I have studied various martial arts over the years and my current instructor has this saying , "it's all the same." And the more i've learned over the years I realized there's a finite number of ways that human body can move, so it all comes down to the most effective and practical methods are all the same. Sure, some people stylize it, and others come up with myths and legends about why they do it. But in the end, the real stuff is all the same. Thanks for highlighting 52 blocks.

The blocking of 52 blocks is the same as what we do in Muay Thai, because of the elbow attacks.

52 blocks is popular. Rapper Ludacris is a practitioner of it and anytime he has a "fight scene" in his movies he uses 52 blocks or doesn't do the scene . There is footage of him doing pad work using the system. I'm happy you're giving a great mention to 52 blocks

I grew up in Queens NYC back in the 70's, i was taught this style as a young boy and everyone in the neighborhood in the streets knew and practiced this style of fighting because we had too in order to survive... I'm 52 and still know this fighting style but stronger....

I do Muay Thai but it's very close as well, Long guard = Spear, Dracula guard = cape, Spear elbow= Rhino. And I also found these three positions are super strong, to get in the clinch, kick, knee, elbow. With or without gloves. They are the bread and butter.

In Creed 3, Damien's character was using 52. He even spent time in prison🔥

I like the way you said, how being good in the gym isn’t comparable to being smart on the street, if you balance it out in both places, it can be both beneficial for what you learn in the gym, and how do you survive on the streets. I’ll take your advice on that.

I always find your videos very interesting regarding the subject matter covered. Back in 1986 Mel Gibson was trained in 3 systems for his role as Martin Riggs in "Lethal Weapon, the first being Commando Self Defence Tactics, the second being Gracie Ju Jitsu, and thirdly Jailhouse Rock. The guy who instructed Mel was a guy named Dennis Newsome and there was a fantastic article in the British Martial Arts Mag "Fighters" with Mel being interviewed by Richard La Plant. Years later on seeing Keysi, I always believed that KFM was a mixture of Panantukan and JHR. Since discovering that I sought out all the info I possibly could, but Dennis Newsome just vanished off the scene and that was that. The only art that came into prominence was Gracie Ju Jitsu. Actor/Ludikris is also a serious JHR practitioner.😊❤

Can you please see if you can get Lyte Burly on and also get Mr.52 on to explain the art from their perspectives and learning experiences please? You can actually interview in any one of them in any order as you wish. It will help to clarify alot about the art to the public.

Archie Moore and George Foreman both incorporated this style

I really enjoyed your video. You are correct with the connection with 52 blocks and silat as well as dirty boxing, American and Filipino dirty boxing.. I learned 52 blocks during my 15 year incarnation in the US prison system. Although some things in 52 blocks my be less then effective on the defense end, but please understand that these methods may in actuality be meant for the offensive not defensive. It's all about deception. Thank you for this video. Please know that it's appreciated from one who has been there and gained experience through sweat,blood and tears. Note: I learned 52 blocks with a pack of playing cards lol l. You hit the mark there. Thank you

What you said about "checking your blocks" is vital no matter the martial art. I do Korean sword, and I tell people to do their blocking set in front of a mirror so they can see what they're actually protecting.

These techniques were taught in zendokai karate in Australia dating back to the 1970's and early 80's.Bob Jones, the founder of Zendokai was very big into bodyguard work and bouncing, many students started working in nightclubs in preparation for their black belt grading. These techniques were taught to enable students entering into bouncing to have defensive postures without being threatening or provoking a fight.

In my humble opinion, the best video you've done thus far, especially because of your conclusion. Thank you very much!

I went to jail once for drinking and an old head in there was a lifetime frequent flier. He showed me a fighting style he developed over 30 years to avoid making the opponent bleed and to not have swollen or bleeding knuckles. I wasn't sure he knew what he was talking about but before I left he beat some guy up and got away Scott free. It worked! Blew my mind.

I really appreciate how open minded you are in regards to other styles. I never did 52 Blocks but i trained KFM/Defence Lab for a few years and my other training partners from Bjj/Muay Thai would always clown me because they said its bullshido. But like you said, I knew i was on the right track anyway. There are some very close similarities between 52 Blocks and Defence Lab. The main differences i see are the covers in 52 are more open and transitional while the covers in DL are more rigid and straightforward, and 52 places more emphasis on boxing while DL is more focused on elbows and headbutts.

Love your insight thank you.

52B/Jailhouse Rock was one of the arts used to choreograph the fight scene between Mel Gibson and Gary Busey in 1987's Lethal Weapon. Also part of the Keysi Fighting Method used to choreograoh fight scenes in The Dark Knight and Jack Reacher movies.

Very much enjoying these deep dives. Thank you

bro havent even watched the video yet but i remember as a child when lethal weapon came out,that his fighting system was based on jailhouserock ,a style to fight in corridors like the way the wakizashi was used in small spaces,when the katana was left at the doorways of certain castles and gambling houses extra...bless u man ,i love your insight!

I've been watching your videos for a while. Like how fair your opinions are and also the little instructions/explanations in btwn. Funny, after your last video I had this wish you do one on 52 blocks. Good to see this video and stopped what I was doing to watch it. Your approval of the system is comforting as I'd been a practitioner for a while and try to wade through the murk to the good stuff and nice to see you did as well. Good video, definitely subscribing now

Mentally, I'm putting "52 Blocks" in the same category as Krav Maga, Fairbairne Military Combatives, Gutter Fighting, and "Dirty Boxing " Btw, am I seeing some Tai Chi blocks? Really good vid!

The man in the black shirt in the ring sparring clip is (I think) Nakmeezy, originally a Muay Thai fighter. He's worked and crossed hands with 52 fighters like Lyte Burly of 52 A.O.D. style and -- as in the clip-- with Daniel Marks of 52 Constellation Global. And, have you seen "Mr. 52" Rahmel Scott move? Big K.? Purest form art! The bald guy in the choreographed clip is Diallo Frasier, the trainer of both Ludacris (for "the Fast And the Furious" movies and in real life) and Lorenz Tate (for the movie "Gun Hill ".

Boy, I've watched all your videos, all of them are very good but this one is brilliant on so many levels! There's like tons of knowledge and expertise you managed to share in these 25 minutes!

In Georgia prisons it is called the Alto shuffle. There are videos online here about it.

Solid breakdown, in the past I thought of similarities to FMA and Silat as well. Great video.

Never saw the rhino guard before! I will add that to my defense!! Thanks!

I love that you're covering this with respect few do and ghetto birds are always present.

Dope video and great OG street fight vid😂!!!

I love this guy's content.

Awesome video. As an individual that has gravitated towards studying boxing. Past. And present fighters. And emulating them when shadow boxing (not trained at all I do my best to emulate the entire body mechanics of each move and understand the reason why the move is used) I have also found this style is MOST natural and effective. My body now blends defense 1st and offense naturally rolls off my defense. Every little movement has a purpose.

I love your theme song 😂 it's awesome 😎😂.. like the channel too lol

This was a great video. You just earned my subscription. I look forward to seeing more of your content. I really appreciate your insight into real world situations. I'm 45 and not training for sport either, as I'm riddled with old injuries as well, so I can definitely relate to your message. I'd love find someone like you to train with and learn from. In the meantime, I'll have to settle for studying your content. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

You are right i am for brooklyn born and raised and Very few people know this art Even among FBA. I learned it as a child and have seen people where I am from doing this sence the 1970s. I have never seen people of any other nationaity or race use this style of fighting. Unless taught by FBA.

Very enjoyable video, I just started watching your channel. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this..i added it to my capoeira..next gonna add bjj..

I sub'd because first off I've never heard of the style,but you seem to have an incredible regard for the Filipino arts and in my humble opinion I feel like FMA is the most real world do or die ary/arts that can be learned. Thanks for the great content.

I love the fact that you said you move the Harlem before it was gentrified so true

Brilliant. Ive trained in 52 blocks and Southern Mantis and i see similarities between the two especially with elbows. Well done

This video was super cool! I've heard about 52 blocks but never seen a good breakdown of it before. Maybe make an instructional video of it sometime?

Great video as usual.. My learning 52B the first time was through a friend's uncle who served time in NYC from 80s to 90s.. I learned a few lessons from the uncle and his fighting was prison like..always looking and searching and always moving due to him always also watching his back from being jumped by multiple opponents... They are always on the move, I believe due to limited amount space and having to find safe spots so their weakness aren't exposed.. The second person I learned from was never in prison and also practiced MMA, he moved more like one on one and was focused just to the person he was fighting with.. Just like all martial arts, not one system is perfect but always things to learn from each one for all types of situations... The prison uncle I learned from had great respect to Gong Fu claiming Wing Chun had good influence in the elbow system in 52B... The MMA teacher was a total hater of Gong Fu and just said it was a prison system that is an art in and of itself... Just like all martial arts, each person will take what suits them and develop it for their own uses and how it suits them the best... I have my own conclusions and a lot of mine is that I respect all arts...if we can learn from every system and take from what each offers and practice and practice and practice.. What I have discovered is that in each different stages of my life, I have and am thankful for all that I had learned and each had suited and served its purpose in each stage and I humbly acknowledge that I feel more of a beginner than since I had started close to 40 years ago... Always enjoy your POV and your thoughts...

I can remember an article in the early 80's maybe even late 70's , that featured a prison style called the "Comstock Method" that I think is related .

Good stuff! I'd like to hear your take on old-school WW2 combatives, like Defendu or Arwrology.

Awesome video, 100%👌🏾👌🏾🙏🏻🙏🏻

I understand your concerns about the excessive hand movements, especially when applied to "dumb areas" .When it is done by an experienced fighter, it is for the purpose of baiting. We attempt to get the opponent to commit to an action that can be quickly countered.

Loved the video.

I was only 2 years into blue belt you're absolutely right about jiu-jitsu..KSM an 52 blocks is definitely worth training

Great video good info, just subscribed, have a good Christmas!!!

Isshin Ryu Karate as it is taught were I train is close to this. Fighting from the clench, use of elbows to block,angles & distance, etc We might be one of the few that does as there is A LOT of McDojo garbage in the same style if you look on YT. We're just a little dojo in Carson, Iowa (population 700) that is 2nd generation from Tastuo Shimabuku.

Been watching safye carmen for a while, also had the chance of training with lyte burly once. But I am surprised you did not show Dan the Wolfmans version of 52 .

You did a very good job of explaining. This is interesting.

Man, 6 min in. Excellent content as usual my dude! Will have to come back to it and watch the rest but comment for your algorithm in the meantime.

52 Blocks! One of my favorite systems to train

Never heard of 52 block.. very interesting thx

thank you for your honest and sincere reaction to the 52 Blocks System. thank you , thank you, Thank you. Representing 52 Blocks Self Defense Academy

I like the "Rhino" position you demonstrated a lot. It was one of the first defensive positions I learned from my MMA coach for the street. From the Rhino, we called it 3 point cover or spear elbow, you can go into a Thai Plum Clinch and setup knees if the opponent pulls back, if they push into you, you can manipulate the head and move into a guillotine choke. It is such a power position. We also used the spear but more on a disengage to keep the opponent at a distance and the cage is obviously very good if you get overwhelmed. Good material, I subbed because finally someone talking sense!

Dude I love this channel!! You just got subbed!!

Thanks for sharing

As a Practioner of KFM/DL and Spear Tactical Systems.... THANK YOU...For showing this. These systems get so much hate. They WORK. Nunca Te Rindas. I am Subscribing right now.

Thank you for making a video about the systems never invented by African Americans and poor communities thank you I am a subscriber now

well stated , respect ; awesome episode .

great analysis

Hello. Great job, I enjoyed this very much. I wanted to let you know that the guy that demonstrated jailhouse Rock is a real master. His name is Sayf Carman and he has been boxing since he was 9. He's a wrestler and studied many styles of martial arts. He's also been around martial arts for over 40 years and he can give you the real history of karate in the inner cities before the Mc dojos. You should interview him if you can, you won't regret it. He's a real one and his channel is great.

okay I will admit this...I used to perfom 52 blocks on industrial music dance floors in the mid 90's - early 2000's. The location was in Manhattan's L.E.S. on the weekends. The movements fit the music, LOL

Cool presentation, you left out, Lyte Burly and the notorious, Lord Rahmel and his, “ Dance of death ) east coast NYC brothers. Peace ! 😀🥷🏼🙏🏼

Thank you for this video. I didn't know about that art. But It's weird but I'm thinking if there's a paranormal/supernatural Martial art 😄

Looks a lot like Jeet kun Do. Great review. And I see some Kyokoshin in there too.

all new to me ...very cool

That sparring clip late in the video made it look like that crossing motion you talked about earlier was to trap the opponent's fist.

