52 Blocks! African martial art or prison fighting system? With special guest Professor Moe

The Martial Maze presents Modern Combatives
In this episode we travel to Harlem New York to get together with the father of the 52 blocks fighting system Professor Mo, aka Mahaliel Bethea. The 52 Blocks fighting system also known as Jailhouse Rock, and "wall fighting" is properly known as the "art of Africa." We learned a lot, shooting this episode and it is our hope that you do too. Enjoy.......
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[@MrBanana808]

"Women will cut you up too." Probably the best self defense advice I have ever heard from a martial artist.

[@them.g.c.network8471]

"The 52 Blocks didn't come from jail, the 52 Blocks WENT to jail." Yes sir! It's definitely an ancestral martial art. I agree! 💯💯👊🏾💥

[@jerrygraves6531]

No just no stop all the trying to make things sound deeper than they are this goes no deeper than foundation of black Americans creating a fighting system in prison. Stop trying to give credit to everybody else for what foundational black Americans make

[@jerrygraves6531]

It's not African it's a black American thing

[@avakinzerochill]

In Kali, we referred to what they call hammer and icepick as heaven and earth. Lots of similarities between 52 and southeast Asian martial arts like kali, silat and muay thai.

[@TheMartialMaze]

There will always be similarities in arts that deal with pragmatic striking, and the defense of. Simply put fighting is fighting. The things that work will always be repeated in every art. The things that don’t work are always abandoned in every art. I challenge everyone to this. Name one art that and it’s pragmatic form(Street application) isn’t the same or similar to an another art……

[@djten7446]

@@TheMartialMaze Well, Ninjutsu Do is an art all its own. It's very adaptable. People even other well trained martial artists, think that it's just about sneaking up behind and killing people and that's as far from the truth as Earth is to Saturn! It's just about get in, rescue an abducted person, and get out! The weapons they used were for defense or slowing down their pursuer. That's why elite military forces all over the globe have employed their tactics.

[@RealityCheckNumero_Uno]

@@TheMartialMaze Any word on whether or not Professor Mo is still teaching in the NYC area?

[@moorsaracen]

Sok Sok and pical.

[@avakinzerochill]

@The Martial Maze things that don't work are not always just abandoned. Look at Tae Kwon do. Tornado kicks and 720 degree spinning heel kicks are not street or ring techniques. Tai chi and kung fu in general have A LOT that aren't practical. I can name techniques by the dozens. But, those techniques are good for other things, like building strength and training body mechanics. It's also not true that all styles will look alike. Even at its most basic - punching and kicking - tkd does not look like muay Thai. Power generation is different, which changes the whole technique. The biggest thing they have in common is that (if we are talking about old style muay) neither of them punch very much. Old Thai boxing had not incorporated western boxing and the hands are more frail and do less damage than knees, elbows and kicks, so they didn't punch as much. Styles from similar areas, however do tend to look more alike, as they influence each other. Tkd looks like japanese karate - but it also came from karate. Okinawan karate looks like southern Chinese kung fu - because it came from there. Muay Thai, Bando, Kali, etc share similarities as they came from southeast Asia. That being said, I'm not in any way saying 52 came from southeast Asia, but it's strikingly similar. Environment plays a role in that as well

[@djten7446]

Speaking from experience, getting into any martial art regardless of age is great! I got into Aiki-jujutsu when I was about 32 and after I became a NYC School Safety Officer in 1989. I also became a part time security guard at a multiplex movie theater. Agitated that I could not obtain a firearm with either job, I chose to arm myself in a different way. When I fist came to my master's dojo, I told him what I did. I told him that I wanted to prove that I don't need a gun. His two words to me were: "You will'. And I'm proud to say that 32 years of doing school security, I've never gotten hurt! And believe me, I've worked in some of the toughest schools in the city! But once kids see that you're not going to tolerate their crap and won't back down, they won't mess with you! And over the years the students would respect me more than they would cops!

[@murphylhunn]

Of course they respect you, I bet you're better trained for a hand-to-hand situation than a lot of cops. lots of precincts dont put enough time and money into that kind of training, but I think martial arts should be mandatory for anyone in your line of work.

