Grima: the machete fencing of Puerto TejadaCEFR B1
19 Apr 2025
Adapted from Rowan Glass, Global Voices • CC BY 3.0
Photo by J̶o̶h̶n̶n̶y̶ Sántiz, Unsplash
In Puerto Tejada, a mainly Afro‑descendant town in southern Cauca, a small group of masters keeps alive grima, often called machete fencing. The practice goes back to the colonial era when enslaved Africans adapted the machete into a weapon and a form of self‑defence.
Training takes place at the House of Cacao, home to the local academy. Grima combines African martial traditions with European swordplay techniques. Practitioners use a machete in one hand and a bordón, a defensive stick, in the other. For many, the art has a liberatory meaning because it connects to fights for independence and later civil wars.
Educators and activists say grima is linked to cuisine, medicine, music and oral tradition. Masters and campaigners are asking municipal, departmental and national authorities for formal recognition and support, while also warning about possible harms from some heritage listings.
Difficult words
- grima — traditional weapon art using machetes
- machete — large cutting tool also used as a weapon
- bordón — a long stick used for defence
- liberatory — connected to freedom and political struggle
- martial — related to fighting or military practice
- recognition — official acceptance or public support
- enslaved — people forced to work without freedom
- oral tradition — stories and knowledge passed by speech
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could formal recognition and support help the grima community in Puerto Tejada?
- What possible harms might come from heritage listings for a practice like grima? Give one or two examples.
- In what ways do you think a martial art can connect to local culture such as music, food or medicine?
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