Limalama
| File:Escudo de Limalama.png Limalama's official seal | |
| Focus | American Polynesian |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | Samoa |
| Creator | Tu’umamao Tuiolosega |
| Official website | http://www.limalama.net |
| Meaning | Hand of Wisdom |
Limalama is an American Polynesian art of self-defense, created and founded by Tu’umamao “Tino” Tuiolosega (1931 - 2011). The term "limalama" is one that the Founder created and is a portmanteau derived from the Samoan words "lima" ("five") and "malamalama" ("understanding"); it symbolizes "knowledge and understanding" and he translated it as "hand of wisdom".[1]
History
Limalama began as a combination of dance movements with striking techniques, based on traditional Samoan dance and combat systems. Tuiolosega codified the art in the 1960s, breaking the techniques down under 13 basic principles. He introduced it in Hawaii in the mid-50s and later established commercial schools in California.[2][3]
Techniques
Limalama is considered a soft martial art, and is characterised by flowing, dance-like movements;Around 60% of its curriculum is based on hand techniques.[2] It also uses holds and takedowns, knife and stick fighting, and kicking.[1][4]
Limalama classifies techniques into thirteen categories:[5]
- Afikau, dance traditions
- Amofoe, balance and weight manipulation
- Fa’aelise, physical movement and co-ordination
- Fa’ako’elau, wrestling
- Faufusu, hand strikes
- Lua’aga, pressure points
- Milosia, circular movements
- Pepelu ma Pega, knife work
- Uma Ma Kaupi’I, holds and takedowns
- Vaeka ma Kavae, kicks
- Ti’apega ma Lo’u, stick techniques
- Tal’amoa, combinations
- Upaga ma Lo’ulo’uga, traps and locks
Founder
Founder Tu'umamao "Tino" Tuiolosega was a member of the Samoan Royal Family, the son of the King of Ofu-Olosega. He studied aikido, Shaolin kung fu, judo, boxing, Hung Ga and other martial arts in his youth, and was trained in traditional Polynesian combat by his father and uncle. He served in the US military during the 1950s, participating in the Battle of Inchon and serving as a hand-to-hand combat instructor.[1][3][6]
References
- ^ a b c "Lima Lama". Black Belt Magazine. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ a b Active Interest Media, Inc. (May 1999). Black Belt. Active Interest Media, Inc. pp. 84–87. ISSN 02773066 Parameter error in {{issn}}: Invalid ISSN.. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ a b Chris Crudelli (1 October 2008). The Way of the Warrior. Dorling Kindersley Limited. p. 334. ISBN 978-1-4053-3750-2. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ "Historical Limalama Notes and Photos". Westside Aerobics and Martial Arts. Retrieved 13 May 2013.
- ^ "Limalama: The Hand of Wisdom". Limalama.net. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
- ^ "Founder Bio". Limalama.net. Retrieved 13 May 2013.