How to train for good flips?

Question

I’m into capoeira and have trained for over a year. And I’m starting to train on doing flips. Only problem is that I can not yet do the full body flips (over the full length of the body) as the higher grades do. The problem is mostly due to a lack of muscle power. I’d like some tips from gymnasts, capoeirista and other martial artists for muscle or other excercises I can do to improve this. Preferably stuff I can do at home and without using too much equipment.

Answer 1

Actually, I started in acrobatics before martial arts. Capoeira is unique in that the movement are so fluid yet so abnormal, so there is of course going to be a natural learning curve there. Its not strength that is holding you back, especially in capoeira (except for stalls and additional height, etc.) its actually flexibility and muscle memory. Through the years, I have become so used to specific acrobatic motions that I have a hard time describing them as anything other than that motion. It becomes so much an instinct rather than a set of motions. Flexibility is key here, as in Capoeira, all of the force you need to carry your body over can be aquired by throwing a leg up, or an arm out, very little strength is needed. If you want to work on the physical aspects, I'd suggest foremost training flexibility. Muscle resistence results in less power and speed from a movement, trust me. Also, speed is key, so train for muscle quickness before power, and nothing but the fast motions of acrobatics will prepare you for them, or so I've found.

Answer 2

I don't believe that it is due to the lack of muscle power.
If you have the strength to stand upright, you have the strength to flip. I all boils down to balance, coordination, and technique.

I have been studying martial arts for 29 years now. I had a hard time learning to do flips also. I was able to get on the right track by practicing in a harness. (Two cords connected to a harness on each side of your waist) Use a springboard until you get the form down, and then loose the board... The high school cheerleading team had the harness setup for their training. I owe it to them for teaching me how.

FYI: You stand to injure you abs and neck muscles from the extremes you put them through... stretching, crunches, and neck presses are a must!!

Answer 3

even if I not in any respect laid a motor vehicle on its area, I positioned some on the floor and my first reaction each and each and every time became to say "ooooopppps" . The technique after that became to record it and then might want to bypass for a reality with the Superintendant, then watch for a word to say that my record had 10 or 20 demerrits factors adverse to it. I once positioned a locomtotive on the floor by technique of calling the change incorrect to the Engineer for this reason breaking the change and then a couple of minutes later the Engineer made a opposite move through the change at about 20 mph and "oooooppps" yet another 10 demerrit factors.

Answer 4

to do flips you need technique and some strength with an emphasis more on technique.

1. You need to be able to get up high enough so you should build some leg strength. If you have a trampoline or skateboard or something....

2. the most important part after you are able to get enough air is to remember tuck when you hit the peak of your jump. when you do front flips the tuck really helps you turn. with back flips you can get lazy.

and i would assume you would need mental strength too because a lot of people quit out of fear before they even try so when they attempt flips they go into it half powreed

Answer 5

There is a tape that Panther Productions has that teaches tumbling and simple gymnastics type moves in it. It is very good and teaches you how to develop your balance, core strength, shoulder and arm strength and flexibility as well. Check it out and it will help you a lot I think.

Answer 6

"all {it} boils down to {is} balance, coordination, and technique" like the man said.