All welcome to learn Maori martial arts

FULL ON: Mau Rakau Wairarapa is aiming to teach students self-discipline and respect as well as traditional Maori fighting techniques. Members of the group Jason Paku (left), Jo Walker, Johni Rutene, PJ Devonshire (obscured), Francis McNally-Te Maari, Peter Ammunson, Pete Morrison and Rawiri Robinson display their skills at the Waitangi Day celebrations at Carrington Park. PHOTOS/ANDREW BONALLACK

A new Whanau Ora Wairarapa programme teaching Maori martial arts is teaching students not only about traditional fighting techniques, but also about cultural heritage and self-worth.

Mau Rakau Wairarapa, which teaches students of all ages hand-to-hand fighting, and how to make and use traditional weapons, is also aiming to teach its students to respect themselves and others.

Whanau Ora kaituitui and mau rakau teacher Francis McNally-Te Maari said learning about Maori culture and martial arts helped students master potentially aggressive behaviour. "It changed my life, learning my culture, that's why I know it works ... it does humble you, so that violence doesn't come into it. It's not just about fighting, that's only a wee part of it - it's about spirituality."

Many students came from backgrounds where aggressive behaviour and violence was common, Mr McNally-Te Maari said.

One of the success stories of the programme was seeing a 9-year-old boy who was struggling to deal with his parents' separation present his school teacher with a patu he had carved himself, he said. "He has changed, he's still not perfect, but he's changed a hell of a lot from six months ago."

He said the boy presented the patu to the teacher, who he had clashed with in the past, at a big assembly to clear the air.

"It's about empowering the family and passing on the art, because we have a cultural identity loss here in Wairarapa."

The two-hour class, which takes place at Queen Elizabeth Park on Wednesday evenings and at Papawai Marae on Thursday evenings, is open to all ages, genders and cultures, although children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Techniques taught are based on the Ngati Kahungunu style. Classes begin with a karakia and warm-ups and progress to strikes, blocks, battle formations and games, with students eventually learning how to use and make weapons such as taiaha and patu. Classes are also taught at schools around Wairarapa, including Makoura College, Kahutara School and Te Kura Kaupapa Maori O Wairarapa.

Whanau Ora Wairarapa pouwhakahaere/programme manager Andre Le Geyt said young people who were initially only eager to learn the physical elements quickly developed other skills.

"You see this wairua [spirit] come over them and they become more disciplined and they learn how to plan and achieve their goals, they become more disciplined, so there's life skills that we are teaching these kids."

"That aggressive behaviour and focus on fighting changes totally and it becomes about discipline and it becomes about respect and whanau, and learning the tradition ... and behaviour changes."

Anyone interested in joining Mau Rakau Wairarapa classes can contact Whanau Ora Wairarapa on 06 377 5347.