Very interesting! Liked and subscribed! 👍

I think it’s the best concept of martial arts. A small system that can be taught quickly to be used in a real fight. Needs more emphasis on fighting in enclosed spaces, multiple opponents, and against people that completely out weigh you. It can be worked into an awesome system.

I like your channel. You are realistic without having to "poop" on other Martial Arts and looking for value in everyone's experience

I remember I read a feature story in Reader's Digest. A murder story where one of the suspects was a veteran street fighter. In one of the juvenile facilities that he landed in,, he learned something called Jailhouse boxing. It described as street fighting combined with had moves to confuse opponents and protect your face.

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO .BUT how you leave out the man who brought 52BLOCKS back SALUTE WARRIOR

Very pragmatic self defense when you consider it was developed in prison. Extreme close range fighting often is cells. Always having to consider the other person has a shank. Things tend to pop off suddenly and clandestinely. Really cool stuff and really cool to see you review it. You have an amazing way with explaining strategy of movement and positioning. I’ve always felt understanding why we do things is as important as understanding how to do it.

I agree 100% with your assessment of sports especially B/JJ for street self defense. Taking a ring approach to street fighting is hazardous to your health.

just found your channel. great work here!

Great video.

Very nice info,Sir

16:50 this looked like touch butt at the park lol, cool breakdown though truly first time hearing 52 blocks

Very interesting video and fighting style. I like that your focus is more on practical self defense rather than sport. What are you thoughts on which martial art a woman should learn to defend herself and why?

I did Silat for about two years and we were really into clinch and Pesador style entries, Those open hands can easily be Bunkai (i did shotokan as well) often ending up into wrist holds for hand trapping etc. This was back in the JKD mentality before I went full grappler. I never knew about 52 blocks....i must learn more!

So we gonna ignore how @22:02 the dude with the headgear used a succesful "closing the gate" block and trap?

Great video--got my sub. Familiar with the combatives/ma world but had never heard of 52 blocks. I wonder if Bobby Green's boxing in the UFC displays something of this NY influence. Such a cool video, thx!

When you cross the arms like a X is called skull and crossbones... It's an intercepting motion to use the elbow to attack and defend at the same time. I.E. blocking or attacking with a 45 degree elbow strike.

EXCELENT content brother.

The continuous movement in the hands pre-fight reminds me very much of the Piper knife system.

Totally agree about Jiu jitsu. Im a purple belt and dont know as much as some jiu jitsu nerds. I spar with MMA fighters too and much sport JJ goes out the window. I have a boxing background so i hold my own

Good vallid points mate

Holy shit so this makes so much sense to me now. My uncle who did like 12 years would stand postured with his elbows high on his chest like hand on chin or arms crossed high when he was in public speaking to people. Even when sitting on his couch watching TV he would sit with his arms crossed high on his chest too so I guess he was always ready for battle.

Coming from a historical fencing background, I can see the constant movement as an attempt to reduce the potential targets your opponent has available to strike. Using your system, get into Spear and see what invitations (where you are telling an opponent to strike), their shifting is telling their opponent that the target they thought was open just became closed. Their shifting is also an attempt to force you to think in a fight for a moment longer so they can take advantage of your potential hesitation, or missed strike. Historical Fencing: Destreza system (Spanish), Fabris (Dutch), Rudolph Capoferro (Italian), Giacomo Giganti (Italian).

I think the blocks and style depend on your body type too. I have long arms and short legs, so I feel a longer guard works for me best. Lorenzo hunt does 52 and he is a savage. Check him out.

My body is old and it's damaged and it's hurt... That resonates

Reminds me so much of the silat / kuntao i learned back in the late 90s.

Great video! You should do some tutorials

Wise words!

People should follow this elder he has a lot of knowledge on martial arts and bare knuckle fighting.

12:30 the cross block in front is to come out of IN PARRY and works like a phone call block except it’s two hands and they curve a little.

good vid, thx for the ul

Ok, I don't know anything about this style. I use the "cross arms" mostly when teaching grappling techniques. If I cross my arms & you throw a strike it is going land in 1 of those 4 quadrants- Abdomen, R, L or Face & the quadrant will determine which variation I use.