52 Blocks Schools Listing
There is nothing like learning Afrocentric martial arts from a qualified instructor in person in your local area. Not all of the schools below are affiliated with 52 Blocks Norfolk VA, but this is our directory of schools, clubs, or training spots we recommend. It can be difficult to find a quality place to train, so we wanted to provide a list to help you get started. If there is not one in your area, feel free to reach out to an instructor as many offer online or Zoom classes.
52 Blocks - Norfolk, Virginia
In-person and Online Lessons
52 Blocks Norfolk VA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting Black History, cultural awareness, and Pan-Afrikan unity through the training, discipline, and preservation of 52 Blocks. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, under Professor Rob, we use martial arts education to connect individuals with the history, culture, and fighting traditions of the African American community while building confidence, discipline, self-defense skills, and community.
Classes avaialable for kids and adults! Classes are Sundays 3pm - 4pm, $50/month. Discounts for men, women, & children. Don't let price stop you from training! Call/text/email us!
4208 Bainbridge Blvd
Chesapeake, VA
United States
Book your FREE TRIAL CLASS:
Email:
52BlocksLDA@gmail.com
Call/Text:
757-637-0392
Join the 52 Blocks Federation
Based in Harlem, NYC, but membership is available globally
Professor Mo (Mahaliel Bethea) is a highy respected martial artist, instructor, filmmaker, and one of the leading modern advocates for the preservation and promotion of the 52 Blocks. As President of the 52 Blocks Federation, he has dedicated himself to sharing the knowledge, culture, and fighting principles of this uniquely African American martial art with students around the world.
Professor Mo began his martial arts journey at a young age and developed experience across multiple fighting systems. His training includes 52 Blocks, Karate, Tae Kwon Do, Arnis, Jiu-Jitsu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Krav Maga, and other martial arts disciplines. He is also a former martial arts competitor and champion, bringing decades of fighting, coaching, and practical experience to his teaching.
His connection to 52 Blocks is deeply personal. Professor Mo has shared that he learned the art through his family, including training with his uncle during summers in Brooklyn, New York. His approach to 52 Blocks emphasizes movement, defense, counterattacks, adaptability, timing, and the development of each practitioner's individual fighting ability.
Beyond martial arts, Professor Mo has worked as an actor, stuntman, filmmaker, producer, and professional bodyguard. His diverse background and decades of experience have allowed him to bring 52 Blocks to new audiences through seminars, demonstrations, media appearances, and martial arts events.
Today, Professor Mo continues to teach and promote 52 Blocks internationally while helping preserve its legacy for future generations. Through the 52 Blocks Federation, he works to build a community of practitioners dedicated to training, sharing knowledge, and keeping the art alive.
Join the Federation at:
www.patreon.com/52BlocksFed
52 Blocks - Silver Spring, Maryland (DMV): Uhuru Martial Arts
Professor Mark is a Certified Instructor in 52 Blocks under Professor Mo and the 52 Blocks Federation.
Washington, DC, Silver Spring Maryland/ DMV
Call:
703-220-1757
Website:
www.UhuruMA.com
www.instagram.com/uhurumartialarts/
52 Blocks - Chicago, Illinois: Harakati za Waasi and Chicago Malandros de Mestre Touro
Professor Dr. Kamau Rashid is a Certified 52 Blocks Instructor under Professor Mo and the 52 Blocks Federation. He's also a Capoerista and Instructor in many African and Afro-Diaspora martial arts such as Kalinda, El Juego de Mani, and Cocobalé.
10340 S. Western Ave., Suite 2B (2nd floor)
Chicago, Illinois
United States
and online via Zoom
Phone: (773) 609-4699
www.hzwmartialarts.com
www.chicagomalandros.com
52 Blocks - Mobile, Alabama: Capoeira Beira Mar Mobile
Coach Phil is a Certified Associate under Professor Mo and the 52 Blocks Federation and teaching 52 Blocks and Capoeira in the Mobile, Alabama area.
Phone: 843-481-0773
https://www.selfdefensesession.mystrikingly.com
IG: @selfdefensesession
52 Blocks - Atlanta, Georgia - JA Crooms
In-person workshops & online lessons
Certified 52 Blocks Instructor under Professor Mo and the 52 Blocks Federation. Professor Crooms is the creator of Action Movement Performance (A.M.P.), a training community covering 52 Blocks street boxing/self-defense, Filipino martial arts, Silat, hand-to-hand combat, and fight choreography for film. He has also been involved in the 52 Blocks work surrounding Jonathan Majors' upcoming film project, alongside Professor Lyte Burly and fight choreographer Larnell Stovall.
Connect:
52 Blocks - South Africa: Osondu Thambo
Professor Osondu is the Founder of 52 Blocks Federation South Africa, under the guidance of Professor Mo Bethea, and is dedicated to preserving and promoting 52 Blocks while expanding awareness of Afrikan and African Diaspora martial arts traditions.
