Welcome to Gaia! ::

(i myself dont exactly study under this art but my master has a background in it as a 6th degree, also haveing gone to a limalama tournament i got some knowledge in its lineage,

The word LIMALAMA means “The Hand of Wisdom”. It is derived from two Polynesian words – “Lima” and “Malamalama”. “Lima”is a popular term in both the Samoan and Hawaiian languages and it means “five”or “hand” and the term “Malamalama” is defined in the Samoan language as “understanding”, “bright”, “brilliant” or “intelligent”. Using both words in their entirety would create a word difficult to pronounce, so the word “Lima” was joined to “Lama” from “Malamalama” to create the word LIMALAMA.

The intention of the Founder, Tu’umamao “Tino” Tuiolosega was to create a word that expressed and projected understanding in a non-biased mood. He wanted the word to convey the message of warm feeling, and the sense of humility.


Roots of the System
When Limalama was developed, the following thirteen Samoan movements were utilized as a basic foundation.

1. Afikau – the study of warrior’s traditions, specifically dance.
2. Amofoe – the understanding of the manipulation of weights, shifting and swaying tactics to off balance weight.
3. Fa’aelise – the study of coordination, reflexes, balance, holds, breaks and throws.
4. Fa’ako’elau – movements similar to wrestling, including holds and tripping.
5. Faufusu or Ku’iku’iga – movements similar to hand to hand fighting, boxing or street fighting.
6. Lua’aga or Le’iga – the study of pressure points, nerves and joints.
7. Milosia – the study of the execution, delivery and application of circular movements; such as locking wrists.
8. Pepelu ma Pega – the study of knife fighting, this is a cutting coordination. This is a conceptual method in the use of weaponry.
9. Uma Ma Kaupi’I – the study of holds, breaks and take downs.
10. Vaeka ma Kavae – the study of foot movements such as kicks and foot counter movements.
11. Ti’apega ma Lo’u – the study of Kaoi’a, stick fighting.
12. Tal’amoa – the study of combining several of the other concepts together.
13. Upaga ma Lo’ulo’uga – the study of trapping.

He formalized these movements and combined them with his extensive background of boxing

(this is some information of the grandmaster Limalama)
u’umamao “Tino”Tuiolosega, Grandmaster and Founder of Limalama Arts of Self Defense was born in American Samoa on July 2, 1931 to, Tu’umamao Tuiolosega, King of the island of Olosega and Saposapoaluga Feagaimaleata Poumele Tuiolosega. As the son of a Royal Samoan family and grandson to Tuiolosega Tagaloa, he was required to learn numerous Polynesian movements of self defense from both his father and his uncle. His last name “Tuiolosega”, literally means “King of Olosega”.

His position in his family line carried with it great responsibility because the movements he learned were restricted by sect and family lineage. What he was taught was considered sacred and was only passed onto descendents of the Royal families by their fathers or relatives. His uncle who was the major influence in his studies worked extensively with him in understanding the concepts of these movements.

In 1950, he served with in the U.S. Marine Corps and participated in the Inchon landing in Korea; in which he was cited and decorated.

Mr. Tino was a chief instructor in hand to hand combat training; not only for the Marines, but also Naval personnel and also participated in boxing and judo. As an amateur boxer he fought over 135 fights, winning 108 by knockout. Some of his titles included All Pacific Inter-School Boxing Conference, All Far East, All Pacific Inter-Service, All Armed Forces, Pan Pacific, All Martine, Fourteen Naval District, AAU, and Eleventh District Championships. The championships he won are just a few of the titles worth mentioning, and may have some significant contribution to his reputation, but he really needs no certification of his outstanding ability among leaders of the Martial arts community.

Throughout his life, Mr. Tino has studied many other styles and systems of self defense including Aikido, Judo and Ju-jitsu, Kenpo Karate and is also a registered Master (Sipak) of Sil-Lum Kung Fu of Tsoi, Li, Fut, Mawk and Hung-Gar styles being the first non-oriental in over 85 years to achieve such an honor. In the late 40’s and 50’s he was the most famous championship competitor of full contact karate among self defense schools; because in those days there were no open karate competition tournaments. Most of the old practitioners and masters still remember and talk about Mr. Tino as the most feared competitor of his time.

In the 70’s, he continued to teach and was involved with both martial artists and professional full contact training of fighters who wished to compete in the professional ranks. He also acted as technical advisor/choreographer on several TV series.

i have found it to be an interesting style as well, not only is it a well rounded martial art but they have a very respectful honor system,

I studied Limalama under my Dad for awhile. (My Dad learned from Tino himself.)

I was so sad when I heard that he died. crying

Frankly, I was surprised to see another practitioner of Limalama on Gaia of all places. For a second, I thought it was a forgotten thread that I made ages ago.