#Tang Bō

[tama-fighting-artblock]

@albedochewer

Except that he was already the brutal dictator of Nicaragua, and Chung Myung didn't see a problem with that

Little headcanon I have.

[tama-fighting-artblock]

Definitely not projecting, this is definitely not self indulgent trash... Pfff but now seriously. It does make sense for Bō to being a fan of our lord and savior Sun Wukong.

Considering Tang Bō's wealthy background, it's not unreasonable that he has access to a wide variety of texts, so he might have came across the lecture.

Sun Wukong is an agent of chaos (and a sweetheart too), and it wouldn't be hard for him to become fond of the monkey who turned the heavens upside down.

Lastly, as Chung Myung himself put it, Tang Bō is crazy, and "my best friend wants to f**k a monkey" sound very fitting.

[justanie]

Day #6: Blue 🧜🏻‍♀️💙

Not much to say, just Una drawn as a Blue Tang Mermaid in the company of her loyal eel Bō Otomano :3

[everytangbo]

INTRODUCTION 🌸🐍

First things first, special thanks to @everychungmyung for suggesting this blog.

Now, as stated before I'll be posting once a week every panel of Tang Bō. Unfortunately, there's not enough of him, and I'll run out of content very soon.

However, I'm taking this as an opportunity to share my pseudo-experimental fanfic, Tang Bō's diaries, treating each post as an entry I'll be posting in a non-chronological order.

From Tang Bō's perspective, this is a self-indulgent fanfic exploring Tang Bō's carácter as both "the dark saint" and as Chung Myung's best friend.

[thosemonkiekids]

Bo’s Ref Sheet!

Finally drew em an actual up to date ref sheet yayyy :3

Bō/Bow - they/them - Squirrel Monkey

They’re name is actually Bō, which is translated to many things, including Wave or Wavelike, but most misspell it as Bow, which they’ve come to terms with.

They wear what is essentially a color swap of MK’s jacket. They kind of live a parallel life in both aus, but one of the aus they are basically in MK’s place (Swap au), and one has them and MK both simultaneously exist as sort of twins of each other.

Before Bo got their powers, they needed glasses to see, but one of the many pros of becoming a mystic monkey is that now they don’t need glasses to see. That being said, they sometimes still wear those big circle glasses (they look like Tang’s), often for style!

Bo has all the powers that MK has unlocked, and they’ve got the transformations he’s got too, plus some extras that none of the monkeys have shown (but I am choosing to believe they CAN turn into lol), mostly Bo’s favorite animals, or animals that could be of use (small animals, flying animals, etc)

Most of the time, Bow looks like their human form, and that’s how they started, like MK, though Bow is a bit less traumatized (in the Flipside Au), so they aren’t as nervous to show off their monkey side.

Bow is very cheerful and friendly for the most part. They’ve got autism and adhd, but they’re a bit less on the hyperactive side, and more so just really forgetful and their brain tends to short circuit a lot. Bow took the trauma hard in the swap au, being a people-pleaser and taking the responsibility to ‘save the world’ to heart.

While we’re talking about personal stuff, ye, Bow is non-binary :3

They were born afab, and their childhood and teenhood as a trans person was pretty hard. Their adopted family didn’t take that great to lgbtq+ stuff, so they moved out as soon as possible.

In swap au, Pigsy takes them under his wing like he did with MK, deciding to be a better parent figure for them when he saw just how uncomfortable Bow’s family made them.

Flipside Au isn’t too different, just that Bow decides to work for Pigsy’s noodles and is more of a friend than a family member. They like to help MK with noodle deliveries and the two like to tag team it.

This is probably gonna be the most self-inserty oc I’ll make, since this is more of a lmksona. I might make other ocs too (I really wanna make an East dragon oc for sure, maybe a demon like yin, Jin, and the purple one, cause they’re so silly lol)

But for now, this is it :]

[tortugatime]

hi i'm doing more b&o lore but this time it's just a bunch of facts abt them

- donnie has built many lower arm prosthetics to help them do all kinds of things (cook food, clean the lair, fight w/ their bō, commit arson, etc)

- mikey is the medic, which is ironic given her poor health

- april's parents have been missing for 10 years :P

- both raph and mikey are artists! raph specializes in drawing and painting, while mikey sticks with painting. they used to bond over it before…before raph changed

- leo's favourite media ever is galatix - the b&o universe's equivalent of space heroes and jupiter jim. his favourite character is commander galora :]

- splinter has been considered missing for 24 years :P

- whenever leo and raph fight, leo tends to be the one to start sht

- casey used to be a member of the purple dragons. now they just beat the hell out of 'em.

