Kia Ora Tatou (Hallo everyone)
Seeing these tattoo (moko) designs starting to appear in different countries inspires much pride and passion in everyone at Les Mills - especially those of us with a Maori heritage.
We started drawing on our indigenous culture when we first took BODYPUMP out into the world in 1997, scaring the locals with the haka (warrior dance) and sealing new friendships with the hongi (pressing noses) and other greetings like “Kia Ora! (how is your wellbeing?) ” and “Kia Kaha! (stand strong!)”
It was a privilege for people like Mike, Pete, Emma and myself to introduce the Maori dimension into the global Les Mills culture and it’s great to have a new way of expressing it, thanks to these designs by Inia Taylor.
The journey to receive a tattoo can follow many different roads.
Tattoo, or tatau, has deeps roots among the indigenous peoples of Polynesia. As the tradition spread through the sea-faring cultures, each island brought its own style to this physical art form. The sophisticated body art form which had developed over thousands of years has come full circle.
The Les Mills tattoos are taonga (or gifts) to be enjoyed by everyone in the Les Mills family. While each of them has a specific program significance they also provide a broader symbolic connection to the wider purpose of creating life changing fitness experiences.
For more on the meaning of Maori tattoos check out http://history-nz.org/maori3.html
Whatever road you take to receive tattoos enjoy the journey and prepare to pass the gift on in the spirit of friendship
Ka kite ano (see you again)
Steven