[***Cross-posted from Hawaii Fire Artists Tribe***]
Laie, Hawaii--Twenty warriors from around the globe gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center, on the North Shore of O'ahu Thursday evening, in what was a momentous start to the 14th Annual World Fire Knife competition. There were some truly inspiring performances witnessed... And more than a few instances where warriors' performances simply fell apart. (oi!)
From the first night's results, it's obvious that World Champion, 16 year old Mikaele Oloa, is still 'dominating the dojo' with several new and *SICK!* combinations that have not been seen before in the WFK championships.
A variety of new and highly daring moves were seen from several of the competitors last night, raising the bar on the sport's already spectacular level of skill.
Several other participants also put forth respectable performances last night--notably Yuji-Alex, Japan's first competitor, in what has been known to be a Polynesian-dominated event. Yuji, who's stage name includes "Alex," took the western name in honor of former WFK Champion Alex Galeai, whom has been his principal inspiration. Unfortunately, Yuji's fireknives were confiscated while checking in for his flight from Japan. Upon arrival he notified the WFK authorities, and they arranged for Yuji to get a set of replacement fireknives to perform with--from none other than Alex Galeai! himself Although Yuji did not make the semi-finals, he did put forth a lot of heart and a very well executed routine that really connected with the crowd.
The competition continues tonight with the nine Senior Semi-Finalists, as well as the Junior and Intermediate classes.
Check out the action tonight, if you can!
TALOFA!
+kenrom-
Laie, Hawaii--Twenty warriors from around the globe gathered at the Polynesian Cultural Center, on the North Shore of O'ahu Thursday evening, in what was a momentous start to the 14th Annual World Fire Knife competition. There were some truly inspiring performances witnessed... And more than a few instances where warriors' performances simply fell apart. (oi!)
From the first night's results, it's obvious that World Champion, 16 year old Mikaele Oloa, is still 'dominating the dojo' with several new and *SICK!* combinations that have not been seen before in the WFK championships.
A variety of new and highly daring moves were seen from several of the competitors last night, raising the bar on the sport's already spectacular level of skill.
Several other participants also put forth respectable performances last night--notably Yuji-Alex, Japan's first competitor, in what has been known to be a Polynesian-dominated event. Yuji, who's stage name includes "Alex," took the western name in honor of former WFK Champion Alex Galeai, whom has been his principal inspiration. Unfortunately, Yuji's fireknives were confiscated while checking in for his flight from Japan. Upon arrival he notified the WFK authorities, and they arranged for Yuji to get a set of replacement fireknives to perform with--from none other than Alex Galeai! himself Although Yuji did not make the semi-finals, he did put forth a lot of heart and a very well executed routine that really connected with the crowd.
The competition continues tonight with the nine Senior Semi-Finalists, as well as the Junior and Intermediate classes.
Check out the action tonight, if you can!
TALOFA!
+kenrom-
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SF Bay Area
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