Language:
Haka belongs to Māori people, natives of Aotearoa. With Mana, we will perform Haka the respectful way, knowing about the culture, the philosophy and get out of the comfort zone. We will embody our pride, emotions readable on our faces, we will honour the land and our roots. Our voices will elevate towards the ancestors, our stomps will make the ground shake, and our bodies will manifest our will.
Mana will also share Polynesian moves of power, rising our spiritual energy, our “mana”, but also, caring about its vessel, our body. We will then be introduced to some basic moves and stances of Polynesian martial arts.
Mana, comes from Polynesia, born on the sacred island of Ra’iatea, the legendary Havai’i Nui, and his family traces their lineage to the last clan/tribe standing against colonizers in the Leeward islands and Aotearoa (New Zealand). As the traditions oblige, he learnt about his ancestors, cultures, and traditions growing up with his grandparents, guarding dearly the stories and legends of Polynesia, told by his elders in his childhood.
This is a gentle reminder to always seek for Polynesian guidance when willing to learn about Polynesian practices, that shows respect to the cultures. “Teaching” it when being non-Polynesian, with no Polynesian origins or not having the knowledge is disrespectful. Please, look for Polynesians.
