> HOME > TUITION PROGRAM > BREAK PAGE
Let the Games Begin . . . > b i g B r e a k B a t t l e
@ stamping ground dance festival HEATS & FINALS sat 7 jan 2006


Liston Rua (Auckland) trained from early age in traditional culture on Mokoia island and also on his father's Taraniki family side. He holds a contemporary dance diploma and is a skilled funkman

(i) MAU RAKAU / MAU TAIAHA MEN & BOYS 6th-15th Jan
(ii) HAKA MEN & BOYS 6-15th Jan

(iii) HIP HOP 1-15th Jan


Mau Rakau / Mau Taiaha (Rakau) the staff, tree, wood. (Taiaha) a long staff weapon. Both basically have the same meaning.

The mau rakau comes from Maori history as one of the most important weapons and the intention is to teach a form of weaponry that is well respected amongst martial artists. The style has a spiritual base and is traditionally only for males. Before the musket arrived in Aoteoroa, the taiaha and the patu (a shorter hand weapon) were the most lethal weapons. According to the scriptures in mythology both were handed down by Tanemahuta (God of the Forest) who is one of the sons of Ihoa matua (God almighty).
These workshops will teach the fundamentals of staff combat and a haka (War Dance) which has been negotiated with Elders - a combination of a Taranaki and Mokoia island style (West Coast and Central North island).


haka & mau rakau workshop presentation at Stamping Ground 2002

> HOME > TUITION PROGRAM > BREAK PAGE