Rasteira

Rasteira
Rasteira, sweep technique in capoeira.
NameRasteira
Typesweep
Parent stylecapoeira Angola
Parent techniqueengolo sweep
Child technique(s)
  • crouching sweep
  • back crouching sweep
  • standing sweep
  • back standing sweep
  • grass cutter
Escapesjump, kidney fall

Rasteira is a foot sweep technique in capoeira, which usually counters high kicks. It is one of the fundamental techniques in traditional capoeira.

Rasteiras are quick, unexpected moves that can disrupt the opponent's balance. Instead of meeting the kick with a block, the rasteira follows the same direction of the attack turning the opponent's force against himself. Mastering the rasteira takedown technique is a hallmark of an exceptional capoeirista.

Along with meia lua de compasso, rasteira is considered as a trademarks of capoeira. Like many other core capoeira techniques, rasteira was developed within Angolan martial art engolo.

Capoeira sweeps can be done from crouching, standing, front, back, and fall positions.