Through his corporate safety and wellness programs, Osondu helps organizations and individuals develop confidence, situational awareness, leadership, teamwork, and practical self-defense skills. His approach combines physical training with principles of awareness, discipline, communication, and personal development.
Beyond martial arts instruction, Osondu provides weapons education and demonstrations for film and television, stunt work, and theatrical productions, including the use and presentation of historical and exotic weapons for performance purposes. He also develops cultural combative performances and educational experiences that connect audiences throughout the African Diaspora with African martial arts, history, and cultural traditions.
With three decades of experience and a passion for martial arts, culture, and education, Osondu brings a unique combination of practical skill, international training, and cultural knowledge to every program he delivers.
Connect:
52 Blocks - Dallas, Texas
Brother Coebry Clemons trains the 52 Blocks out of Dallas, Texas. You can link up with him on TikTok @sun_shadow_Combatives
52 Blocks - Queens, New York City
Urban Combatives Instructor Bernard Seaborn teaches the 52 Block in Astoria/Queens in NYC. Brother Seaborn can be reached on Instagram at @bernardseaborn.
52 Blocks - Calera, Alabama (Birmingham)
As a member of the 52 Blocks Federation, Brother Michael Hunt Jr. is also the Founder and Lead Instructor for Kalunga Martial Arts just outside Birmingham, AL in Calera City.
The word Kalunga (or Kalûnga) is a foundational concept in West-Central African Bantu cosmologies, notably among the Kongo, Ambundu, and Chokwe peoples. It signifies the Supreme Creator, the Ocean, Infinity, and the watery threshold or "line" separating the land of the living from the spiritual realm of the Ancestors.
As our ancestors crossed the Atlantic during the Middle Passage and Transatlantic Enslavement, it was often said they were crossing the Kalunga. Many of them viewed their voyage in this light and dreamed of flying back over the Kalunga to return home.
Brother Michael emphasizes self-defense, discipline, and reconnecting us to our ancestral wisdom and cultural identity through the training of 52 Blocks. Brother Michael can be reached at 205-946-8442 or on Instagram @Kalunga.MartialArts
52 Blocks - Los Angeles, California: Professor King
Professor King is a member of the 52 Blocks Federation under Professor Mo and teaches out of Los Angeles, CA and the surrounding areas.
He can be reached via text at: 626-373-6941
52 Blocks - Louisiana: Basil Green
Basil Green teaches and trains in Louisiana. Reach out to us at 52BlocksLDA@gmail.com or 757-637-0392 to get his contact info and city.
52 Blocks - Maryland (DMV): Coach Welton
Coach Welton also teaches and trains in the DMV area. He can be reached at 202-507-1548.
52 Blocks - San Antonio, Texas: Professor Lyte Burly
In-person and online lessons
It goes without saying that the 52 Blocks would not be where it is today without the work of Professor Lyte Burly, a PIONEER in the 52 Blocks.
Lyte Burly is a prolific martial artist, instructor, and dedicated practitioner of 52 Blocks, also known as the Art of Defense. With years of training, research, and hands-on experience, he has become one of the leading voices helping preserve, teach, and share the techniques and culture of this uniquely African American fighting system.
Known for his detailed approach to instruction, Lyte Burly breaks down the defensive movements, blocks, strikes, footwork, body positioning, and fighting concepts of 52 Blocks for both beginners and experienced martial artists. His teaching emphasizes practical application, timing, movement, defense, and the development of individual style.
Through seminars, online instruction, and martial arts training, Lyte Burly has helped introduce 52 Blocks to a new generation of practitioners around the world. His work continues to contribute to the growth and preservation of the art while encouraging students to explore its history, culture, and effectiveness as a system of self-defense.
Train with Lyte Burly and experience the Art of Defense from one of today's dedicated instructors and ambassadors of 52 Blocks.
www.learn-martialarts.com/p/52blocks
Instagram: @lyteburly52
52 Blocks Violent Tactics & Knowledge - Pennsylvania
Ken “Shadow” Goodman is a martial artist, combatives instructor, and the founder of 52 VtK (Violent Tactics Knowledge), a practical combat system rooted in the principles and movement of 52 Blocks.
A Brooklyn native, Goodman developed his fighting skills through more than 25 years within the New York State prison system, where he experienced firsthand the realities of close-quarters combat and survival. His training and experiences became the foundation for his approach to 52 VtK, emphasizing practical defense, adaptability, awareness, timing, and functional fighting skills.
Known as “Shadow,” Goodman teaches a reality-based approach to 52 Blocks that goes beyond sport and competition. His instruction explores defensive movement, striking, positioning, improvised responses, and the practical application of combat principles under pressure.
Through 52 VtK, seminars, workshops, and instructional programs, Goodman continues to share his knowledge with martial artists, self-defense practitioners, and students interested in the history and practical application of 52 Blocks.
Ken “Shadow” Goodman represents an important voice in the modern evolution of 52 Blocks, preserving its combative principles while developing them for today's practitioners.
