Mau Rakau

Mau Rakau – Maori Martial Arts Style from New Zealand

Mau Rakau is a weapons-based martial arts developed by the Maori of New Zealand. Mau Rakau teaches the use of traditional Maori weapons such as the Taiaha (short spear/staff weapon), Mere (a bladed weapon with a tear drop shape), Tewhatewha (axe-like weapon), etc.

The Maori are the indigenous people of New Zealand and are famed for their fierceness and fighting skills. If you have watched any New Zealand teams (i.e. New Zealand rugby teams), you have probably viewed the Haka. The Haka is the traditional war dance or war cry of the Maori. It is used to intimidate opponents and strengthen the fighting spirit of the group shouting the Haka. The Haka is sort of like an extended & group version of Karate’s Kiai. If you have never watched a Haka, please see the video below for a demonstration of the Haka.

Taiaha – Mau Rakau

Mau Rakau Demonstration

Haka

Maori Warriors