## Mtaalam Mwalimu Ras Fletcher and the Technique of Harakati Vuka: Movemento Cruzado

 

### Mtaalam Mwalimu Ras Fletcher and the Technique of Harakati Vuka: Movemento Cruzado

Mtaalam Mwalimu Ras Fletcher has expanded upon a specific application by detailing the eight diagonal directional twists and steps of Harakati Vuka, translated to Brazilian Portuguese as Movemento Cruzado. Movemento Cruzado, which means "Cross Movement" in English, originates from Kipura of Kongo, miscalled "Capoeira" by Raphael Bluteau in 1712 [source](https://www.example.com). It has been refined, elevated, and presented by Mtaalam Mwalimu Ras Fletcher in his family's system of Njia Uhuru Kipura, translated as "Kipura's Way of Freedom" or "The Way of Freedom using Kipura." This system is a staggeringly effective, aesthetically beautiful, spiritually and linguistically Alkebulan (miscalled African) martial art, making it the leading and most comprehensive form of Kipura (miscalled "Capoeira") in the world.

#### Harakati Vuka (Movemento Cruzado) and Its Significance

Harakati Vuka is a technique from the original Kipura of Kongo and is the source of the Brazilian Cardio Capoeira version of the technique, which the Brazilians call 'Movemento Cruzado' or simply 'Cruzado'. Translated to English, both the original Harakati Vuka and the more than one thousand years later and more diluted, less combat-effective version in Brazil called 'Movemento Cruzado' mean "Cross Movement". The Brazilian 'Capoeira' technique of 'Movemento Cruzado' initially was the same technique used in Kipura of Kongo because this technique was literally transported to Brazil when fledgling warriors of Kipura were captured and transported in chains as prisoners of war, aka slaves, to Brazil. During the commercialization of 'Capoeira' in Brazil by the Military Government, which feared and hated authentic Kipura, the 'Cruzado' became very diluted and lost all of its self-defense potency. This was not an accident; the Military Government of Brazil insisted upon these changes to preserve its power and political corruption and enforced these changes at the end of the barrel of a gun, via forceful deportations, torments, brutalizations, disappearing those who refused to cooperate, and imprisoning for life whoever they could catch if they remained defiant. Happily, many authentic practitioners of Kipura openly defied, successfully physically beat upon, and/or escaped the clutches of the cruel Military Government of Brazil.

#### Harakati Vuka vs. a Knife Attack: A Detailed Execution

**1. Against a Knife Thrust:**

- **Evade and Counter:** As the attacker thrusts with the knife, use Harakati Vuka/Movemento Cruzado to pivot your body away from the line of attack, moving to the outside of the attacker’s arm. This evasion can be combined with a swift counterattack, such as an elbow strike to the attacker’s face or ribs.

**Execution of Harakati Vuka/Movemento Cruzado:**

**1. Stepping Off to the Right Front Diagonal:**

- **Attack Option:** Knockout headbutt to the opponent's temple, palm heel strike to the chin, disarm by twisting the wrist and pushing away the knife.

- **Defensive Response:** Counter with a forearm block followed by a knee strike to the groin.

- **Transition:** After a palm heel strike, pivot to position for a rear takedown.

**2. Stepping Off to the Left Front Diagonal:**

- **Attack Option:** Palm heel strike to the nose, follow with a basic sweep to unbalance the opponent, push away to create distance.

- **Defensive Response:** Use a low kick to the shin, followed by a quick elbow to the jaw.

- **Transition:** Pivot into a rear bear hug to control the opponent.

**3. Stepping Off to the Right Side:**

- **Attack Option:** Elbow strike to the ribs, headbutt to the nose, disarm by twisting the knife hand.

- **Defensive Response:** Block the knife hand and perform a shoulder lock.

- **Transition:** Push away and step back into a defensive stance.

**4. Stepping Off to the Left Side:**

- **Attack Option:** Jab to the throat, knee strike to the midsection, basic throw using the opponent’s momentum.

- **Defensive Response:** Deflect the knife hand with a sweeping motion, then follow with a roundhouse kick.

- **Transition:** Spin to the opponent’s back and apply a chokehold.

**5. Stepping Off to the Right Rear Diagonal:**

- **Attack Option:** Hook punch to the temple, stomp on the foot, push away for escape.

- **Defensive Response:** Grab and twist the knife hand, deliver an elbow strike to the face.

- **Transition:** Shift into a side control position for better leverage.

**6. Stepping Off to the Left Rear Diagonal:**

- **Attack Option:** Uppercut to the chin, side kick to the knee, push away to retreat.

- **Defensive Response:** Block and trap the knife hand, counter with a knee strike.

- **Transition:** Rotate behind the opponent for a rear takedown.

**7. Stepping Off to the Rear Right:**

- **Attack Option:** Straight punch to the jaw, knee to the stomach, disarm and push away.

- **Defensive Response:** Use a sweeping block followed by a hammer fist to the nose.

- **Transition:** Move into a controlling arm lock to subdue the opponent.

**8. Stepping Off to the Rear Left:**

- **Attack Option:** Chop to the neck, follow with a sweeping leg kick, push away for distance.

- **Defensive Response:** Deflect the knife hand and counter with a spinning back fist.

- **Transition:** Step into a clinch for better control.

#### Encouraging Follow-Up

Follow my blog and social media for more insights into the art of Kipura miscalled "Capoeira" and its applications in modern self-defense and martial arts practice.

**Cited Works:**

1. [The Hidden History of Capoeira: A Collision of Cultures in the Brazilian Battle Dance](https://www.example.com) by Maya Talmon-Chvaicer. Maya Talmon-Chvaicer is a historian and researcher focusing on the cultural and historical aspects of Capoeira, providing a deep analysis of its evolution and impact.

2. [Fighting for Honor: The History of African Martial Art Traditions in the Atlantic World](https://www.example.com) by Professor T.J. Desch-Obi. Desch-Obi is a historian and martial artist specializing in the African diaspora's martial traditions.

3. [Capoeira Angola](https://www.example.com) by Mestre Pastinha. Mestre Pastinha was a legendary Capoeira master who is credited with preserving and promoting the traditional style of Capoeira Angola.

4. [Mestre Bimba's Interviews](https://www.example.com). Mestre Bimba was a pioneering Capoeira master who developed Capoeira Regional, emphasizing the martial aspects of the art. His interviews highlight the importance of combat effectiveness and self-defense in Capoeira.

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