zoom_in Click to enlarge

Mau Rakau

▲ ▼

description Mau Rakau Overview

Mau rakau is a Maori martial tradition centered on the disciplined use of weapons, particularly the taiaha, a long fighting staff, and short weapons such as the patu. Training encompasses strikes, thrusts, guards, footwork, weapon handling, and coordinated movement, with knowledge transmitted through Maori cultural practice. It is studied both as a combat system and as part of the preservation and teaching of tikanga, history, language, ceremony, and performance in Aotearoa New Zealand.

help Mau Rakau FAQ

What weapons are taught in mau rakau?

Mau rakau traditionally includes the taiaha, a long fighting staff, and short weapons such as the patu. Other traditional weapons include the tewhatewha, pouwhenua, koikoi, and tararua. [Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand](https://teara.govt.nz/en/mau-rakau-maori-use-of-weaponry)

What skills are practiced in mau rakau training?

Training includes weapon handling, attack and defense movements, battle formations, and rakanga waewae, the practice of skilled footwork. Traditional para whakawai training schools also used mock battles with reeds. [Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand](https://teara.govt.nz/en/mau-rakau-maori-use-of-weaponry)

Is mau rakau still practiced today?

Interest in mau rakau revived during the Māori cultural renaissance from the 1980s onward. A small number of para whakawai have been re-established, and weapons are also used in wero ceremonies, kapa haka, and whaikōrero. [Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand](https://teara.govt.nz/en/mau-rakau-maori-use-of-weaponry)

Why is the taiaha culturally important in mau rakau?

Māori weapons are regarded as taonga, or treasured cultural objects, and were often passed down through families. A taiaha is commonly about 1.5 metres long and may be made from hard wood or whale bone. [Te Papa Collections](https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/54050) [Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand](https://teara.govt.nz/en/mau-rakau-maori-use-of-weaponry)

swap_horiz

Looking for Mau Rakau alternatives? Compare top competitors ranked & scored

arrow_forward