Taiaha Training

He Waewae Tapapa, He Kai Na Te Ahi
‘The Flat Footed Warrior Is Food For The Fire.’
(The Inept Make Easy Targets.)

Kia ora koutou.

The Maori terms ‘ihi’ (inner strength) and ‘wehi’ (awe) are often used in conjunction with the arts of the Maori warrior. Nowhere is this more evident than in the movements of a warrior performing the wero (challenge). How does one become the epitome of the taiaha wielding warrior clan? Several Air Force personnel are currently in the process of finding that out.

In February a Taiaha (Maori long staff) wananga (training camp) took place at Ohakea. The wananga was held over three days covering a variety of activities and involved personnel from Ohakea, Auckland and Woodbourne. It was the third in a series of five progressive wananga. The number of ceremonial welcomes for visiting dignitaries has increased over the past few years while the number of personnel skilled in performing the wero has decreased. These Taiaha wananga were designed to address that shortfall.

The first wananga took place at Ohakea in October 2006 and began with the Maori unarmed combat technique known as Rongomamau. Focus then shifted to the primary weapon of the Maori, the Taiaha and its use as both a defensive and offensive weapon.

Some found it a little difficult co- ordinating hand and foot movements with the flow of the weapon but this was soon overshadowed by pride in eventual achievement.

All-in-all it was a very enjoyable wananga which was evident in the anticipated wait for the next one.

The second wananga took place at Ohakea in December 2006. As well as continuation training with the Taiaha, trainees also learnt about traditional dress and weaved their own rapaki (waist wrap) and hieke (shoulder cape). These were made the traditional way from muka (stripped flax). Now that the trainees looked like warriors they really began to feel like warriors and the reality of what they were doing hit home. This was highlighted when they were introduced for the first time to full contact free sparring! Trainees got to put their training to the test and although some may have suffered a few minor bruises, all came out positive and eager for more.

By the third wananga in February, the trainees had progressed onto other types of traditional weapons. They got to try their hand at whakairo (carving) and were tasked with carving a koikoi (pointed longstaff) and patu (short club). Whakairo is an art that few get to experience so trainees on these wananga are very fortunate.

The next wananga will see them carving their own Pou whenua (another type of long staff) and Tewhatewha (axe shaped long staff).

It is intended to hold two more wananga over the next four months. By the end of wananga number five the trainees will be adept in the use of the taiaha, reasonably proficient in the use of several other weapons, capable of performing the wero with confidence and will have all the necessary accoutrements to do so (that they made themselves).