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WABUKAN Arsenal · Spears and polearms · Oceania

Taiaha

The Māori staff of wood or whalebone, 1.5 to 1.8 m, with a carved head and tongue for thrusting and a flat blade for striking. It is used in the wero challenge.

Also known as

taiaha; Māori staff

Origin and history

The taiaha is the Māori long staff weapon of Aotearoa New Zealand, the main weapon of mau rākau. It was used in close combat and in ceremonies, including the wero (challenge) that opens a formal welcome.

Martial arts that use it

Mau Rakau

Construction

A hardwood staff of about 1.5–1.8 m. One end is a flat blade (rau) for striking; the other is a carved head with a tongue (arero), often decorated with feathers or dog hair.

Basic techniques

Training

Polearm training begins with handling: sliding the hands along the shaft, turning the weapon end to end and keeping distance. Thrusts, sweeps and blocks are drilled solo, then in prearranged forms with a partner using wooden versions with padded or blunt tips.

Safety

Long weapons need room: check the ceiling and the space behind you, and warn partners before turning the weapon. Inspect wooden shafts for cracks and splinters and replace them rather than repair them.

Legality (general information)

Swords, knives and other edged weapons are regulated very differently from country to country (and sometimes from region to region): owning one at home is often allowed, while carrying it in public, buying it under a certain age or importing it may be restricted or banned. Practitioners usually transport them cased, out of reach and straight between home and dojo. This is general information, not legal advice: check the law where you live.

Did you know?

In the wero, a warrior with a taiaha approaches visitors and lays down a token to see whether they come in peace.

More weapons

Naginata Yari Qiang (spear) Guandao Monk’s spade Ge (dagger-axe)

Sources

Original WABUKAN text, written from these cross-checked sources (facts, not sentences).

  1. Wikipedia — Taiaha
  2. Wikipedia — Mau r%C4%81kau