52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights

28 06 2009
    Martial Extras

52 Blocks NY Times

Some call it Jailhouse Rock, Stato, or just 52 for short. A fighting style that has a rather vague and controversial origin, 52 Blocks is gaining popularity these days and was recently featured in an article in The New York Times. Part of the buzz about this fighting style is its rather “dark” and mysterious origin. It was believed to have been developed here in the U.S. in the streets and prisons. Others believe that it is an indigenous African American fighting art from the 17th and 18th centuries. In the absence of concrete evidence of its origin, its true root remains a debate.

52 Blocks’ style, in my opinion, can be best summarized as a mix of boxing and hand blocking techniques that are very similar to that of various Chinese Wushu (Kung Fu) styles. 52 Blocks’ strength really seems to show in close quarter fighting where space is limited.

Below is a link to the recent New York Times article about 52 Blocks. You can watch a video there to see the techniques in action. Additional information about 52 Blocks can be found on Wikipedia. I hope you all enjoy discovering this unique style as much as I did.

Link to The New York Times article on 52 Blocks

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14 responses to “52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights”

29 06 2009
What do you do for cardio workouts at your home? I mean, to help out with your Martial Arts training? | Cardio Pilates (12:06:37) :

[…] 9thDan.com Training Blog » 52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts … […]

7 07 2009
macromedia (09:31:43) :

Hmm. Is it true? :-)

23 07 2009
Lamy Lam (01:14:29) :

This is interesting… Don you mind me reposting your post?

Lamy
Martial Art Training

23 07 2009
How I Lost 30 Pounds in 30 Days Without Diet (23:00:19) :

Thanks for posting about this, I would love to read more about this topic.

7 08 2009
Vivalkakira (04:33:17) :

Thanks for your blog! is very interesting…

2 09 2009
Bill Bartmann (11:14:56) :

This site rocks!

7 09 2009
Clothing (01:08:26) :

Wow! Its imposible… I’m realy shocked :/

14 09 2009
Martial Arts Videos (21:20:07) :

I love martial arts. Thanks for the great info. I have been collecting martial arts videos for ages

17 09 2009
electroniccigarettes (19:17:53) :

Great Post.

Thanks for the post.

24 09 2009
doctorbiml (12:32:09) :

Very Interesting post! Thank you for such interesting resource!PS: Sorry for my bad english, I’v just started to learn this language

29 09 2009
insurobrokifs (17:21:10) :

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30 09 2010
52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights (21:50:43) :

[…] 9thDan.com Training Blog » 52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights. Filed Under: Martial Arts Styles, Unique Martial Arts About Guest Blogger AGuest A is the […]

9 10 2010
52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights (14:32:09) :

[…] 9thDan.com Training Blog » 52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights. Filed Under: Martial Arts Styles, Unique Martial Arts About […]

16 10 2010
52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights (10:54:42) :

[…] 9thDan.com Training Blog » 52 Blocks, a Quasi Martial Arts, Getting Mainstream Spotlights. Filed Under: Martial Arts Styles Tagged With: Street Fight, Styles About Martial Access […]