[@djten7446]

@@murphylhunn Thank you for your kind and encouraging words! 🙂But at the time I joined school safety, we were a law enforcement division under the NYC DOE and not the NYPD. We were grandfathered under them in 1998. But I didn't wait for the DOE nor the NYPD. I took it up on my own.

[@Snakz718]

Congratulations on intimidating school kids

[@craiganbrooks1485]

​@@Snakz718U silly.😂

[@joeybambamperez]

Shout out to Professor Mo, aka Master Mo, aka sensei Mo. Much respect to "Mo" ! my first ever sensei. love from Joey BangBang

[@user-lh8yq1cw9e]

Great Stuff Master Mode (Master John Garrett) From John Garrett Martial Arts Academy Utica New York : God bless you and your family.

[@mustafa.r9582]

One thing I've noticed that all the brothers thats 55 and older all use the same technique. Reason said is because my Grandmaster that I learn from who's 67 now taught me the same technique its some little things thats different but for the most part its the same. I study in Newark NJ.

[@MistahMolosser]

Seems like really friendly atmosphere in the dojo

[@joeybambamperez]

any class/school in association Master Mo is worth while. speaking from exp

[@djten7446]

I also like how the woman who was training right along with guys. I've always believed that women should learn how to defend themselves!

[@justdoingme_9362]

She’s hott.

[@MistahMolosser]

The sirens in the background really adds atmosphere to the video

[@sunryse7025]

It's the most amazing art of fighting I've seen displayed as a kid growing up in the mean streets of the Bronx. I studied it since 14years old when I witnessed it in a street fight . I was mesmerized and Incorporate it with my children's Taekwondo in which my kids showed their Sensei and even he was amazed when my girls showed him in sparring each other. 👍

[@scouter-xn6zi]

Much respect for your experiences and all the way you have made.

[@Bluejay445]

🔥🔥🔥🔥 1:17

[@smoovebaca3385]

Wow mr moe speaking knowledge as always. Nuff respect And keep Up da good work moe.

[@MasterTrainerFred]

Always a blessing to see another Bethea mastering the craft!

[@marcosberrios7691]

Excellent Episode 👍🏽

[@islamicshinobi366]

6:21 My sensei sent me this video. I do take these brothers seriously, but that "wa, ba, dah" was just funny. We have to admit.

[@SpecialK6685]

One of the more articulate videos in both explanation and demonstration.

[@Kobra18721]

This was cool 🔥🔥🔥

[@SuperhumanUnchained]

Great video great channel great content great athlete great motivation great martial arts, i am very happy to find such a great channel keep doing what you're doing

[@yisraelaker6696]

Awesome pro Mo

[@alangoldberg3922]

Very Good Thats My Buddy Prof Mo Proud of him AG

[@intrinsiccinema7374]

Great teaching

[@kingda69w]

I’m impressed 🙏🏾

[@allones3078]

I like your salute

[@htc7076]

Gracie Combatives Curriculum is by far the most comprehensive I've came across. If 52 blocks can implement the same curriculum then I'm all for it! You're right about curriculum being the main reason ppl stay training.

[@TheMartialMaze]

We hear you. But I would definitely tell you to shop around. The fault I found with Gracie combatives curriculum, is that it does not address more than one attacker effectively(if at all). And you’re also fighting from the ground which as anyone who’s been in real fights can tell you. This is the one place you don’t want to be! Outside of sport. We know there are plenty of videos out there showing folks fighting one on one on the ground and succeeding.(always great for selling an art) But they’re also just as many with folks getting jumped(more than one attacker)or killed(armed attacker)fighting on the ground. Hypothetical: “If you need 3 to 4 points of contact in order to effectively sweep from your back an attacker on top of you. Then I ask what are you using to defend yourself against the other guy kicking you in the head?As a Judoka I do enjoy Brazilian jujitsu. I know that it comes from the ground fighting found in The martial art of judo. So I’m a fan. However I will leave you with this to meditate on. Where It’s good to know how to defend yourself from the ground. It is even better to know how not to be on the ground. Now that being said. The study of the martial arts is not a one-size fits all. Everyone has to find their own flavor. Brazilian jujitsu like with Judo are completely defensive arts. 52 blocks fighting system is offensive and defensive pragmatic approach to addressing violence. Different kind of flavor…….

