My initial discovery of this underground martial art was when I saw a video by Lyte Burly, who has posted numerous YouTube videos criticizing various traditional martial arts. In these critiques, he often discusses the practicality of combat skills necessary for self-defense on the streets. The development of precise skills, such as the ability to punch effectively or block an opponent’s strike, is emphasized.

More recently, I watched a video on the channel “inside fighting,” whose subject is real-world self-defense. In the video, the narrator explained that in a street fight situation, the type of covering actions used by boxers in the ring would not work without the boxing gloves, which are big enough to be used as shields.

Movement becomes crucial in such scenarios, and mastering the rhythm of a fight—similar to the improvisational movements experienced in capoeira—adjusting your fighting styles, and employing effective hand blocks can make all the difference. Practicing and improving coordination to engage in offense and counter techniques effectively are essential for anyone, even if you affectionately remember the wise advice of someone like “Mother Dear” guiding you along the way.

The channel host, along with some other martial artists who specialize in real-world self-defense, use covering methods where they wrap both arms tightly around their heads, often with one elbow pointed at the attacker to break incoming fists or even be used as a battering ram in close quarters.

This technique not only involves offense but also requires the agility and discipline inherent in the 52 Blocks system. The narrator said he had become interested in 52 Blocks and mentioned that this art used similar guards. He also believed that, in addition to boxing, 52 Blocks seemed to show elements of Filipino martial arts and Chinese Kung Fu, showcasing a complex blend of fighting styles that prioritize effective defense and counter-attacks.

52 Blocks (also known as Jailhouse Rock or Comstock) is a controversial martial arts system with mysterious origins. Sometimes referred to as an “urban martial art” or “street boxing,” 52 Blocks supposedly emerged within the American prison system as a means of self-defense and survival for incarcerated individuals. However, the history, techniques, and practitioners of this fighting style remain shrouded in mystery. The system emphasizes drills designed to enhance reflexes, evasion, coordination, and timing—all essential skills for efficiently navigating the unpredictable nature of a street fight, where quick blocks and counter-movement are pivotal.

The Mystery And Mythology Of 52 Blocks

The exact origins of 52 Blocks are unknown. According to some accounts, 52 Blocks evolved within American prisons during the 1970s in response to overcrowding and gang violence. Without access to typical martial arts training, prisoners supposedly developed a self-defense system involving 52 “blocks” or defenses against common street attacks. This adaptation has been likened to the cultural resilience embodied in capoeira’s history among enslaved peoples.

 Origins and History Of 52

Other theories suggest 52 Blocks has older roots in African and African-American fighting arts. Some connect it to the 52 playing cards used in a gambling game called “52 Pickup,” suggesting slaves may have masked martial arts training as a card game. More controversially, some proponents claim 52 Blocks originated with a secret African martial art brought to America through the slave trade. However, clear historical evidence supporting these narratives is lacking.

The name “Jailhouse Rock” also implies a prison connection, though it may simply reference the Elvis Presley song. The name “Comstock” likely refers to Comstock Correctional Facility in Virginia. While Comstock has been noted for violence and gang activity, no definitive link connects it to the creation of any fighting system.

Several larger-than-life figures have helped promote and shroud 52 Blocks in mystery. An influential article in Black Belt Magazine in 2001 brought the style mainstream attention. It was authored by famed martial artist Ronald Duncan, who claimed to have learned 52 Blocks from an inmate while working as a prison guard. He allegedly vowed only to reveal the style’s secrets posthumously out of respect for its creators, emphasizing that the true mastery of this art lies in continuous practice. However, Duncan died in 2012 without fulfilling this promise, leaving a void in the continuity of tradition and mastery associated with his teachings.

