Kapu Kuialua

Kapu Kuialua

Kapu Kuʻialua; Kuialua; or just Lua; is an ancient Hawaiian martial art based on bone breaking, joint locks, throws, pressure point manipulation, strikes, usage of various weapons, battlefield strategy, open ocean warfare as well as the usage of introduced firearms from the Europeans.

The actual name of fighting art was referred to as "Kuʻialua", literally meaning two hits. That name was subsequently given to the god of this martial art.

Only those associated with the aliʻi (nobility), such as professional warriors, guardsmen, and the royal families themselves, were generally taught Kuʻialua. However, during times of warfare, the makaʻainana (commoners) were also instructed in the basic movements and functions of the martial art.

The old warriors of this art would coat themselves with a thin layer of coconut oil and remove all of their body hair in order to be able slip away and avoid being grappled in battle. The word for Lua masters, olohe, literally means "hairless".