to imitate the pêndulo motion.
• Pêndulo can be done by moving laterally, or it can also be used to move in, towards the other person.
• Moving diagonally towards your opponent is a way to improve the angle of your kick and make it more difficult for the other person to respond.
• If done successfully you should be almost perpendicular to the person you’re playing with – with your chest facing their shoulder.
• Doing a pêndulo is a great way to avoid kicks but also move completely out of the vicinity.
• It’s a great defensive option and also allows for a lot of creativity while exiting out of the movement.