- splinter and donnie have a strained relationship

- april knows a lot abt self defense because of her aunt june, so she has an easier time picking up ninjutsu once splints starts teaching her

- casey and raph r gay with each other

- no one in this au is straight. except for tang shen but she balances out with all her issues

as always please send asks if you are curious about anything

[tamavonpineapple]

Ugh I've been staring at his face for longer than I want to admit. Dammit Tang Bō! You have no right to hurt me like that!

CNGJFJKCIDIAKKFIRIE VJDJSIUFW

[whitcwidow]

The Avenger tower was an eye sore to the blonde, she missed the days of old where layers and buildings were that of a secret and treasure trove when found but she was living in modern times where they literally had big flashing arrows pointing where all the heroes are housed, idjits. Anyhow, she had just left Tony’s workshop bedroom and being a widow she started to phantom down the hallways to note all the exits points, were she could plant a bug, hide a knife or two and place a bō staff just in case it got interesting on one of her visits here. Lingering in one spot near the kitchen, she found a good little hidey hole for a bug to be planted she didn’t trust any of them apart from Natalia though to the cameras and onlookers it looked a lot like a young woman playing on her phone, leaning on a wall and only to grace her eyes up in the direction of the footsteps and amusement flashed in her blue eyes at him. “As I live and breath, the Captain America.” A tang in spoken words at the other blonde, she was going to text Alexei that she had met Captain America as she had her doubts with him fighting it out with the other and it was the only question on her lips. “I don’t see what all the hype is about...” She moved from the wall, slipping her phone into her pocket with a smirk gracing her lips. “Though I don’t see why everyone obsesses over golden labradors either.” 

@shapelysteve​

[writinggeisha]

AH阿 m & f Chinese From the Chinese character 阿 (ā) which has no distinct meaning. It is not normally given as a name, but it can be prefixed to another name to make it a diminutive.

AI (2)爱, 蔼f Chinese From Chinese 爱 (ài) meaning "love, affection", 蔼 (ǎi) meaning "friendly, lush", or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

AN (1)安 m & f Chinese, Vietnamese From Chinese 安 (ān) meaning "peace, quiet" or other characters with a similar pronunciation. As a Vietnamese name, it is derived from Sino-Vietnamese 安 meaning "safe, secure".

BAI白, 百, 柏 m & f Chinese From Chinese 白 (bái) meaning "white, pure", 百 (bǎi) meaning "one hundred, many" or 柏 (bǎi) meaning "cypress tree, cedar" (which is usually only masculine). Other Chinese characters can form this name as well. This name was borne in the 8th century by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai, whose given was 白.

BAO宝, 褒, 苞 f & m Chinese From Chinese 宝 (bǎo) meaning "treasure, jewel, precious, rare", 褒 (bāo) meaning "praise, honour" or 苞 (bāo) meaning "bud" (which is usually only feminine). Other Chinese characters are possible as well.

BO (2)波 m & f Chinese From Chinese 波 (bō) meaning "wave", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

CHANG昌, 畅, 长 m & f Chinese From Chinese 昌 (chāng) meaning "flourish, prosper, good, sunlight" (which is usually only masculine), 畅 (chàng) meaning "smooth, free, unrestrained" or 长 (cháng) meaning "long". Other Chinese characters are also possible.

CHAO超, 潮 m & f Chinese From Chinese 超 (chāo) meaning "surpass, leap over" (which is usually only masculine), 潮 (cháo) meaning "tide, flow, damp", or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

CHEN (1)晨, 辰 m & f Chinese From Chinese 晨 (chén) or 辰 (chén) which both mean "morning". The character 辰 also refers to the fifth Earthly Branch (7 AM to 9 AM) which is itsel f associated with the dragon o f the Chinese zodiac. This name can be formed from other characters as well.

