THE WHAT:
The ‘AU de Frente’ is a ground acrobatic context from the world of Capoeira, built on a cartwheel entry that transforms mid-pattern through a change of hip orientation and resolves through variations of reverse-hinge exits. The movement begins as a standard ipsilateral cartwheel, then transitions as the hips reorient from the frontal plane into the sagittal plane, creating a distinct shift in spatial organisation before exiting through different reverse-hinge expressions.

Resource contents:
0:05 - 'Aerial-Role de frente'
0:44 - CW to bilateral reverse-hinge exit
1:05 - 'AU de frente' (bilateral exit)
1:24 - 'AU de frente'

The main focus is developing adaptability in mid-pattern orientation change, hip reorganisation, and controlled exit strategies through reverse-hinge mechanics. Across all variations, the reverse-hinge principle remains central, with sequential unfolding from feet through spine to crown of the head.

THE HOW:
Four progressions define the system. In the ‘Aerial Rôle’, the legs remain low and controlled while both hands stay connected to the floor, allowing the practitioner to rotate into a low bilateral reverse-hinge and push out with stability. In the ‘Cartwheel-To-Bilateral Reverse-Hinge’, the practitioner completes a standard cartwheel, lands in control, and uses the grounded position to reorganise the hips before exiting through a bilateral reverse hinge.

In the full ‘AU de Frente’ (Bilateral Exit), the movement travels completely over the top, landing with both feet, maintaining open hips even through impact, before rising sequentially through the reverse hinge to head-top alignment. Finally, the ipsilateral exit variation lands on a single leg, with the free leg extended to assist directional release and continuity, using its weight and elasticity to support the exit while the arms assist subtle propulsion from the floor.

A key shared element across all variations is the use of the “swimmer hand” position on the second hand contact of the cartwheel, where the fingers orient backward in the direction of travel. This hand orientation supports the rotational shift from frontal to sagittal organisation and helps guide the hips through the transition phase.

Execution should prioritise a clear cartwheel entry, deliberate hip reorientation mid-pattern, and a clean reverse-hinge resolution appropriate to the chosen variation. The quality of movement lies in smooth plane transition, controlled support through the hands, and continuous sequential unfolding through the spine to the head without collapse or interruption.

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