What Is The Haka - Complete explanation.

The Haka is many things; it is a war dance; a form entertainment; a challenge, it can even be used for celebratory reasons.

To understand the mighty Haka we have to go to its roots, where it all started.

History.

The Haka being performed.

The Haka was first performed by Maori tribes ( tribes in new Zealand) as a war dance to frighten and discourage opponents before a battle, similar to the all blacks Haka now, except now its a lot more to do with tradition and presenting the challenge to the opposition.

Any way there was one more reason it was used, and it was the most important one of all, to call the god of war on behalf of them; quite a scary prospect in its self don't you think, imagine how angry he'd be if they got it wrong!

To say that the Haka was only used before battle is a misconception, as I said above it was used for different occasions such as greeting guests and celebrating a great achievement, it was part of their culture and was used by children, women and men alike.

What is the Haka now?

Nowadays most people know the Haka as the dance the all blacks do before a rugby match, it is a exciting and intimidating display which is used as a challenge to the opponents and also seems to get them very pumped up; personally I love to watch it but if I was the one it was directed to, I would be terrified!
The type of Haka that the All blacks traditionally use is the 'ka mate' which includes the slapping of legs and arms while chanting (which you can see below).
There are also other teams who have adopted the Haka as well from the all blacks who have personalised it.

                                                New Zealand Haka against France.