Okinawa Siva Afi Competition 2027

Competition Guidelines

 

Event Information

Date: January 30 (Sat) – January 31 (Sun), 2027

Venue: Ocean Dome, Rizzan Sea-Park Hotel Tancha Bay, Okinawa, Japan

Admission: Free

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・Entry Fees

Junior & Intermediate Categories: ¥11,000 (tax included)
Senior Category: ¥16,500 (tax included)

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Rules & Regulations

The following rules and regulations apply to all competitors participating in the 4th Okinawa Siva Afi Competition 2027.

We hope this competition provides an opportunity for all competitors to deepen their understanding and appreciation of Samoan language, culture, and traditions.

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Competition Rules

• Every competitor must use three fire knives during their performance (one single knife and one double knife).

• Bringing one spare knife is strongly recommended.

• All knife blades must be made of metal. Wooden handles are required, although metal handles are also permitted.

• Senior Division only: Single knives must be at least 94 cm (37 inches) long, measured from the tip of the hook to the end of the handle.

• Senior Division only: Double knives must be at least 89 cm (35 inches) long, measured from the tip of the hook to the end of the handle.

• Knife wicks must be made of Kevlar wick. There are no restrictions on wick size.

• Every knife must have a hook large enough to hold the other knives together.

• Hooks must remain parallel to the knife and must not create dangerous angles during performance.

• Borrowing or lending knives during the competition is strictly prohibited. Any competitor involved will be disqualified.

• Knives may not be changed after they have been measured and inspected.

• All competitors must comply with these regulations.

• No special stage effects or lighting requests beyond those provided by the event organizers will be accepted.

 

 

Age Divisions

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Junior Division／Ages 5–11

Intermediate Division／Ages 12–17

Senior Division／Ages 18 and over

Note: If there are insufficient entries, the Junior and Intermediate divisions may be combined into a single division for ages 5–17.

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Costume Requirements

• Competitors must wear a Samoan print, Polynesian print, or plain Lava-Lava.

• Lava-Lava must be properly fitted to allow safe performance.

• All competitors must wear a traditional Samoan necklace.

• Necklaces made from natural materials such as ti leaves or banana leaves are permitted.

• Warrior face paint is required.

• Headpieces may only be made from fresh flowers, shells, beads, or natural leaves.

• Artificial flowers are permitted, although fresh flowers are preferred.

• All costumes and accessories must reflect traditional Samoan culture.

 

Required Basic Movements

Competitors must demonstrate the following basic movements:

• Vili Tasi (Single-hand spin)

• Vili Lua (Double-hand spin)

• High toss with a catch behind the back

• Footwork and around-the-feet movements

• Around-the-neck movements

• Footwork combined with body movement

• Warrior Style (demonstrating power, confidence, and stage presence)

 

Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate competitors based on:

• Execution of the required basic movements

• Height of tosses (approximately twice the competitor's height or higher)
  (Not applicable when the competition is held indoors due to weather.)

• Difficulty of tricks and movements

• Speed while maintaining power and synchronization with the drum rhythm

• Power, energy, and overall stage presence

• Ability to engage and excite the audience

• Knife drops (point deductions apply; each judge will determine the severity.)

 

Additional judging details will be provided after registration is complete.

Judging criteria may be adjusted at the discretion of the judging panel.

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Senior Division – First Round (Qualifying Round)

After check-in on January 30, competitors will draw numbers backstage to determine the performance order.

All competitors will first be introduced on stage.

Each competitor will then perform individually.

• Performance time (including entrance and exit): 6 minutes maximum

• Exceeding the time limit will result in point deductions.

The competition may pause for breaks if necessary due to scheduling.

After all performances, competitors will return to the stage where finalists advancing to the next day's Final Round will be announced.

Three to five finalists will advance, depending on the total number of entries.

 

Junior Division – Final Round

After check-in on January 31, competitors will draw numbers backstage before the competition begins.

There is no qualifying round for the Junior Division.

After the group introduction, each competitor will perform individually.

• Performance time (including entrance and exit): 6 minutes maximum

• Exceeding the time limit will result in point deductions.

The Junior Division awards ceremony will take place after the Senior Division Final Round.

 

Senior Division – Final Round

Following the Junior Division Final Round on January 31, the Senior Division Final Round will begin.

Finalists will first be introduced on stage and draw for their performance order.

Each finalist will then perform individually.

• Performance time (including entrance and exit): 7 minutes maximum

• Exceeding the time limit will result in point deductions.

The competition may pause for breaks if necessary due to scheduling.

After all finalist performances, a guest show is scheduled.

Following the guest performance, finalists will return to the stage for the Awards Ceremony.