Monday, November 23, 2009

Constellation featured on the PACK blog

Daniel Marks and Constellation featured on the PACK blog
Check it out here
http://thepackblog.com/?cat=77

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Question about Brazilian Jujitsu and 52

Mr. Marks,
You are very well versed in your history of African Martial Arts throughout the African Diaspora. What are your thoughts on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Its popularity has exploded along with the rise of MMA. Many view it as a sound base for MMA. But few consider its history with regard to the influence that African Martial Arts has had in Brazil. Most are familiar with the Gracie's story for they are responsible for founding and developing BJJ. However, it is my opinion that BJJ was developed within a culture that was strongly influenced by African traditions. For instance, Brazil was among the first countries to abolish slavery due to a series of intense rebellions. The rebellions were carried out using African fighting styles (ie. "shackle-fighting, as some would call it).
What are your thoughts?
Vince


Greeting Vince,

It’s true that real arts are developed in environments that challenge the human spirit, and the will to survive. Although BJJ is a great sport and the foundation for MMA it’s predecessor Vale Tudo which means Booth fight. Like its Caribbean and Southern cousin Ruff N Tumble (Any thing goes) were fights that included Biting, Gouging, and Head butting.



Now a bit of history, the slaves of Bahia were known for this style of combat, as they were not allowed to own weapons. Since the escaped slaves waged war against the Plantation owner (wielding weapons), yet this did not prevent the need to protect one self. Before the term Capoeira became the popular fighting style, other art forms were being merged (or dieing off) like Batique, and forms of wrestling, the names of these arts have faded to a whisper, yet can be seen in the practice of the current art of Angola. Some of the other Styles of Capoeira were modified to form a structured system now made famous by Mastre Bimba Called Regional, Bimba was best known as a warrior who fought and beat a Japanese Wrestler in a Vale Tudo match.



Capoeira is as big as Soccer in Brazil even the Graices practice the art which gave them the edge in fighting with capoeiristas. It was the modifying of Vale Tudo rules that gave birth to the UFC although the contest boasted No holds barred the rules flavoured the grappler, and most Martial Art systems had forgotten about fighting from the ground. Striking from the ground is not like grappling which is controlling your opponent, locking him up, and making him say uncle or it breaks. The thing to remember here is that Catch Wrestling in the Southern US was just as brutal and predates BJJ. Wrestlers like early Prize Fighters would travel the world with Carnivals or side shows and challenge all comers to try and lick them for money. These tough man contests are your UFC before the blending of Combat sports which help to round out all fighters

giving them the tools to compete at a higher level. So if it were not for the slaves fighting of Vale Tudo, Bjj wouldn’t be the art it is today as they owe their sport to the violence of a slave port where the term any thing goes was the norm.

peace

Friday, November 13, 2009

A Great Question: The Difference between Jailhouse, Stato and 52

Comment by gab'bo
This is great im a filipino living in the philippines(of course) and i couldnt help but notice similarities between 52blocks and the filipino martial art of panuntukan. i hope i could see some friendly sparring between two arts but i suggest the old traditional style) and still i dnt know the difference between jail house rock and 52blocks and stato and comstock, can someone lease enlighten me thank you PEACE....>>>>
gab'bo

D.Marks Response
Peace Bro,
I think that it would be great to spar with Some filipino boxers, seeing that both styles uses slapping to prepare the blocks and counter. As for the difference in style, there really isn't any different just the names that each generation called the fight. However, there are some changes in focus due to environment Between Prison and the Streets. or in JH vs 52. Like the boxing in Prison faded out in the late 70's- so by the mid 80's fights were less common and shank attacks or edge attacks ruled the day in prison. at the same time the prison skills were gaining a new audience on the street. Thus 52 became the pretty boy style with L-Boogie , while a serious fights use the Bo-peep vision (tighter guard). the blend of both styles can be seen in the Butterfly movement that you guys call the bow-tie pattern. they are one in the same. which is why they look so much alike.
Other keys to remember is the Moors influence on Spain, and the connection of Spain to the Caribbean and America's where a lot of our arts live out side of Africa. Music and Culture are shared realities...
Last note on Boxing in the 1890's The US Navy settled in ports in the Philippines and Black Boxers Shared their knowledge of boxing, As Southern US Boxing has some influence from a stick fighting art called Kalinda that was in practice during the late 1800's from New Orleans.
peace

Daniel "mwalimu" Marks

Thursday, November 12, 2009

52Blockstube.com (A 52 Blocks Community Website)

A GIFT TO OUR SUPPORTIVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS AROUND THE WORLD.

RELAX, DE STRESS, DISCUSS

Thank you all and please continue to support
Constellation 52 Blocks Fighting and Fitness
D.Marks, Big K, Giant, P.U.S.H
52Blockstube.com
ENJOY!