Maori Warriors

The Maori were known to be the most feared of the Pacific Island warriors. From the mokos that cover their faces to the fierceness of their hakas, they easily intimidate their opponents. Most of what I've learned about the Maori have come from Maoris themselves. I've had the privilege of dancing with groups from New Zealand and these young people were very passionate about their culture and their hakas.

If you've never had the opportunity to watch a haka, I hope you get the chance to. The power you feel emanating from these warriors is amazing...and I'm not talking about the other island groups that try to imitate the Maori. The haka has become the in-thing to try and duplicate and while most of these groups are giving tribute to the Maori by doing so, it's just not the same.

Big ups to my brothers-in-law who are not only passionate about their culture but who are also passionate about teaching those who want to learn about the Maori people.

Here are a couple of my favorite hakas: