My book Haitian Machete Fencing: The Avril Family Method is an original martial arts manual, co-authored with Reginald Turnier and featuring photography by Charles Espey. This book is the result of 20 years of relationship-building and martial arts training in Haiti.
Haitian Machete Fencing is a functional martial art with deep roots in Haiti’s struggle for freedom. Over the course of a ten-year apprenticeship with master fencer Alfred Avril in Haiti, we were privileged to document this art form in ways never before seen by the wider world. Now, in collaborating with his children and other committed students, this book provides a deeper and more technical exploration of Haitian Machete Fencing than anything available so far, while preserving the respect for tradition upon which our teacher always insisted.
Lush photography by Charles Espey captures thrilling and informative images of Haitian Machete Fencing in action, as well as lovingly rendered portraits. Oral histories and essays – including an extended interview with Professor Avril that has never before been made public – provide essential insight into the spiritual and cultural significance of this art form.
All royalties benefit the people of Haiti through our nonprofit organization Cultural Capital Haiti.
You can order the hardcover here!
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