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STORY

TOA O LE AFI PATI LEVASA
International Fire Knife Competition Vision: Igniting Culture, Empowering Communities and Driving Tourism.

We Forge Cultural Preservation and Resilience

Just like learning the sacred art of fire knife dance, life demands courage through burning trials. A practitioner of Ailao Afi must embrace the pain of the flame to refine technique and command presence. This reflection becomes metaphor: every flicker of flame teaches us resilience. In moments of life’s heat hardship, disappointment, fear we can choose to rise, learn, adapt, and embody our greatness.

Our competition brings that metaphor to life as performers brave the blades to create beauty, strength, and connection. We see in them the embodiment of our community’s enduring spirit which we pass on to the next generation.

What We Stand For

Multicultural Connectedness: We honour Pasifika traditions and extend inclusion to all cultures, amplifying intercultural respect worldwide.
Youth Cultural Identity and Leadership: Through mentorship, workshops, and visible role models, we nurture confident young leaders rooted in history and grounded in community.
Cultural Preservation Through Live Art: We ensure Ailao Afi remains a living tradition, evolving with innovation yet anchored in ancestral storytelling.
Resilience and Excellence: Our event celebrates those who overcome fear, challenge norms, and refine their craft, teaching us all that greatness is born from endurance.

TOA O LE AFI PATI LEVASA is more than a competition, it is a cultural journey. Through flame, rhythm, and unity, we ignite identity, empower families and artists, strengthen community relations, and showcase Pasifika resilience on the world’s stage.

Join us in honouring tradition, inspiring youth, celebrating diversity, and igniting culture for generations to come.

Igniting Culture

Born in Logan City, Brisbane, TOA O LE AFI PATI LEVASA is Australia’s first Samoan- style fire knife competition, celebrating Ailao Afi the ancestral Samoan warrior dance rooted in the ancient art of handling the nifo’oti war club. This tradition was transformed into a modern performance art by Uluao “Freddie” Letuli in 1946, who added fire to the blade, birthing the contemporary fire knife dance. Today, top competitors from across the Pacific and Australia twirl blazing knives through precise choreography and high-impact storytelling, honouring Samoan heritage while forging new multicultural connections.

The competition proudly honours its World Fire Knife Champion Tautai Pati Levasa (1997, 1998, 2001, 2002) who remains one of the most decorated and influential figures in the global Ailao Afi community. His legacy as a cultural warrior, mentor, and international performer anchors the values of excellence, discipline, and authenticity that guide this event.

Also playing a significant role is Malietoa Tauāsa Sieulu Avea, widely known as Chief Sielu the first ever World Fire Knife Champion (1993) and founder of Hawaii’s famous Chief’s Luau. Chief Sielu served as Head Judge for our 2024 inaugural competition, bringing with him decades of cultural knowledge, performance mastery, and commitment to mentoring future generations. His presence affirms the international credibility and cultural authority of TOA O LE AFI PATI LEVASA.

Empowering Communities

We are committed to creating an inclusive, safe space where young people Pasifika, multicultural and Australian can build cultural pride, strengthen family connections, and develop leadership through education, engagement, and mentorship. Our event nurture’s identity and belonging, empowering youth to pursue their greatness with confidence and cultural grounding.

Driving Tourism

TOA O LE AFI PATI LEVASA brings international performers, Pasifika families, and cultural audiences together in Brisbane. With vibrant cultural showcases, food, music and storytelling, the competition stimulates local tourism and economic uplift, highlighting the strength and richness of Pacific Islander heritage in an Australian setting.