LUA - Hawaiian Martial Art Freakie-Do

LUA

Freakie-Do

Lua: Hawaiian martial arts

Throughout history, warriors protected their homeland through self-defense techniques. The Israelis developed street fights called kravmaga. The Japanese created martial arts such as jujutsu and karate. While the ancient Persians taught koshti in the Middle East to defend their land. The ancient Hawaiians developed kapu kuialua or simply lua, meaning double strikes. This Hawaiian martial art focused on breaking the bones and joints of the opponent.

“Huna A Mea Huna” This Hawaiian phrase means to keep secret what is sacred. This motto epitomizes why Hawaiians practiced lua in the most clandestine of circumstances. Only the most skilled warriors would train in lua techniques in the dead of night. They trained in the woods or on the waves to gain dexterity and balance. Only a select group of men with great determination and strength would be able to learn Lua. In fact, until recent times, only Hawaiians could study Lua. Lua Fighting Techniques Ancient warriors normally shaved their heads and covered their bodies with coconut oil. By doing so, they would be able to quickly escape and escape the grasp of their enemies. With dozens of specific grabs, pinches, and strike moves, warriors could powerfully strike a nerve in their opponent. Quick hits to muscle or joints would render them useless, giving the attacker the upper hand. Lua warriors would then work from the fingers to the arm, breaking bones along the way. They might also break bones with wrestling, boxing, slapping, and pinning moves after exchanging verbal taunts. Used effectively, an enemy would not be able to protect themselves.

Usually clad only in a loincloth, the combatants often began battle with certain weapons of their choice. Some of these included choke ropes, knuckle dusters, shark-toothed weapons, spears, clubs, daggers, and staves.

King Kamehameha was the greatest Lua warrior of all. He could dodge an avalanche of spears, using high kicks, jumps, and devastating blows, defeating his opponent in just a few moves. However, under his rule, Hawaii underwent great changes. Weapons such as guns and cannons were introduced by Europeans, making hand-to-hand combat techniques less relevant. In the 20th century, lua art was almost forgotten.

Current State of Hawaiian Martial Arts Although many had considered this Hawaiian martial art to be a lost art, some are trying to revive it. Since 1991, four men who had studied lua in the 1970s got together and started offering classes. Since then, teachers Jerry Walker, Mitchell Eli, Moses Kalauokalani, and Richard Paglinawan have educated hundreds of students in Lua. The National Park Service, the Native Hawaiian Arts and Culture Program, and the Bishop Museum have provided financial support for them.

Visitors can see lua in various makahiki demonstrations, contests and ceremonies. One such ceremony takes place in August on the Big Island of Hawaii, near the heiau called Pu'ukohola.