Akaaka Ka Maka

Kii: Matthew Feeser

As in ancient times, during certain phases of training, haumāna are taught not to look directly at the hoapaio while in close contact. Instead, they focus their vision slightly off to the side of the opponent, allowing them to perceive all aspects of the opponent at once. In some pa lua this practice is known as ʻākāka ka maka, while other hālau refer to it as nānā i aʻe. The art of perfecting this skill is called Ka Hoʻākea a Kāne.

To use this practice effectively, one’s footwork and technical skill should be well developed. The maka are sensitive to subtle movements and shadows, and one’s sense of touch becomes heightened through the fingertips and body. A practitioner’s attention is centered on the sensations of movement within the hoapaio’s body and the vibrations that flow through them. Reading these vibrations and feelings allows for a faster response than relying on the maka alone. The eyes perceive what has already moved, while the feeling and use of nānā i aʻe allow one to sense movement at the moment it begins to flow.

This gives certain practitioners quicker reaction and recovery times. Everything within one’s presence must be perceived completely.

This is used to call in the ability to focus and set the intention for one to akaaka ka maka.

Traditional

He miti, he miti

A i hanau mai oe, e Hina e

Ka maka o ka puaa

E lelele ana i ka lani

E lelele ana i ke kuahiwi

Ewalu maka o ke kaiki pua a Hina

Na Hina oe

Na Kahiki'ula

Na Kahikilei

O Lono iki oe

O Lono nui oe 

O kuu maka, o kuu aloha, e Lono e

Haina a moe i kuahu a Olopana

A ko kakou arii

Kou inoa, eo mai

Be active, alert

When you were born Hina

The eyes of the pig

They sail to the heavens

They move to the mountains

The pig child has eight eyes

You are Hina

By Kahiki’ula

By Kahikilei

You are small, Lono,

You are great, Lono

You are my eyes, my love, oh Lono

Offering laid on the ahu of Olopana

The altar of our chief, 

This is your name, answer