[@52blocksfederation83]

Have you trained in Gracie Combative or any Gracie program?

[@jpdollas5485]

Is this school still at the same location because I want to stop by and check it out

[@mjsmith8641]

He's now the father of 52blocks? That's a joke,52blocks is older than him. I remember moe when he was teaching Japanese karate and jujitsu he was faking and saying that was African martial arts. The fraud of presenting 52 blocks not just by moe but by others is tragedy to a great legacy.

[@jm7578]

52 blocks was used in many fights and sparring in Albany NY years ago. It’s flow is amazing, Professor Mo has that flow

[@RBOONE57]

52 Blocks Salute from Buffalo New York 🦬 🦬🦬🦬 great episode

[@danieladdison2481]

Salute

[@pierrewilliam7119]

I wish we had more information on the african origins of the art

[@alekx58]

Fifty two Blocks yeah

[@shaheenali4304]

As salaamu Alaykum rahmantullahi wabarakatahu my brother I watch your video on the 52 block in which I learn just a little aspect of it. I love what you teach and how you teach it but as far as disarming weapon I see a lot of martial arts teacher disarming there opponent and forgiving that he or she has another hand and easy can get hit with the other hand can you explain that aspect of that disarming knowing that your opponent has two hands

[@okashgagaale3650]

I believe in this system. Shout out to Hassan the giant and the bartendaz. Salute from southern greater Somalia 🥷🏽☝🏼

[@zenshinacademy4096]

First off, really like the skillsets in this video and like your channel. Was introduced to Kali, a Filipino art, back in the mid 80's, 52 blocks had to be influenced by Kali, Arnis, Escrima from how I see an obvious and overwhelming similarity in skillsets. I guess, if you're on 52 block band wagon you could say, somehow, 52 blocks influenced the ancient art of Kali. Considering Kali has been around since at least 1500's and 52 blocks was created in the 1970's I will lean to the side of Kali. I really like the 52 Block system however, no matter where it came from or when it was really created. Just to be very clear, I am not disrespecting 52 blocks, anyone making any connections in that area are doing so in their own imagination. I know how dedicated youtubers get when they think something they are really into appears to be getting trounced on. 52 Blocks is great and very, very similar to many skillsets in Kali, Arnis and Escrima.

[@Dragonflyjones67]

Kali is over 5,000yrs old, created by the black Philippinos called the Aetas(stated by grandmaster Tuhon Leo Gaje). As Kali modernized throughout the centuries, Jkd/Kali/Silat enthusiast Dan inosanto said it himself( I was there)that Kali modernized in 1899 when the black prize fighter's( whom where Buffalo soldier's)set foot in the Philippines, and influence their handwork amd the way they move. Philippino farmer's whom where Kali fighter's adopted their stances abd footwork( a lot of their Filipino hand techniques always have been influence by the blade itself). Most of them became prize fighter's themselves. He also mentioned that the h2h combat always existed in the Philippines before boxing wss introduce too them. The only thing new too the Filipinos is boxing. Despite the offense and defense tactics in 52. The techinques and method is purely created by the black prize fighter's whom created it. Despite the similarities of techniques of both 52 and Kali (Panatukan-Pagomot-Suntukan)? Despite similarities, both art's has its individual uniqueness.

[@anthonyrobinson6752]

The punches, and hand movements are outstanding👍💪🥊. I wonder if there are any kicks in 52 blocks???

[@projectrain2254]

Depends on the instructor/region

[@AselineShawno]

Can you do more of this from the stance to kicks and stuff

[@TheMartialMaze]

We’ll keep that in mind for future episodes during the filming of season two

[@AselineShawno]

@@TheMartialMaze cause I really want to take this art to the next level I fell in love to this art man it’s nice smooth and it flows

[@DJAlboogie55]

Very Realistic!!!!!!!

