We need more Hakas in sports.

The Haka, if you’ve never seen it before, is a traditional battle dance and ceremonial greeting of New Zealand’s indigenous Māori. It has evolved into a powerful and compelling symbol of unity and pride among New Zealanders.

And for the past 100 years, it’s been part of New Zealand’s sports culture. The New Zealand national rugby team, known as the “All-Blacks,” perform the Haka prior to their international contests. Here’s an example of the Haka from a 2011 international contest.

At this point, if I were on the other team, I’d say, “You know what? You guys won. I’m good with this. Let’s go get a beer.”

The power of the Haka both intimidates opponents and galvanizes teammates. Look at that energy and vibrance.

And it’s not just reserved for male rugby players. Female rugby players participate in the Haka as well.

It’s not reserved for sports. Imagine you’ve been invited to a wedding in Christchurch or in Wellington or somewhere in New Zealand … and this breaks out. 😀

And yes, a traditional Haka is also performed at funerals, incuding this one for NZ rugby legend Jonah Lomu.

We will now pause for all my female blog readers to get a refreshing drink, because here’s thirst trap Jason Momoa performing the Haka. You have been warned.

By the way, the Haka can also work as an opening statement in a basketball game. Check out New Zealand’s national basketball team – if the rugby team is the “All-Blacks,” then I suppose the hoops squad is the “Tall-Blacks.” Listen I didn’t come up with these names, trust me.

For more explanation on the Haka and its traditions, I figured this New Zealander could explain it more succinctly. I’ll turn the blog over to him now.

Yeah. This works.