10/12/2023
Kumu Dane taught lomilomi to many students over the years and gave some of them permission to teach his style of lomilomi.
Some of these students who got his “permission to teach”, did not comprehend their kuleana and even turned against Kumu Dane, all for the sake of promoting themselves and their businesses. Some of them continue to promote themselves by using his name and photos, as seen in their social media posts, even though they had severed their relationship with him long ago.
One of Kumu Dane’s messages to his students was this, "Keep sharpening the knife." In other words, you should continue to learn, and that learning of lomilomi is a lifelong process, however, some chose to leave Kumu Dane as soon as they got permission to teach, as if there was nothing else to learn.
I think it may be easier to understand for Japanese if we were to compare a student’s commitment and responsibility to those who choose the path of Judo, Karate, tea ceremony or flower arrangement in Japan. The “permission to teach” exists in the relationship of the master and the student, following in the master’s footsteps, respecting the master, and continuing on the path of learning with humbleness and humility for the rest of their lives. It is this type of commitment that separates those who follow in their kumu’s footsteps and teachings and those who purposely choose to make their own path.
Having permission to teach lomilomi can also be compared to the protocols of hula.
A student may ask, can I dance that mele at my friend's wedding? That student must get the kumu’s permission.
A student may question, can I perform that mele that I learned even though I have left that hālau? That hula stays with the hālau.
These examples explain that just because you were taught it by your kumu does not mean that you own it and you do not have permission to do as you please especially if you have chosen to ʻoki yourself from your kumu and the hālau.
Hawaiian culture, and aloha is more than just knowledge but rather a lifestye and a value system that becomes a part of your daily life.
Please support the instructors of Lōkahi Lomilomi who continue to follow in Kumu Daneʻs footsteps, who continue in their path of learning, and who live their daily lives guided by Hawaiian cultural values and aloha. Their permission to teach is not given by a certificate but rather by their actions and commitment. It is these instructors who will carry on the legacy and teachings of Kumu Dane to future generations.
Lōkahi lomilomi Japan
Lōkahi Lomilomi Australia
Swiss : Aloha Spirit
Czech: Liduska
US mainland : Ohana Traditions
Oahu: Eri Virden, Sayumi
Big Island: Big Island Healing Arts
