Speaking of Haka.... The Hawaii Warriors Haka Chant Continues

Good news!!

Hawaii coach June Jones says he will continue to permit his Warrior football team to perform a pregame Maori war dance called a "haka," even despite this video clip.  Last year, the team was penalized for performing the war chant during the game against Louisiana Tech. If you recall, this is the game where the Warriors escaped with a 45-44 overtime win.

Like always, the Warriors performed the Haka war dance away from the field and in front of their own fans, but they were still assessed a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct That penalty forced Hawaii to kick from its own 15 yard line, giving the Bulldogs possession near midfield and setting up Louisiana Tech's first touchdown.

"It's not going to prevent us from doing the haka in the future," Jones said.

According to the Discovery Channel, "the Maori Haka War Chant was practiced for hundreds of years by the New Zealand Maori people. It is a cultural ritual that all warriors hold dear to their national identity." This Maori war chant is shouted at the enemy before charging into battle. The group of warriors stand in lines facing the enemy, shouting the haka in unison.

The Discovery Channel goes on to say, "the words are accompanied by menacing foot stamping and arm motions that signify stabbing and carrying a shield. Ad lib is encouraged, and many Kiwi players add dramatic customised motions to their dance." When the haka is done correctly, it is a truly intimidating and frightening sight.