About
52 Blocks, the only existing martial arts form originating from the United States, originates from Caribbean and Southern US (Gullah island) warrior traditions. Similar to its Brazilian counterpart, Capoeira, the fighting style was initially suppressed during slavery because white slaveowners feared potential rebellions of disenfranchised African-Americans. After Reconstruction, the art form followed the African-American migration Northeast and into the margins of large urban centers. Urban prisons, because of their ethnic breakdown as well as their social code, actually provided a more fertile ground for the art to expand, especially in allowing novices to dedicate themselves to ongoing training intensively. It was within the prison system that 52 evolved, fusing with urban dance and boxing tactics. 52’s predominance in the criminal justice system also reveals why it has been so obscured from the martial arts world and the world at large- in fact, the only aspect of 52 blocks to trickle into the mainstream has been its hip-hop offshoot break-dancing, which enjoys wide global popularity. Ironically, at a time with an exploding influx of incoming prisoners, the only existing US-derived martial art is being inadvertently squelched because of the mass adoption of weaponry, changes in the punitive system and the length of training required. And, the practitioners of 52 blocks, once released, face a wave of barriers to their success, particularly the negative stigma of previous offenses, as well as a struggle to become productive and working members of society. The 52 Blocks Preservation Program can help ex-offenders learn to market themselves as public speakers and instructors to earn a living wage, diverting from falling back into illegal behaviors. More importantly, by providing them with support, information and resources to progress economically, socially and spiritually, we will help them progress as people.
Firstly, The 52 Blocks Preservation Program will compensate practitioners to archive their stories and their fighting techniques, as well coordinate a support circle of ex-offenders to dialogue and share information and perspectives about successful reintegration into society and the economy. On a long-term basis, the will coordinate instructional video productions, showcases, seminars, lectures and documentaries as well as contracting out technical assistance on behalf of practitioners, keeping the art alive and keeping practitioners employed and active. There are also potential income streams in personal training, and choreography for video games and music videos. The program aims to act not merely as an employment agency but as a support system and liason with the community. As such, we will collaborate on an long-term basis, with rehabilitative, mental health and workforce development institutions to provide holistic mental, social and professional guidance and assistance, on issues ranging from fatherhood to financial planning to nutrition.
The preservation and dissemination of 52 Blocks is critical in light of its cultural importance. The last generation of 52 Blocks practitioners are un healthy and are dying at a rapid rate having lived hard lives devoid of medical care and a healthy diet, taking with them the only surviving martial art native to the United States. And, more importantly its potential to steer young men to more positive futures. In supporting this program the benefit will extend beyond these individual men to entire communities, by providing education and cultural enrichment about the practice of 52 blocks.
