52 Blocks in the NY Times

**Dink52** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 2:57pm

The training I did was 3 hours in the morning and 1 and a half to 2 at night
There is an emphasis on footwork,being able to move in all directions while using the blocks and being able to fight off either side of your body.Stance switching is frequently employed
I trained mostly southpaw (my weaker side) so it would be easier to learn it back the right way when I returned if that makes sense.
Focus mitts and fast feet #(elastic shackles) are used in training movement and counter punching off the blocks.Alot of time spent slipping ,ducking,dropping low
Alot of leg strength is needed and trained in various ways also coordination try running thru the shapes while constantly switching stance!

Strengths very deceptive,footwork and blocks set you up nicely for strikes.
Alot of the movement dismissed by many as "hand waving" are fakes to draw the opponent in.You are also made very aware of range and how to stick and move

Weaknesses -you have to keep tightly focused on all types of attack dont just get fixated on hands,this is more application than style

It is one thing seeing it on video,another to see it real and quite a different one again to move in person.

I have 13 years experience in kickboxing/thai boxing and have done some grappling.(if you watch the training vid below i am made to look like a beginning level striker by Lytes movement a testament to 52's strength)

The last Newcastle match I saw was vs Liverpool when we had Barnes upfront as a lone striker!!!

you can see me training at lytes site http://www.lyteburly.com
UK in NYC part one

a short old clip of some blocks is on youtube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAXR1xlKvn0

And you can see a little more of me on the latest Lyte Burly DVD

Feel free to ask any questions

LGD

**DdlR** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 3:12pm

What I find hilarious (and gratifying) is that a few years ago, every 52 Blocks thread on Bullshido was clogged up with dozens of people claiming

1) it didn't exist and
2) if it did, it was crap.

Then, when Lyte Burley and the FWAPE team started releasing videos showing the 52s being practiced by ultra-jacked inner-city hardasses, you could have heard a pin drop on this forum.

**BaronVonDingDong** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 3:13pm

Dink52, thanks for your reply and all the information - that's a really nice site he has there as well. In one of the videos it goes to the ground - are there any ground techniques or is it just improvisation at that point? Also, to reiterate A.M's question - are there any kicks?

Love the style. I would really like to learn some to complement my sport boxing.

Cheers

**Dink52** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 4:14pm

Lyte stresses that some form of ground work should also be learned.Some shapes can be used to create space in a clinch/ground grapple situation or to stop an arm locking round your head.

I missed the kicking question,no I was not taught any kicks though you do sometimes see them used its up to the man what he strikes back with after the blocks.Some are seen in The 52 goes to Cali vid

Take a trip to NYC and you can learn it

**Torakaka** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 4:18pm

Originally Posted by DdlR

What I find hilarious (and gratifying) is that a few years ago, every 52 Blocks thread on Bullshido was clogged up with dozens of people claiming

1) it didn't exist and
2) if it did, it was crap.

Then, when Lyte Burley and the FWAPE team started releasing videos showing the 52s being practiced by ultra-jacked inner-city hardasses, you could have heard a pin drop on this forum.

I dunno, it still looks like crap to me.

**Sley** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 5:06pm

Originally Posted by KidSpatula

I dunno, it still looks like crap to me.

We have not seen any proof of it being used against a fighter in a non complainant way, this guy was just demonstrating it.

This could be the Wing Chun of WMA's!

If it works thought it would be very very cool.

**DdlR** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 5:19pm

There are plenty of 52s sparring vids on YouTube.

**Dink52** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 5:23pm

Originally Posted by Sley

If it works thought it would be very very cool.

It works.It is

**Sley** · Posted On: 6/19/2009 5:26pm

Originally Posted by Dink52

It works.It is

well then it looks awesome. So is it really a true style or just an extension of boxing?

Is it exclusively for bare handed fighting? (I would assume it would still work in MMA)

JP · Posted On: 6/19/2009 5:30pm

Originally Posted by Sley

well then it looks awesome. So is it really a true style or just an extension of boxing?

Is it exclusively for bare handed fighting? (I would assume it would still work in MMA)

You didn't read the article did you?