Awaken the powerful warrior within by moving in the ways of our Kūpuna, Nā Koa Wāhine.

Join us for an introductory workshop in Ku‘ialua, the traditional bone-breaking Native Hawaiian combat martial art, with Kumu Michelle Manu. In this workshop, you’ll first learn about the history of the cultural practice of Ku‘ialua, the history of lua and hula, and the evolution of Ku‘ialua into what is now known as Lua, before learning basic combat movements.

This workshop is recommended for adults and keiki 12 years or older, when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please dress comfortably in activewear, that allows for fluid movements of the body, we recommend bringing a bottle of water and a small towel. Workshop space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. All sales are final and tickets are non-refundable. If you test positive for COVID-19, are feeling sick, or have cold-like symptoms, please stay home.

Kumu Michelle Manu, is a 10th Degree Black Belt and teacher of Lua, the traditional bone-breaking Native Hawaiian Combat Martial Art. She is the only woman accepted as a disciple to earn the title of Kumu under ‘Ōlohe (Grand Master) Solomon Kaihewalu in over 40 years. The Royal Order of Kamehameha I, bestowed her with the distinction of “Knight Commander” for her continued work in protecting, promoting, and perpetuating the Hawaiian culture through Lua. To date, Kumu Manu is the only woman to receive this honorable distinction.

For almost 10 years, Kumu Manu toured the Midwest as a professional Polynesian Hula dancer and choreographer. She uses the Hula dance and fitness to teach Lua as it is essential for timing, balance, placement, and micro body movements when in close-quarters combat. This is what she teaches at UCLA, and in her system, Nā Koa (The Warriors). She begins working with Honolulu Community College this year.

Using the Lua and Hula, Kumu Manu teaches self-protection to people in high-risk environments such as pilots and flight attendants, real estate professionals, healthcare professionals, university students, adult entertainers, and women experiencing domestic violence and homelessness.

Kumu Manu has been a legal professional for twenty-six years. She has earned a Juris Doctorate, business credentials from George Washington University, senior leadership credentials from Harvard Business School, a master’s degree in Metaphysical Science, and is a 2022 candidate for a PhD in Philosophy/Metaphysical Science with an emphasis in personal transformation.