Preston is a brown belt in the VJ and Rex Tiumalu School of Fireknife, where VJ and Rex are the only black belts (other than the ones who taught them). The story of how he discovered his passion in a sacred Samoan tradition is an interesting one. Then again, every keeper of the fireknife tradition I have met has had an interesting story.

From what I gather, Preston first became interested in Samoan Fireknife Dancing when he saw a demonstration at a restaurant in Florida four years ago. After first learning as much of it as he could off youtube, Preston sought out and befriended Rex and VJ Tiumalu, who perform at Epcot, Orlando. Since that connection, Preston's evolution as practitioner of Samoan Fireknife Dance has been rapid and impressive.

In May of 2010, at 11 years of age and after one year of training, Preston won the "Keki" Age Class (6-11 yo) of the World Fireknife Championship at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Oahu, HI. The next year, he entered _America's Got Talent_ and made it past several cuts. On 05/10/2012, at the age of 13, he added to his track-record by taking 1st place in the 13-17 year-old Juniors Class of the World Fireknife Competition.

Watch and see what can be accomplished with four hours of practice a day--four years straight.

Well earned, Preston! Your dedication to this fine tradition shows. Thanks for seeing what's possible with your journey I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Respect,

Uncle Chris

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