Michelle Manu & the Hawaiian Combat Art, the Kaihewalu Lua
Take a look at the videos below of the UCLA Martial Arts & International Education Week Wonder Women Hawaiian Combat Lua event with Michelle Manu.
Kumu Michelle gave a unique perspective of Hawaiian martial arts and talked about the importance of it and the balance of femininity and masculinity within the art.
Kumu Michelle gave a unique perspective of Hawaiian martial arts and talked about the importance of it and the balance of femininity and masculinity within the art.
Michelle is internationally known for her accomplishments as a Senior Black Belt and teacher (Kumu) of the rarely seen ancient Hawaiian Combat Art, the Kaihewalu Lua. She is the only woman lucky enough to be accepted as a disciple and study and earn the title of teacher (Kumu) under Grand Master (‘Olōhe) Solomon Kaihewalu in over 40 years. Michelle is also the only woman to be given, thus far, the designation of “Knight Commander” of the Royal Order of Kamehameha, for her continued work in promoting, protecting, and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through the Lua. Michelle teaches that the fighting art of Lua was and remains hidden within the Hula. She uses the Hula to teach Lua and also as self-empowerment and defense through her SHE Program (Super Hero Experience). Michelle is also the guardian and keeper of the only Kaihewalu Lua exhibit, located at the Martial Arts History Museum in Burbank, California.
For almost 10 years, Michelle toured the Midwest as a professional Polynesian Hula dancer and choreographer. Lua was concealed in the Hula when the Queen banned the fighting arts. Lua is believed to been around a thousand years before the birth of Hula, which was in 1750 AD. Michelle now teaches Hula and converts the Hula into the Lua. It has never been exposed this way. Michelle strongly believes and can show that Lua and Hula (and Lomilomi) are the same use of energy. Lua is full contact (to dislocate), Lomilomi is contact (to heal), and the Hula is no contact.
Michelle has been a leader in the legal profession for twenty-three years. Her experience has been vast and includes investigations, HR, mediation, finance, and operations. She has earned a Juris Doctorate, business credentials from George Washington University, senior leadership credentials from Harvard Business School, and is a 2020 candidate for a certificate in genetics and physiology from Harvard Medical School.
For almost 10 years, Michelle toured the Midwest as a professional Polynesian Hula dancer and choreographer. Lua was concealed in the Hula when the Queen banned the fighting arts. Lua is believed to been around a thousand years before the birth of Hula, which was in 1750 AD. Michelle now teaches Hula and converts the Hula into the Lua. It has never been exposed this way. Michelle strongly believes and can show that Lua and Hula (and Lomilomi) are the same use of energy. Lua is full contact (to dislocate), Lomilomi is contact (to heal), and the Hula is no contact.
Michelle has been a leader in the legal profession for twenty-three years. Her experience has been vast and includes investigations, HR, mediation, finance, and operations. She has earned a Juris Doctorate, business credentials from George Washington University, senior leadership credentials from Harvard Business School, and is a 2020 candidate for a certificate in genetics and physiology from Harvard Medical School.