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Tupu Le Afi

About Us

Finding Inspiration  

Our mission is to share Samoan FireKnife dancing by staying connected with Fa'aaloalo, Mamalu, & Aiga. This mission can allow our new generation to stay connected to our roots and show leadership for our Samoan community.  

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Tupu Le Afi vision is to educate our students and our community about the Samoan culture through FireKnife dancing and training new future champions to compete in the World FireKnife Competitions.  

MEET JAKO PUPUALII

Talofa lava, my name is Jako Pupualii and I was born and raised from the beautiful island of Western Samoa and from the village of  Matautu-Uta. I am the founder and leader of  Tupu Le Afi FireKnife dance school (Ailao Afi). Tupu Le Afi means "King of Fire," and is dedicated to my son Tupu. 

 

I started dancing FireKnife at the age of 5  and continued to perpetuate my culture throughout my whole life which also turned into a career here in the USA. My career as a FireKnife dancer started with Cirque Polynesia show, Tihati Productions luau events, and Disney World Lion King show. I am very grateful for having this amazing Siva Afi (FireKnife) dancing talent that has provided many opportunities to help support my wife Jess and my beloved son Tupu.

 

In addition, I have also traveled throughout the world to compete with the best of the best in many World FireKnife Competitions. I am very honored to share my accomplishments  as a professional competitor with all my future students, as I envision all my students to have an opportunity to become a World Fireknife Champion. 

1ST PLACE AWARDS

2ND PLACE AWARDS

  • 1st place 2019 Master of the Flame Championship, Utah ​

  • 1st place 2014 International Weekend in Polynesia FireKnife Competition, California​

  • 1st place 2013 International Weekend in Polynesia FireKnife Competition, California​

  • 1st place 2004 International Weekend in Polynesia FireKnife Competition,California ​

  • 1st place 2003 (PCC) Polynesian Cultural Center World FireKnife Champion Junior Division, Oahu

  • 1st place 2002 Siva Afi International Competition, Western Samoa ​

  • 1st place 2001 Teuila Festival FireKnife Competition, Western Samoa

  • 2nd place 2015 Fire Knife Competition, Tihati Production, Maui

  • 2nd place 2014 Fire Knife Competition, Tihati Productions, Maui  

  • 2nd place 2003 Siva Afi International Competition, Western Samoa

  • 2nd place 2002 World FireKnife Competition Junior Division, American Samoa

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