CHENG成, 诚 m & f Chinese From Chinese 成 (chéng) meaning "completed, finished, succeeded" or 诚 (chéng) meaning "sincere, honest, true", as well as other characters which are pronounced similarly.

CHIN金, 锦, 津 m & f Chinese

Variant o f JIN (using Wade-Giles transcription).

CHUN春 f & m Chinese From Chinese 春 (chūn) meaning "spring (the season)" or other characters with a similar pronunciation.

DA达, 大 m & f Chinese From Chinese 达 (dá) meaning "achieve, arrive at, intelligent" (which is usually only masculine), 大 (dà) meaning "big, great, vast, high", or other characters with a similar pronunciation.

DONG东, 栋m Chinese From Chinese 东 (dōng) meaning "east", 栋 (dòng) meaning "pillar, beam", or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

FANG芳, 方 f & m Chinese From Chinese 芳 (fāng) meaning "fragrant, virtuous, beautiful" or other characters with a similar pronunciation.

FEN (1)芬, 奋 f & m Chinese From Chinese 芬 (fēn) meaning "fragrance, aroma, perfume" (which is usually only feminine) or 奋 (fèn) meaning "strive, exert" (usually only masculine). Other Chinese characters are also possible.

FU富, 芙, 甫 m & f Chinese From Chinese 富 (fù) meaning "abundant, rich, wealthy", 芙 (fú) meaning "hibiscus, lotus" or 甫 (fǔ) meaning "begin, man, father", in addition to other characters with a similar pronunciation. A famous bearer was the 8th-century Tang dynasty poet Du Fu, whose given was 甫.

GANG刚, 冈m Chinese From Chinese 刚 (gāng) meaning "hard, rigid, strong", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

GUANTING冠廷 m & f Chinese From Chinese 冠 (guān) meaning "cap, crown, headgear" combined with 廷 (tíng) meaning "court". This name can also be formed from other character combinations.

GUANYU冠宇 m & f Chinese From Chinese 冠 (guān) meaning "cap, crown, headgear" combined with 宇 (yǔ) meaning "house, eaves, universe". Other character combinations are possible.

GUIYING桂英 m & f Chinese From Chinese 桂 (guì) meaning "laurel, cassia, cinnamon" combined with 英 (yīng) meaning "flower, petal, brave, hero". This name can be formed from other character combinations as well.

GUO国 m & f Chinese From Chinese 国 (guó) meaning "country" or other Chinese characters pronounced in a similar way.

HAI海 m & f Chinese From Chinese 海 (hǎi) meaning "sea, ocean" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

HE河, 和, 荷 f & m Chinese From Chinese 河 (hé) meaning "river, stream", 和 (hé) meaning "harmony, peace", or 荷 (hé) meaning "lotus, water lily" (which is usually only feminine). Other characters can form this name as well. A famous bearer was the 15th-century explorer Zheng He.

HENG恒 m & f Chinese From Chinese 恒 (héng) meaning "constant, persistent", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

HONG虹, 红, 弘, 鸿, 宏 m & f Chinese From Chinese 虹 (hóng) meaning "rainbow", 弘 (hóng) meaning "enlarge, expand, great" (which is usually only masculine) or 鸿 (hóng) meaning "wild swan, great, vast" (also usually only masculine). Other characters can also form this name.

HUA华, 花 f & m Chinese From Chinese 华 (huá) meaning "splendid, illustrious, Chinese" or 花 (huā) meaning "flower, blossom" (which is usually only feminine). Other Chinese characters can form this name as well.

HUAN欢 f & m Chinese From Chinese 欢 (huān) meaning "happy, pleased", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

HUANG煌, 凰 m & f Chinese From Chinese 煌 (huáng) meaning "bright, shining, luminous" (which is usually only masculine) or 凰 (huáng) meaning "phoenix" (usually only feminine). Other Chinese characters are also possible.

HUI慧, 辉 f & m Chinese From Chinese 慧 (huì) meaning "intelligent, wise" (which is usually only feminine), 辉 (huī) meaning "brightness", besides other characters which are pronounced similarly.

