Mau Rakau Training in Tauranga
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All interested whanau are invited to come to Tauranga to study Mau Rakau. Te Puna i Rangiriri Trust will be holding weekly Mau Rakau training at the Welcome bay Community Hall every Wednesday nights from 7.30pm – 9.30pm.
All welcome and for further information please contact Maia Wharekura; 022 080 7159; [email protected]
- Venue: Welcome Bay Community Hall
- Day: Every Wednesday
- Time: 7.30pm – 9.30pm
- Cost: koha for venue
Te Puna i Rangiriri Trust
PO Box 13676 I Tauranga
The Village, 17th Avenue West, Trustpower House (Bldng 20) I Tauranga
Ph: 07 578 6888 I Email: [email protected]
Background
Mau rakau, meaning “to bear a weapon”, is a martial art based on traditional Maori weapons.
Weapons
Taiaha – ‘fourth position’
Mau rakau is a general term referring to the skilled use of weapons. It is said that the use of weapons was taught in the Whare-tu-taua (House or school of war). The term Mau taiaha is used to refer to the use of the taiaha and does not necessarily include other weapons.
Regular schools are held on Mokoia Island in Lake Rotorua to teach the use of the taiaha.
Mythology
A man holding a tao
It is said weapons including the taiaha and patu were handed down by Tane, god of the forest and Tu, god of war, the two sons of Rangi-nui and Papatuanuku. The Whare-tu-taua (House of war) is a term which covers the basics of educating young toa (warriors) in the arts of war.
Please advise on if you are running a mau rakau course this year/xmas period at Makoia island. I have a 10yr old son and I am interested in him participating and maybe his older cousin aged 14yrs. Can you please send me more details dates and costs involved and any other necessary info. Kia ora
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