Blog — Siva Afi

Siva Afi is a type of martial arts that originates from Samoa. When Samoan warriors returned from war, they would act out the battles for their villages. This was called Ailao. Over time fire was added to the war clubs and performed for entertainment. This is what many call Siva Afi or Fire Knife dance. While it is very entertaining, there are benefits for people to learn the ancient ways of Samoan warriors, Siva Afi. Here are 5 benefits of learning Siva Afi. Discipline While learning Siva Afi we also learn discipline. Discipline is a fundamental aspect of personal development...

One thing that we try to teach in our Siva Afi Courses and workshops is the Samoan cultural ties. We feel that colonialism has made us centre much of our lives on English or western ways and language. When we teach a Samoan martial arts like Siva Afi, we don't want it all to be in English.  We want to share the Samoan language as well as the art of Siva Afi. Here are three Siva Afi action moves that all Siva Afi performers should know: 1. Vili - spin 2. Togi - throw 3. Sapo - catch To see...

If you are a Siva Afi (fire knife dance) performer you are going to want to know how to tie a lavalava. A lavalava is known as a pareo or sarong in other places.  In Samoa it is called a lavalava, ie lavalava or just an ie.  It is the material that is used as clothing and wrapped around the waist or body. Siva Afi performers use them in their performances as it was traditionally used by our warriors when they went to war. For those of you who don't know siva afi is an adaptation of the ailao, a...

We are holding our first ever ailao competition.  We chose ailao as there is NO FIRE, so beginners are able to build their confidence and creativity. Samoan warriors performed the ailao after battle to show their community how they won over their opponents.  The spectacular movements and exciting throwing of war clubs are what we see today in Siva Afi performances.  The difference is the addition of fire and when it is performed. Here are the details of our Ailao competition: 1. Complete the routine - watch the video for the short routine to be completed by all entrants 2. Add 15...