Ku, of the many lives.
Ku, who sustained many.
Ku, who gives life to many.
Ku, through whom many lives spring forth.
Going on and on thoroughly investigating. Hawaiian god of investigation, justice.
Kuahāilo is represented as Hawaiian of justice, going over and over the same practice until it becomes habitual (Hoʻomau) Continuous prayer that adds mana.
Ku, who plants the seeds of knowledge within the student.
Hā, breathes life into the student.
Ilo, represents tender young plant shoots sprouting from the seed bed. Germinating seedlings are called ilo. Hoʻoilo for the rainy season refers to the time when seedlings, weeds, grasses, sprout from the ground.
Lua can be interpreted many different ways. The most important being the notions of duality and balance. The substance of it’s teachings occupy a space that is comparable to a lifelong companion. It’s inherent presence then shifts our view of the world and influences our paths toward harmony. Those who enter the warrior’s journey soon witness the deep underlying connections, seemingly predetermined and often epiphanic, that paved their way.
Mastering the break, one must appreciate the mend. In offsetting a western mindset, we practice to restore solidarity through group training and consistent circulation of information. The physical aspect focuses on self defense through development of innate reaction (hand to hand, weaponry, ritual performance). Mental fulfillment stems from material passed down by ‘Ōlohe, fellow members, and significant external sources (oration, doctrine, instruction). Finally the spirit, though impossible to gauge development, is undeniably revitalized once actively reconnected to ancestral power.
As a collective of native Hawaiians, we look to our predecessors for guidance and structure. It is through the depths of their knowledge that we discover commitment to preservation. Our purpose aligns with their past, perpetuating for those still to come.
Chief totem of the combat, Ku’ialua
Who binds with quick but least exertion of the body
Great skilled one of small or large body protects
Whether many or few
Who twists the body over and over
And interlocks the limbs till wrapped like a vine
When they take flight
The red and white tropic birds
Lest disaster befall them
Lest Kulelepoo is tossed
And his hair fall
Let him be Kuahāilo’s victim
Let his lower jaw be broken
Let his head rest in the sun
Let Kalae-hanana be the death grip
Of the victor whose throat shouts victory