Preserving Haiti's unique martial arts tradition
Haitian machete fencing is a functional martial art with deep roots in Haitian history. For nearly 20 years, the Haitian Machete Fencing Project has been dedicated to promoting and teaching this system worldwide.
Over the course of a ten-year apprenticeship with master fencer Alfred Avril, they were able to document this art form in ways never before seen by the wider world, first through their many rough-cut training videos, and later through collaboration with the production company Third Horizon on the documentary short film Papa Machete. Over the years, they have hosted many serious-minded foreigners at their annual training intensives at the Avril family homestead in Haiti. Though Professor Avril passed away in December 2014, his sons and other committed students received his blessing to continue his practice.
You can learn more about the Haitian Machete Fencing Project on their website: haitianfencing.org
