Mau rakau is the more modern reference to martial systems practised by the Māori people of New Zealand pre-colonization. Mau rakau has been a term used to rekindle the art and practise of traditional martial systems amongst Māori post-colonization. It basically means, "to grasp a weapon".

It derives from the "call to arms" that would ring through the valleys and climb the hill tops. The spade and bird spear would be laid to one side and the rakau (weapon) would be raised. It has also been used generally to refer to the use of the Taiaha weapon and does not always take into account the other weapons and disciplines practised by Māori in regards to martial arts and war.

Whare Tu Taua (School of War) is the classic term which covers the basics of educating young toa (warrior) in the art of war. Whare Tu Taua is governed by the god Tu (which means to stand), which makes up part of its name. Tu is a son of Rangi (sky) and Papa (earth), and he represents the Māori disposition to conflict. He has many names that all govern a domain of war, combat, and its associated rituals.

Infants males were dedicated at birth to either Tu or his brother Rongo (the god of peace) and there are traditions that speak of dedication taking place prior to the birth of the infant son. If of high enough rank, he would be baptised by the priest cast and they would look for the signs to see what is to be his role in the tribe. The placenta of the child would be buried in a secret, safe place so as not to be disturbed. This did two things: it gave the child the birth right to that region and it bonded them to its protection and its security. Occupation through descent and retention of land was of the highest importance; hundreds of years of occupation could be wiped out in a single error. This programmed the young toa from and early age to do what must be done, at any cost. This formed the basis of the politics of pre-contact Māori, an ever necessary component for war.

The Māori of old were a very ritualised people, with ceremony and traditions for everything. The twitch of an eye, the song of bird, everything the potential to be a sign, an omen, a communication from the gods and their many forms. War was no different.