[@Jmack4825]

teach Prof. Moe

[@awepress7464]

Just curious, what would you get if you combined 52 and dancing the Angola?

[@evanking0588]

A great rhythmic art form that's what you get

[@donalddudley9253]

Excellent work 👍🏿👍🏿🥊🥊

[@oldtimeoutlaw]

Professor Mo how can I get one of those t-shirts. Please let me know know. Thank you. Peace

[@xavierthemalsithacentvader2349]

I dont get how it's a debate, if you can trace specific movements way back!?!

[@captainKedger]

Your style looks a whole lot like different variations of the four basic blocks of kenpo

[@memyself4ever1]

Laws against nunchaku in NYC has been lifted in 2019. It is no longer banned.

[@MegaTparham]

Is this taught anywhere in Atlanta, Ga?

[@TheMartialMaze]

Give me a day to get back to you on that

[@52blocksinfo]

Yea I’m in GA

[@welcome_to_macnelsonworld]

What the name of the school

[@mutant0177]

Prof. Mo sounds like Nas.

[@52blocksfederation83]

The Africans aka Slaves aka FBAs went to prison in 1865 , however, everything we do comes from the Motherland.

[@jerrygraves6531]

No everything we do don't come from the motherland. That's your problem giving credit to other people for what fbas create. That's not wise

[@slash270]

.😊

[@satuteknologi1961]

very direct to the point system. Not so much philosophy as other traditional martial art.

[@johnrambo4259]

Could you incorporate this into muay Thai? By the way I love what you doing this video is great I'm what many people would call a redneck from Georgia but Godbless what you guys are doing here.

[@anthonyrobinson6752]

I hope I don't offend anyone, but The black Queen on this video is so beautiful ❤️🌹❤️. I hope that God blesses me with a woman that just as beautiful as the black Queen that I see in this video ❤️❤️🌹🌹.

[@TheGhettoRev]

Wit all due respect i couldnt concentrate on this one that sista too fine sheesh 😍🤗👑😘

[@tonybreez2480]

Mo is not the father of 52 blocks .52 has been out since the early to mid 60s the origin of who the inventor was is unknown till this day

[@TheMartialMaze]

We hear you. Professor Moe is the most known worldwide for the 52 blocks fighting system. At no time has anyone ever said he created the system. In fact in the episode he states that the 52 blocks came from Africa during the time of slavery.. We are aware that Professor Moe is not the creator of the 52 blocks fighting system. However with this being said. The 52 blocks system never had a syllabus until Professor Moe. However this is still up for debate.

[@tonybreez2480]

@@TheMartialMaze lytle burly is world world recognize as the leader n 52 blocks do your research mr. Has been on NBC abc He has done seminars around the world He was just in Is Belgium A couple of weeks ago worldWhen you type in 52 blocks lytle burly will pop up on your search engine.

[@tonybreez2480]

@@TheMartialMaze Also please if someone points out an incorrect statement that you've made just own up to it. Sensei Moe is known for more for his Kung Fu then he's 52 blocks sensei mo is respected well know martial artist i was @ one of his seminars I respect him . His not the father of 52 nor is he the MOST know for his 52 DO YOUR RESEARCH.

[@TheMartialMaze]

@@tonybreez2480 again. We hear you. However in reference to doing research. It was done. Many names come up when one googles 52 blocks. Which is why it’s up for debate. This might be because 52 blocks has many names that are associated with it. You say lytle, others say Moe…. And the great debate continues

[@tonybreez2480]

@@TheMartialMaze I understand stand ? Did u pick mo instead lyte burly ?

[@brotherlogicrmf2199]

52 blocks is a transatlantic slave trade martial arts. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I am now convinced I have heard every bit black owned businesses advertisement scheme. I would like to see the documentation on this 52 blocks coming from Africa and establishing it's base in America.💯

[@tharealisrael1447]

2:28 what's that magazine called

[@TheMartialMaze]

Black belt magazine

[@tharealisrael1447]

@@TheMartialMaze thank you

[@tharealisrael1447]

@Righteous Shadows Dojo did I ask you lil boy

[@tyechifitness33]

Thx MA maze. Great video has anyone seen the new ones at 52 block federation?? Im getting ready to practice now. Salute

[@advancingsecurity]

As far as swords go Dominican and Haitians will carry them machetes in NYC. 😂 Nice video.

