52 Blocks: Lyte Burly & Turning Jonathan Majors Into "A True Threat".

What makes the a great action movie? A great Action star. What makes a great Action star? The choreography which brings the action to life!

Meet Master Lyte Burly. A renowned martial arts expert and choreographer specializing in the 52 Blocks martial arts style. With 25 years of dedication to this unique form of self-defense, Master Lyte has become a foremost authority and advocate for 52 Blocks. He has been pivotal in bringing this martial art to mainstream attention and has trained people from all walks of life. His contributions go beyond teaching; he is also an author and runs various platforms offering martial arts education and resources. Recently, Lyte Burly's work extends to the entertainment industry, where he collaborates on n upcoming film project as a martial arts choreographer, working with actor Jonathan Majors.

We sat with Master Lyte Burly, the seasoned martial arts expert, to delve into the intriguing world of 52 Blocks. This martial art, with roots tracing back to New York and influences from the boxing world, is experiencing a revival thanks to its incorporation in upcoming films. Master Lyte recounts his personal journey with 52 Blocks, offering insights into its cultural significance and defensive mastery. The episode highlights an exciting film project, "True Threat," starring Jonathan Majors, where 52 Blocks takes center stage under Master Lyte's guidance.

The conversation uncovers the history of 52 Blocks, a martial art form deeply embedded in African American culture and influenced by the hip-hop and boxing scenes of New York City. Master Lyte Burly discusses the philosophy of defense over offense, emphasizing the natural instinct of self-preservation that 52 Blocks capitalizes on. With Jonathan Majors transforming under his tutelage in "True Threat," the episode emphasizes the art's cinematic representation and broader cultural impact. Master Lyte's passion for and expertise in 52 Blocks are meticulously detailed, making this a must-listen for martial arts enthusiasts and film lovers alike.

Unveiling the Art of 52 Blocks: A Masterclass in Martial Arts Innovation

Key Takeaways:

• Master Lyte Burly and the Origins of 52 Blocks: Learn about the roots and the evolution of this fascinating martial art through the teachings of Master Lyte Burly.

• Defense as a Natural Art Form: Discover the philosophy that positions 52 Blocks as the ultimate expression of natural human defense strategies.

• From Martial Art to Cinema: Understand the journey of 52 Blocks from the streets to the big screen with Jonathan Majors as the perfect fit for showcasing this martial art.

Continue reading or watch the interview via our Youtube channel:

The Roots and Evolution of 52 Blocks

In the intriguing world of martial arts, few styles capture the imagination quite like 52 Blocks. This unique art, steeped in history and cultural significance, owes its resurgence to pioneers like Master Lyte Burly. As we listened to an engaging conversation with him, we delved into the intricacies of this form and its cultural emergence alongside hip hop.

Master Lyte Burly's journey into martial arts unfolded against a backdrop where sports like basketball didn't resonate with him. As he humorously recalls, "When they picked me, when I ended up on your team, they knew they was going to lose." Identifying instead as a fighter, Burly's encounters with the 52 Blocks style were accidental yet transformative. He describes a pivotal moment in Far Rockaway, Queens, witnessing his cousin's artistic street fight technique, capturing the finesse that defines 52 Blocks: "He did a move and moved his hat. The guy looked and then he caught him with a left hook."

The historical tapestry of 52 Blocks is woven with threads from the boxing scene, the influence of hip hop, and the preservation efforts by the 5% Nation. "It's a black American thing, really a New York thing," Lyte Burly asserts. 52 Blocks evolved from boxing when black fighters introduced elusive defensive tactics to the ring, turning what was once seen as brutal into a "sweet science." As Master Burly elaborates, "It became the sweet science because of us."

Defense: The Natural Art of 52 Blocks

At the core of 52 Blocks is its emphasis on defense, presenting a philosophy that elevates self-preservation above all else. Master Lyte Burly elaborates on the natural inclination toward defense, describing it as a universally accessible martial art form: "It's kind of like a Tai chi art. It's the one art that is more natural." Defense, he argues, is intrinsic to human nature, unlike offensive actions such as punching or kicking, which are acquired skills.

Master Burly's assertion that "Self preservation is the biggest thing you need in the fight" reinforces the essence of 52 Blocks, a style distinctly African-American in origin, emphasizing deceptive maneuvers, strategic feints, and graceful dodging techniques. This focus on defense transcends cultural barriers, aligning with innate human instincts and making the art form inclusive to all aspiring martial artists.

Interestingly, the mainstream narrative of competitive sports often overlooks the significance of defensive maneuvers, perpetually yearning for offensive spectacle. Yet, as Burly reflects, "If you was on the line, you would want to know how to duck and move too." It is the artistry and effectiveness of defense that 52 Blocks hopes to bring back into the limelight, offering a refreshing perspective on martial arts pedagogy.

Bridging Martial Arts and Cinema: 52 Blocks on the Big Screen

52 Blocks is poised to leap from the street corners of New York to the silver screen, embodied by the acting prowess of Jonathan Majors. The journey and collaboration between Master Lyte Burly, Larnell Stovall, Ja Crooms and Majors marks a significant transition for 52 Blocks, bringing an authentic representation of this distinctive martial art to a global audience.

Lyte Burly was impressed by Majors, whose athleticism and dedication perfectly matched the art's demands. "Let me tell you, Jonathan Majors is a perfect fit for this," says Burly with enthusiasm. Majors' background and work ethic became crucial in the seamless transition from traditional filming practices to executing complex 52 Blocks techniques on screen. Master Burly proudly notes, "I met him, great man… Already athletic-minded."

From conceptualization to execution, the project captures Burly's essence and lifetime commitments to the discipline. The anticipated film, spearheaded by 87/Eleven Productions and Charlemagne tha God, heralds a pivotal moment for 52 Blocks as it promises to make "defense sexy again." Audiences can expect to witness the unfiltered elegance and functional utility of 52 Blocks in action, marking a new chapter not only for the martial art but also for its portrayal in mass media.

52 Blocks: A Celebration of Martial Arts Legacy and Growth

As we reflect on the riveting conversation with Master Lyte Burly, the narrative of 52 Blocks unfolds as a story of cultural resilience, defensive mastery, and cinematic potential. This martial art, deeply rooted in African-American heritage and nurtured within New York's vibrant urban culture, stands as a testament to the blending of tradition and innovation. Burly's declaration, "This one's gonna be a smash hit," encapsulates a belief in the transformative power of both the martial art and the upcoming film.

By showcasing 52 Blocks and its defensive sophistication, Master Lyte Burly invites a wider audience to engage with a style that emphasizes preservation and strategy over brute force. It redefines our understanding of martial excellence, capturing the imagination through the artistry of evasion and the principle of protection. In collaboration with Jonathan Majors, the portrayal of 52 Blocks on the cinematic stage not only solidifies its legacy but also charts a new trajectory for this unique, elegant, and dynamic form of combat.

We do not know too much about the upcoming Majors project, outside of its production team, key choreography team and additional cast member, WWE starlette Jade Cargil, but we can assure you that as soon as more develops, we will be front and center for you all. Stay tuned.