Lua Traditions

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

Changes in one's art or practices are sometimes necessary. There are some chants and ha'a in lua that are the linked to the mole or foundation of the lineage and do not need to be changed as these ha'a bind us to tradition. There are ha'a and forms that change over time due to many things such as dream interpretation, mobility and creativity of the haku. Lua has always been a changing art as it has to grow as new 'ai or strikes are formed, created or enhanced over time by those who are proficient in the practice. These changes are usually subtle and recognizable by other olohe or those well versed in the art. Without change in one's practice over time, the art can stagnate and growth can be slow. Change comes in many forms such as the creation of a chant and the movements that accompany the ha'a or dance form. These haa and chants reflect the era that it was created in, telling a story of one's experience or vision. All arts were created by someone who was gifted and excelled in skill. On this foundation, layers of creation and forms were added over time. These layers were then tested and changed to a more proficient form and then changed again, until the true essence and perfection became the result. These time tested additions soon became the foundation to build on and the practice grows. Let it be known, not all are able to just change or adapt an art because they want to or just feel like it. The person must have a sharp insight and be dedicated to the art. Change will come because if spiritual guidance, spiritual intervention, and the connection that the practitioner has to the art. The ability to enhance one's art and dance does is not necessarily credited to the human, but is inspiration form kupuna. They are guiding the practitioner and assisting them in perfecting the art and its essence. Change may appear over many generations and may not appear for some years, as it all depends on the Olohe, Kumu or practitioner who is born with certain qualities that enable the practice to grow.