Ka Holuniu

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

Kuhi ʻia kēia kākau ʻana i ka ʻike ʻana o ka mea heluhelu i ka ʻōlelo Maoli a me ke aʻo o ka oihana a ka lua. ʻAʻole maopopo kēia i ka hapa nui. Ua hoʻohana ka poe lua i nā ʻano mea kaua i maʻa mau ma nā mokupuni a pau, ʻoiai ua loaʻa kekahi mau ʻano like ʻole ma nā wahi kaʻawale a ʻaʻole i hoʻohana ʻia a ʻike ʻole ʻia ma nā wahi ʻē aʻe.

This writing is focused on the reader having an understanding of Hawaiian terminology and lua study. This will not be clearly understood by the majority. The poe lua utilized many types of mea kaua that were common across all islands, while some unique variations were found only in certain areas and were neither used nor known elsewhere.

Kā Lāʻau was typically crafted from dense woods such as Kauila, uhiuhi, or koaiʻa. Its length was less than an iwilei, and its girth matched the size of one’s manamana lima nui or greater. The laau needed to be light enough for swift and comfortable handling. If it was too thick or heavy, it became impractical, as proficiency in its use required agility and speed.

The loloa extended from kihi poʻohiwi to manamana loloa, with its length varying from koa to koa. The basics of Kā Lāʻau were taught with a focus on effective strikes, which relied on footwork, angles, and strategy, much like other fighting arts. Practitioners could employ Kaholuniu, a technique that uses weight shifts and balance to place the opponent into the realm of Po. This fighting style emphasized the movement of energy and force, both within oneself and in the adversary. Haumana introduced to this art would understand its deeper meaning.

A foundational foot pattern served as the framework for the style. Once learned, practitioners could manipulate their adversary’s position through subtle movements, setting up opportunities for the insertion of the 'ai. This style is closely related to the form of Moe lehua, with Kā Lāʻau serving as the root of a refined form known as Kaholuniu. Unlike other Lua styles, Kā Lāʻau was not designed for prolonged exchanges of attack and defense. Instead, it relied on quick, subtle movements that required minimal energy.

In Kā Lāʻau, the open lima played a crucial role. One hand secured the laau, while the other controlled the peahi lima. The manamana did not grip the opponent’s laau or arm directly. Instead, the back of the hand or the fleshy part of the palm was used for securing, while malolo kai was achieved with the lapa of the lima. Gripping with the manamana created tension in the kuau and uala, slowing movements and causing stiffness, which negatively impacted both breath and focus.

As practitioners became more proficient, they no longer needed to rely on sight alone. Instead, they could sense their adversary through the initial contact made during a ku'i or pale. Some of the 'ai associated with this style include Ka Wiliwili, ʻAlakuma, Luhee, Hakaulaakane, and Ka Holuokaniu, among others.