[@prestonprestonson2187]

I am a member of 52 bloxs Federation and Professor Mo is a living Legend

[@shaunhunter7474]

How would 52 blocks hold up against someone who know Jujitsu?

[@YABOIKCDASHOOTAH]

Not good it's not an mma useful style from a grappling stand point from a defensive stand point ABSOLUTELY GREAT IN THE STAND UP GAME the actual blocks that's they use help immensely

[@mysteriom1341]

There is no such thing as X martial art vs Y martial art

[@shaunhunter7474]

@@mysteriom1341 Have you ever heard of (SPARRING)??????? If you wondering why I asked you this question . Here go your answer. I'm responding to your comment.

[@TheMartialMaze]

It’s hard to compare both arts because The 52 blocks fighting system is designed for urban base combat offensively and defensively.(from what I’ve seen, and all the other examples you can find online).52 Blocks covers: Fighting more than one attacker, armed and unarmed Combative. I’m not sure what style of jujitsu you’re referring to. So in this case I’m assuming it must be Brazilian jujitsu. Brazilian jujitsu is a completely defensive art (which is why it’s so good for personal self-defense) However it only addresses fighting a one on one attacker. This was one of the downsides when including Brazilian jujitsu in modern army Combatives. No weapons. And no striking. At one point in time BJJ did address these things for the exception of more than one attacker. But from what I’ve seen in the United States like with Judo it is no longer practiced and has devolved into a sport.(so sad) there are some clubs/schools that still teach the old way but they are hard to find I mean extremely hard to find. Now in reference to original question how one would hold up against the other. That would come down to the practitioners from both arts. Depending on the skill level of each individual, and what type of venue. I would say that if it was in a controlled environment with rules Brazilian jujitsu would have the advantage. If it were life or death my money would be on 52 blocks. But again it all really depends on the practitioners……..

[@shaunhunter7474]

@@TheMartialMaze I will strongly disagree with you on that one Sir. I will like to see it tho. 99% of fight end up on the ground. So please asked yourself which fighting style is designed for the ground Jujitsu or 52. That's why I disagree with you Sir but again I would love to see that.

[@sinles15]

Before you invest in a martial art, make sure that you've seen it used practically.

[@leggbuildingdorchester6234]

Lol

[@acevedo128]

This is the hakka. From south Pacific. Same moves . Nothing new under the sun.

[@jerrygraves6531]

Cap

[@52combatconcepts7]

I'm sorry: Did you say that Mo is the father of the 52 Blocks? I mean no offense, but that's bullshit.

[@TheMartialMaze]

I hear you, please elaborate

[@MistyNightProductions]

@@TheMartialMaze 52 blocks is a system thats been around since the slave times it has been called different things such as Virginia scuffle, stato fist, jailhouse rock and so on. it has roots in traditional African martial martial arts but the modern day styles come from guys who were fighters in jail(mother dear, old man sha sha, lord rahmel scott), boxers who added martial arts to elevate their styles(born justus, lyte burly, fleetwood mac), and from street fighting and knowledge( eric tweety, diallo fraizer, big ant) so while sensei mo is a master of 52 he isn't the father of 52.

[@TheMartialMaze]

@@MistyNightProductions we hear you…. Professor Moe is considered the father of the 52 blocks fighting system. This might be because up an til professor Moe there hadn’t been a complete Documented syllabus.

[@MistyNightProductions]

@@TheMartialMaze i still wouldn't call him the father because he didn't create the system. To say that he is the father would assume he created the 52 blocks but he didnt he is still an amazing fighter in the 52 though

[@TheMartialMaze]

@@MistyNightProductions There in lies the actual argument, Or debate. Some have made the argument that there was no organized system (syllabus)until Professor Moe. The term father of: This is likened to James Brown being considered the father of Soul. We know that there was soul music before James Brown. And there were others that were arguably much better. And yet the title still stands. There will always be a debate over who the title of father of 52 blocks belongs to. I guess at this point Professor Moe is the most known.