Mythical Practitioners and Promoters

Other mythic practitioners include “Mother Dear,” an elderly prison boxing coach said to possess secret knowledge of 52 Blocks, and “Mel Gibson,” a mysterious jailed martial artist. These figures contribute to the enigmatic aura surrounding 52 Blocks but lack corroborating evidence. Their stories echo the tradition of secretive mastery passed through generations, providing a rich tapestry of martial experience intertwined with capoeira-like fluidity and adaptability.Several documentaries showcase self-proclaimed masters, like escaped convict Willis McDonald, teaching convoluted variations of 52 Blocks, which has an intriguing parallel with the raw intensity found in combat sports. It’s akin to the way a director like Mel Gibson captures the primal nature of human conflict on screen, evoking powerful emotions.

Critics accuse these films of sensationalism and appropriation, arguing that they do not capture the true stance and technique of the art, focusing instead on the dramatic, rather than the nuanced influence of a well-placed block or parry. Moreover, the absence of a renowned figure like Dennis Newsome, who has gained notoriety for his skill in this ancient art, creates a gap in representation.

The 52 Blocks system supposedly catalogs 52 defensive arm and hand motions used to protect major targets on the head and body, including crucial areas like the skull. Practitioners allegedly develop lightning-fast reflexes and adaptability from training repetitive defenses against random attacks. This free-flowing style contrasts with traditional martial arts katas, presenting a unique stance on combat readiness. Given the secrecy surrounding 52 Blocks, inconsistent technical descriptions exist. However, common features include:

Technical Features and Training

– Close-range strikes with fists, elbows, knees, and headbutts, emphasizing the use of elbow strikes as a formidable weapon against any opponent.

– Jamming or controlling the opponent’s arms, with a counter strategy in mind that displays exceptional mastery and quick thinking.

– Blocks and parries similar to boxing and fencing, requiring a balanced stance and precision.

– Rapid fire combinations and body evasions, designed to enhance agility and coordination.

– An emphasis on guarding the head and attacking vulnerable targets like the eyes or throat, a strategy crucial in mastering the art.

Some also incorporate principles from arts like Muay Thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or Kali for ground fighting and weapon disarms. Training allegedly takes place in prison yards and gyms, though few details are substantiated. Video demonstrations showcase advanced practitioners flowing seamlessly between improvised defensive motions, though these displays remain questionable as to their effectiveness in a real-world self-defense situation.

The prevalence of 52 Blocks remains uncertain. Supporters claim it is widely practiced in American prisons and urban environments across the United States. Skeptics argue it comprises bits and pieces of other arts repackaged into prison mythology. The lack of formal schools or competitive events also makes gauging its popularity difficult.

Prevalence and Popularity

52 Blocks has certainly captivated public interest and imaginations. Books, media coverage, documentaries, and references in rap lyrics have fueled its mystique, much like Mel Gibson’s unforgettable influence in the world of film. However, hard proof of its origins, techniques, and practitioners remains scarce. The secrecy inherent to a prison-born fighting art prevents thorough outside examination and verification. With no stance taken by traditional martial arts communities, 52 Blocks remains obscured behind walls of mystery and mythology. The truth likely lies somewhere between legend and reality, skill, and artistry.

The first video shows a sparring match between two different practitioners of the art, highlighting combat drills and it definitely looks street effective! The mastery demonstrated is evident in the stance and movements, especially when hook punches are thrown with great speed and power.

This display is reminiscent of the intensity found in combat sports. The second video is a bare-knuckle match where Lorenzo Hunt uses hand movements and a guard similar to those used in 52 Blocks, showing his adept combat skills. Although it is not clear from the video whether or not he actually studied that style, the combination of explosiveness, speed, tremendous power, and the use of constant hand movements, together with head movements, fakes, and exceptional footwork cause him to earn his nickname of “Juggernaut,” much like the way Dennis Newsome is renowned for his prowess with the art.

The first video shows a sparring match between two different practitioners of the art, highlighting combat drills and it definitely looks street effective! The hook punches thrown are especially impressive as they have great speed and power. The second video is a bare-knuckle match where Lorenzo Hunt uses hand movements and a guard similar to those used in 52 Blocks, showing his adept combat skills. Although it is not clear from the video whether or not he actually studied that style, the combination of explosiveness, speed, tremendous power, and the use of constant hand movements, together with head movements, fakes, and exceptional footwork cause him to earn his nickname of “Juggernaut.”