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.

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

Jako Pupualii was honored to participate as a Siva Afi Judge at the Legacy- The Siva Afi Competition located in Oahu on October 1, 2022. This competition was produced by Freddie Letuli's family and Malu Productions.