Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 18, Number 7, 1 July 2001 — Warrior priest ʻūniki [ARTICLE]

Warrior priest ʻūniki

For the first time in 23 years, four Hawaiian men will 'ūniki (graduate) as 'olohe lua aiwaiwa," masters and ministers in the bone-breaking art of lua. As 'olohe, they ean teach the art of lua whieh combines lomilomi, lā'au lapa'au, traditional protocols and fighting arts. Those graduating in the private ceremony this month are Thomas Ka'auwai Kaulukukui Jr., Kapi'iohookalani Lyons Nāone, Billy Kahalepuna Richards and Leighton La'akea Kanoeoalaka'i Lono Suganuma. Their chief instructors, Dr. Mitchell Eli, Dr. Dennis Eli and Jerry Walker, said that lua is experiencing a resurgence of interest in the Hawaiian community, and after nearly eight years of intensive training, these graduates will fill the growing need for qualified, traditional instructors to ensure future generations.