The Fire Knife is a traditional Samoan cultural implement that is used in ceremonial dances. It was originally composed of a machete wrapped in towels. In the Ancient times, the dance originally lies in the Samoan practice of ‘ailao, where warriors would perform ritualistic dances with their wooden war club, the nifo ‘oti, to display strength and skill after a battle. The Nifo ‘Oti is a weapon that was light weight for battle, a hacking sword-like implement, most times adorned with boar’s tusks or shark teeth. Later versions of the nifo ‘oti incorporated a metal hook, to snare the enemy. The Samoan Fire Knife dance, or ‘ailao afi, evolved from ancient Samoan warrior traditions of spinning and twirling a wooden weapon called the nifo ‘oti. In 1946, Uluao “Freddie” Letuli was the first to add fire to the dance after watching performer’s fire-eater, and baton twirler in San Francisco. Over time it would lead in transforming the ceremonial practice into the very popular performances seen in every Polynesian reviews and luaus. Today, the dance continues as vibrant cultural tradition, with the annual competitions like the World Fire knife Championships at the Polynesian Cultural Center preserving and promoting the art form.