Lua (Kapu Kuialua)
Kapu Kuʻialua; Kuialua; or just Lua; is an ancient Hawaiian martial art of bone breaking, emphasizing joint locks, throws, pressure pointmanipulation, strikes, usage of various weapons, battlefield strategy, open ocean warfare as well as the usage of introduced firearms from the Europeans.[2]
The actual name of fighting art was referred to as "Kuʻialua", literally meaning two hits. That name was subsequently given to the god of this martial art.
Only those associated with the aliʻi (nobility), such as professional warriors, guardsmen, and the royal families themselves, were generally taught Kuʻialua. However, during times of warfare, the makaʻainana (commoners) were also instructed in the basic movements and functions of the martial art.
The old warriors of this art would coat themselves with a thin layer of coconut oil and remove all of their body hair in order to be able slip away and avoid being grappled in battle. The word for Lua masters, olohe, literally means "hairless".
Style Specifics
The modern form of this art has been adjusted to suit modern times, however, the traditional spirit of the art remains intact. Weapons used by natives of the Hawaiian Islands may have been focused on primarily in the art at one time, as it is said the fighter who loses his weapons should then resort to the hand-to-hand stylings of Kuʻialua.
Training methods include spear catching, training in the surf, and focus of "mana" or life force. This energy is described much like chi or ki in Chinese or Japanese martial arts. Exercises are used to focus this energy much like the exercise of chi kung.
Country of origin Hawai'i
Weapons
Hoe Leiomano - Paddle, shark tooth weapon
Ihe - Short spear with barbed edges or straight point (up to 9 ft/2.7 m staff)
Kaʻane - Garrote (strangling cord)
Koʻokoʻo - Staffs (long and short)
Koʻokoʻo Loa (6 ft/1.8 m staff)
Koʻokoʻo Pōkole (4 ft/1.2 m staff)
Kuʻekuʻe Lima Leiomano - Knuckle duster weapon
Leiomano - Shark tooth weapon
Maʻa - Sling
Maka Pāhoa - Double-edge (eye) dagger
Newa - Short (small) club
Pahi - Knife
Pāhoa - Single-edge dagger
Pāhoa Koʻokoʻo - Cane double-edge dagger