Connect:
Instagram: @52_VTK
Email: 52taureanconsulting@gmail.com
52 Blocks - Houston, Texas: Kusini KaSunu
Coach Ra is a 52 Blocks Instructor under Professor Lyte Burly and trains out of Houston Texas.
Email: ra.shango@proton.me
Instagram: @52Blockz
52 Blocks - Powder Springs, Georgia (ATL)
Train with Coach ATL, Founder of Man Combatives, Instructor in the 52 Blocks, Civilian Combatives, Alto Shuffle, Firearms Instructor, and 10th Dan Black Belt.
Coach ATL can be reached at:
Call/Text: 678-613-5727
Email: breathe52blocks@gmail.com
52 Blocks - Baltimore, Maryland
Train with Baltimore-based 52 Blocks/Montu Arts practitioner Brother Khem Sa Ra Nefer Atum (Kwame Duku).
He can be reached at:
Instagram: @river_fist
Call/text: 410-303-3731
52 Blocks - Trevose, Pennsylvania (Outside Philly)
Coach John Burly is a student of Professor Lyte Burly and teaches out of Trevose, Pennsylvania just outside of Philadelphia. He can be reached on TikTok @coachjohn_52blocks or via Email: 52BlocksBoxingClub@gmail.com
52 Blocks - Galloway, New Jersey: 52 Blocks Self Defense Academy
Brother Najaal operates the 52 Blocks Self Defense Academy in Galloway, New Jersey just outside of Atlantic City. He can be reached at:
Phone:
609-328-5366 or 609-742-2185
Website: 52blocksselfdefenseacademy.com
52 Blocks - Greenville, North Carolina
One of the best coaches and trainers out there! Learn the art of 52 Blocks Carolina Chaos with Coach Lemont Davis. Lemont Davis is an accomplished fighter, trainer, and author. Coach Davis is the owner of Davis Dynamix and Kickboxing in Greenville, NC. He is the author of 52 Blocks: Caroline Chaos available here on Amazon.
Coach Davis can be reached at: thelmalemont@yahoo.com
52 Blocks - St. Louis, Missouri
Brother Chan trains 52 Blocks our of St. Louis, Missouri as part of Protect Your Peace Academy.
He can be reached on social media at:
TikTok: @BlackieChan85
Instagram: @official_blackiechan
Afrocentric and African Martial Arts Schools
This is a listing of non-52 Blocks school but schools that still teach Afrocentric Martial Arts. Definitely recommend you connect with them if they are in your area! Salute!
Afrikan Martial Arts Institute
4720 Brice Drive
Union City, GA
United States
Phone: (678) 871-6992
https://www.facebook.com/people/Afrikan-Martial-Arts-Institute/
akin.afrikanmartialarts@gmail.com
Os Malandros De Mestre Touro
6429 Imperial Ave
San Diego, CA
United States
AUSTIN WARRIOR ARTS
300 Brushy Creek, Ste 405
Austin, TX
United States
Phone: (512) 945-4241
austinwarriorarts@gmail.com
www.austinwarriorarts.com/
Moyo Kazi, Neo Ngolo & MFSI
Mrithi Mfundishi Khalil Maasi
Newark, NJ
www.instagram.com/khalilmaasi
www.facebook.com/p/Khalil-MaasiMFSI-Esoteric-studies-Martial-Arts-Culture-100057389832840/
Onye N'Chebe Martial Arts
1100 E. Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, PA
United States
Phone: (484) 254-6035
onyenchebema@gmail.com
www.onyenchebema.org
Mshindi Vita Saana
4130 Ridge Ave # 18524 Philadelphia, PA
United States
Phone: (484) 324-2716
https://direct.me/mshindiarts
Pan-Afrikan Grappling and Judo
104 Chowning Dr # 108
DeSoto, TX
United States
Phone: (972) 215-8002
panafrikanjudo@gmail.com
www.panafrikangrappling.com/
Capoeira Angola Center of Mestre João Grande
350 Fort Washington Ave
New York, NY
United States
and online via Zoom
info@joaogrande.org
https://joaogrande.org/
Tamerrian Institute
7701 Harper Ave
Detroit, MI
United States
www.instagram.com/tamerrian/
Dallas Malandros Capoeira Angola São Bento Grande
South Dallas Cultural Center
3400 S. Fitzhugh Ave., Dallas, TX United States
Phone: (972) 415-5103
E-mail: info@dallasmalandros.com
https://www.dallasmalandros.com/
Brother David's Reiki & Yobè Ijakadi Afrikan Martial Arts
Oklahoma City, OK
United States
Message on Instagram
www.instagram.com/bodhisattvabelovedearth/
Afrikan Montu Arts - New Haven, Connecticut: Arasa Montu
Asara Montu aka Afrikan Montu Arts is based in New Haven Connecticut. They can be reached on Instagram at @asara.montu