Ku'ialua is the ancient warrior art modernly known as Lua. This class will provide some of the history of the Hawaiian warrior class and martial instruction specifically of the Lua lineages of 'Olohe (Master) Solomon Kaihewalu and Kumu Michelle Manu. This warrior art was once banned from public display, is sacred to practitioners for the continuation of its integrity, and not generally taught to non-Hawaiians. Participants will learn the external martial art rooted in battlefield tactics of the Kaihewalu lineage and the Lua-specific body mechanics of the Manu lineage, together creating a foundation of lower and upper body placement for effective offense and defense while using animal and elemental movements.

Michelle Manu began her study of martial arts when she was 9 years old. She began training in Lua when she was 22, she is a first generation Senior Black Belt in Lua under ‘Ōlohe Solomon Kaihewalu, and she is the only woman instructor under him. She has been a competitive athlete, professional Polynesian dancer, model, and fight actress and coordinator. Michelle is a relentless advocate, instructor, and author of women’s self-awareness and self-defense. She was a director for America in Defense (AID) where she led and taught pilots and flight attendants air cabin crew safety (close-quarter combat) as a result of September 11, 2001. She also instructs self-defense and Lua for the Girl Scouts, high schools, colleges, UCLA, Honolulu Community College, and historic societies. Michelle also teaches self-protection to individuals in high risk traveling professions, such as real estate, air travel, academia, medical and behavioral health, and adult entertainment.

Sponsor(s): UCLA Martial Arts