Grima: A Colombian Martial Art Fights for Survival
2025-04-29
In Puerto Tejada, Colombia, a handful of masters are preserving Grima, a traditional Afro-Colombian martial art using machetes and sticks. Rooted in colonial-era resistance, Grima faces an uncertain future as younger generations migrate to urban centers. Masters are seeking national and international recognition to safeguard this cultural heritage, hoping for the funding and publicity that come with it. However, they also worry about potential commercialization harming the tradition. Despite the challenges, Grima remains a vibrant expression of Afro-Colombian identity, its practitioners dedicated to passing it on to future generations.
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