[@cdatruth2619]

Carolina chaos? is not African martial arts, this an American prison fighting system, the brothers shared knowledge and started putting a system to train

[@jerrygraves6531]

Black Americans created it

[@jerrygraves6531]

But you're right it's not African they try to African everything. But I don't believe in just calling an American prison style because that erases the black Americans who created I don't think whites were adding moves I don't think Mexicans were doing anything in prison it's pretty much just a black American

[@kirkedwards7983]

It's from African

[@TheMartialMaze]

Yes

[@jaren2159]

@@TheMartialMaze were in Africa what tribe?

[@TheMartialMaze]

@@jaren2159 That’s a great question. As a suggestion you might want to reach out to Professor Moe for the answer to your question.

[@jaren2159]

@@TheMartialMaze thanks for responding

[@jerrygraves6531]

No it's not it's from America. Black Americans made it nothing ever comes from Africa black Americans always make new things and people attribute it to africa

[@edancel]

Looks a lot like Kali empty hands.

[@Tony-ky6hh]

Its probably based off of it

[@jdsmooth7419]

The 52 is from Thailand destructions there

[@jerrygraves6531]

😂 foh it's a black American art form. Where is the videos of Thai doing this?

[@techviking2]

Sorry to spoil your history lesson but 52 was first mentioned in '95 by ODB. Mother Dear did some Vogue in prison, but he didn't know 52. Big K knew Bum Rush and Alto, that's it. What you call 52 today came from the Combatives boom in late 80's.

[@markvolt2070]

I´m sorry to say the knife self defense in this video is pure bullshido

[@isaiahkenny3544]

0$U!

[@SpecialK6685]

This is 90٪ straight from Kali.

[@Tony-ky6hh]

Definitely

[@kingdubbs143]

This shot is a complete rip off. I was watching that tig the pants move and that's a move from the Chinese military. The Chinese just punch first then flip you over. So its backwards. They just reversed the move. Whatever works for you. You be the judge.

[@TheEarlgreen]

it is not a african martial arts. that is not accurate history

[@jerrygraves6531]

Exactly black Americans made it and everyone keeps giving credit to africa for everything black Americans make

[@jerrygraves6531]

Black Americans aren't African

[@moorsaracen]

52 is not from Africa, not from no slave ships, very false narrative with all do respect !!!!

[@TheMartialMaze]

We hear you and thank you for commenting, We also think that would be a great conversation to have with Professor Moe

[@righteousshadowsdojopt.3979]

So where is it from,since you obviously know better?

[@jerrygraves6531]

​@@righteousshadowsdojopt.3979it's from America you know that. Black Americans made it stop trying to give credit to africa for everything black Americans make

[@righteousshadowsdojopt.3979]

@@jerrygraves6531 where in America and when?

[@immortalallmind]

NYC in the 80's.​@@righteousshadowsdojopt.3979

[@richardgomez1151]

50% real 50% Bulshit like katas and katas and katas... What about some sparring?

[@richardgomez1151]

@Righteous Shadows Dojo some of it works like the skull and bones 🦴 iv tested it. The flow looks like kata dough

[@emiledixon7758]

Some work, some dont

[@richardgomez1151]

@@emiledixon7758 they can all work but... I'd say there are a handful of legit blocks with the bare knuckles

[@massdisruption3437]

Gomez this was used on the streets and in jail just cause you can’t see it working means is working because you’ll be the one surprised by it.

[@alfrednova4844]

Black belt in TKd under William Kim ...two time northern California champion... and for over 20yrs wasn't ever comfortable with cqc until I started dabbling in 52...

[@YumYumEatemupz]

Show me 52 blocks in africa you cant show me one african tribe doing the blocks i will wait

[@roscoehall4554]

And I see just like our ancestors you still messing up educating that Caucasian how how to kick our ass