Chee hoos and yessahs echoed throughout the Pacific Theater as the fireknife warriors performed intricate throws and catches with traditional choreography. One of the semi-finalists competing in the men's division, Joseph Cadousteu of Tahiti, said, "I can't believe I made it. I thought I was out!" when the top three finalists were announced. Cadousteu is the three-time defending champion of 2012, 2013 and 2015.
The other two who advanced to the finals, according to the Polynesian Cultural Center website, were "grand slam champion” Hale Motu'apuaka of Aiea and Lopati Leaso of Los Angeles, California. They competed against each other for the title of World Fireknife Champion 2022 on May 12, at the PCC Pacific Theater.
The Annual World Fireknife Championship highlighted 18 talented competitors across the United States and internationally. These warriors came from different islands and cities in Hawaii, Utah, California, Florida, American Samoa and Tahiti.
Steve Laulu, director of the PCC's cultural islands and one of the announcers of the evening, explained how important an event like this is to the Samoan people. "[This event showcases the] culture of the Samoan people, not just for entertainment."
Passion and Preparation
Keenan Chung, a 15-year professional fireknifer from Kaneohe, was one of the competitors that night. He said fireknife has always been his passion, although he's not Samoan. "I've always loved the sportsmanship and the artistry of fireknife. It has always been a part of me that has allowed me to bond with other Polynesians, sharing in the same passion," he said.
Competitors talked about the importance of preparations before doing fireknife as well. Alexander Galea'i, a freshman from Laie with an undeclared major, said, "Training has to do with a lot of cardio, controlling your breathing and emotions because it's easy to get swallowed up by the crowd."
"I've had a lot of nerve-wracking performances in my life. So, that night was just like another performance, another time to showcase what I've been practicing, give it all, and the most important thing to remember is to enjoy and have fun," he said.
Alexander Galea'i said he didn't train and practice enough before the competition, but his father's priesthood blessing gave him constant peace of mind. He continued, "It blew my mind that I was okay and calm [before competing]."
Brotherhood
Despite growing up with a fireknife and having the opportunity to compete in junior divisions and other state and international level competitions, last Wednesday was Alexander Galea'i's first time competing with some of the past world champions. He said he was more excited than nervous.
He said, "I grew up with the ‘grand slam champion’ [one of the finalists]! It was truly an honor to be on the big stage as my childhood friend."
Quest Galea'i said, "When we compete with the champions, they only motivate us because brotherhood [surpasses that]. It's more so competing with yourself and comparing what you have done better than last year and come back strong next year."
Similarly, Chung believes that competitions like this offer an excellent opportunity to bond with his brothers despite their ethnicity and champion status.
Tribute to Pulefano Galea’i
That night, Alexander Galea'i and his cousins paid a beautiful tribute to their grandfather, the late Pulefano Galea'i, previous PCC director of cultural islands and the founder of the World Fireknife Competition.
Alexander Galea'i expressed his love for his grandfather and said being part of this year's competition was more meaningful because his grandfather wasn't there to watch him compete due to his passing in June 2021. "I wanted to represent our family out there and represent him. I was more looking forward to that performance than my actual competition."
Pulefano Galea'i was well known within the fireknife industry. Nina Jones, in her story, "Remembering Pulefano Galea'i: A mentor to many, a friend to all," for the PCC, said he is more than a founder. Jones expressed that he was truly a blessing to everyone that knew him.
Delsa Moe, Vice President of Cultural Presentation, added, "[Pulefano Galea'i] was friends for everyone with big hearts. He would over-commit himself because he wanted to help anyone who asked for his help… Even when his leg was amputated, it didn't slow him down one bit. It only motivated him to face his physical challenges head-on, and that he did, because he was a warrior, and warriors never give up."
Pulefano Galea'i's eldest grandchild, Quest Galea'i, said the tribute brought so much emotion because his grandfather gave him the same advice during their last training together. "Hearing his voice again at the beginning of the tribute had me shed some tears. I'm just grateful to have Galea'i bloodline and call him my grandfather."
The advice given by Pulefano Galea'i quotes, "This is your blessing. This knife will take you worldwide, and many people will come to see you with these flaming swords."
He said the tribute had brought all of Pulefano Galea'i's grandchildren back together.
Lifelong valuable lesson
Chung said he was able to overcome his fear of fire. "As I started to embrace the fire, I grew a new confidence in myself and a faith in "what's meant to be," he added.
For Quest Galea'i he said he learned more about his culture and identity. He shared, "It made me realize who I am. I'd say it took a while for me to learn that. I had to learn it the hard way. I tried to run from it, but my grandfather's words always replayed in my mind that this is what I'm meant to do."
Advice for beginners
These warriors also generously shared their advice to those interested and who wanted to learn how to play with fireknife. Quest said the words given by his grandfather would forever push him to be a better competitor and performer. These motivational words include believing in yourself, having patience in the process, and trusting God's timing.
Additionally, Quest Galea'i also compared learning fireknife to an art piece. "Fireknife is an art, just like painting. So, how you practice a fire knife will show as if you're painting an art piece. It takes practice to create a beautiful art piece. [Don't stop believing] in yourself because this is your art," he continued.
"Give it a shot, and don't be afraid!" Alexander Galea'i said, "There's going to be times when you will burn your body, but that's what makes a great fireknife dancer, because you learned from your mistakes and not to do that again," he continued.
One of the highlights of the night was the women's fireknife exhibition featured at the end of the competition. A female competition was initially scheduled for the same night as the semifinals, but there were not enough competitors to participate due to travel restrictions. Nati Aloa, a Laie resident of Samoan and Filipina descent, was one of the performers in the exhibition and had been training since she was three. "It's honestly very humbling because [I've been spending] all this time training," she said.