Meia lua de compasso

[1] It is even considered that a capoeirista's general skill level can be determined on how hard and fast they are able to execute a meia-lua de compasso.

[3] Meia-lua de compasso, along with many other movements that are now considered the trademark of capoeira, was developed within Angolan martial art engolo.

In 1909, there was a famous match when a capoeirista Ciríaco da Silva, defeated a Japanese jujitsu champion Sado Miyako with the rabo de arraia kick.

[8] Meia lua de compasso was introduced in mixed martial arts in 2009 by Brazilian fighter Marcus "Lelo" Aurélio (also known as Professor Barrãozinho), who knocked out his opponent Keegan Marshall with it.

[10] In 2017, Ollie Flint knocked Aaron Grey with a meia lua, although the result was changed to a no contest due to external reasons.

[11] The following year, Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos used a hands-free meia lua to knock out Sean Strickland in UFC 224.

[12] Manny Apkan also scored another KO by meia lua de compasso over Connor Hitchens in Cage Warriors in 2022.

[17] If the kick starts from the standing or semi-crouched position, the capoeirista twists his body towards one side, downing one or both hands onto the ground for balance, and launches the opposite leg into the air in a semi-circular motion that ends with his heel striking the opponent, usually in the head, or completing the spin into a ginga position.

[15] It is executed in a similar way to meia lua de compasso, except the hands are kept close to the body to protect the face.

[19] Some capoeiristas simply throw the leg back, turning the body in such a way that the heel hits the opponent in front.

Meia-lua de compasso dupla (double compass crescent) is a version of the kick done without either leg in contact with the ground.

[23] Professional wrestler John Morrison has used this kick in several occasions, as well as film actors and stuntmen Lateef Crowder and Marrese Crump.

A savate illustration from the 19th century, showing French sailors doing a kick similar to a rabo de arraia .
Rabo de arraia
Meia-lua queda de rins.
Meia-lua de compasso dupla.