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Instructions for the Maori Haka Motions

In Maori culture, tribal reputation rose or fell based on ability to do the Haka. While it means simply "dance" in Maori, few institutions were as socially important as knowing of how to do the right Haka -- and when. Over time, the Haka became representative of all New Zealand, especially since that . Another New Zealand institution, the All Blacks national rugby squad, adopted the "Ka Mate Ka Mate" war Haka as their pre-match intimidation ritual. Learn the Haka yourself and you can tap into Kiwi passion anywhere in the world.

Instructions

    • 1

      Squat with your knees far from your body as possible, your shoulders parallel with your head and your elbows bent back with your fists under your elbows when the leader says, "Kia mau, hi!" Literally, "hands on hips, bend the knees."

    • 2

      Hold this position until the leader gives the next instruction to slap your thighs in time to the beat.

    • 3

      Repeat this about six times until you reach the lyric "Ka ora!"

    • 4

      Slap your hands against your breasts.

    • 5

      Spread your hands out with your palms out and briefly look up. Repeat from Step 3 once.

    • 6

      Step forward with your left foot and pump down with your left fist, maintaining an open position with your hands at "Tenei te...".

    • 7

      Step forward with your right foot and pull down with your right fist, maintaining an open position with your hands at "Nana ni...".

    • 8

      Repeat Step 6 at "Whakawhiti..."

    • 9

      Hit your left elbow with your right fist, then your right elbow with your left fist starting at "A upa!"

    • 10

      Stop and make a throat-slicing gesture with your left hand at "Whiti te ra!"

    • 11

      Squat deeper then stand straight at "Hee!"

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