JIA佳, 家 m & f Chinese From Chinese 佳 (jiā) meaning "good, auspicious, beautiful", 家 (jiā) meaning "home, family", or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

JIAHAO家豪m Chinese From Chinese 家 (jiā) meaning "home, family" combined with 豪 (háo) meaning "brave, heroic, chivalrous". This name can be formed from other character combinations as well.

JIAN建, 健 m & f Chinese From Chinese 建 (jiàn) meaning "build, establish", 健 (jiàn) meaning "strong, healthy", or other characters which are pronounced in a similar fashion.

JIANG江 m & f Chinese From Chinese 江 (jiāng) meaning "river, Yangtze", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

JIANHONG健宏m Chinese From Chinese 健 (jiàn) meaning "build, establish" combined with 宏 (hóng) meaning "wide, spacious, great, vast". This name can also be formed from other character combinations.

JIE杰 m & f Chinese From Chinese 杰 (jié) meaning "heroic, outstanding" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

JIN金, 锦, 津 m & f Chinese From Chinese 金 (jīn) meaning "gold, metal, money", 锦 (jǐn) meaning "tapestry, brocade, embroidered" or 津 (jīn) meaning "ferry". Other Chinese characters can form this name as well.

JING静, 精, 晶, 京 m & f Chinese From Chinese 静 (j��ng) meaning "quiet, still, gentle", 精 (jīng) meaning "essence, spirit", 晶 (jīng) meaning "clear, crystal" or 京 (jīng) meaning "capital city". Other characters can also form this name.

JINGYI静怡 m & f Chinese From Chinese 静 (jìng) meaning "quiet, still, gentle" combined with 怡 (yí) meaning "joy, harmony". Other character combinations are possible as well.

JU菊, 巨 f & m Chinese From Chinese 菊 (jú) meaning "chrysanthemum" (which is usually only feminine) or 巨 (jù) meaning "big, enormous" (usually only masculine), besides other characters which are pronounced similarly.

JUAN (2)娟f Chinese From Chinese 娟 (juān) meaning "beautiful, graceful" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

JUN (1)君, 俊, 军 m & f Chinese, Korean From Chinese 君 (jūn) meaning "king, ruler", 俊 (jùn) meaning "talented, handsome" (which is usually only masculine) or 军 (jūn) meaning "army" (also usually only masculine). This is also a single-character Korean name, often from the hanja 俊 meaning "talented, handsome". This name can be formed by other characters besides those shown here.

KAI (4)凯m Chinese From Chinese 凯 (kǎi) meaning "triumph, victory, music o f triumph", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

KUN坤 f & m Chinese From Chinese 坤 (kūn) meaning "earth, female", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

LAN兰, 岚 f & m Chinese, Vietnamese From Chinese 兰 (lán) meaning "orchid, elegant" (which is usually only feminine) or 岚 (lán) meaning "mountain mist". Other Chinese characters can form this name as well. As a Vietnamese name, it is derived from Sino-Vietnamese 蘭 meaning "orchid".

LEI (2)磊, 蕾 m & f Chinese From Chinese 磊 (lěi) meaning "pile o f stones" (which is typically masculine) or 蕾 (lěi) meaning "bud" (typically feminine). Other characters can also form this name.

LI (1)理, 立, 黎, 力, 丽 f & m Chinese From Chinese 理 (lǐ) meaning "reason, logic", 立 (lì) meaning "stand, establish", 黎 (lí) meaning "black, dawn", 力 (lì) meaning "power, capability, influence" (which is usually only masculine) or 丽 (lì) meaning "beautiful" (usually only feminine). Other Chinese characters are also possible.

LIM林, 琳 m & f Chinese

Hokkien Chinese form o f LIN.

LIN林, 琳 m & f Chinese From Chinese 林 (lín) meaning "forest" or 琳 (lín) meaning "fine jade, gem". Other characters can also form this name.

LING灵, 铃 f & m Chinese From Chinese 灵 (líng) meaning "spirit, soul", 铃 (líng) meaning "bell, chime", or other Chinese characters which are pronounced similarly.

MEI (1)美, 梅f Chinese From Chinese 美 (měi) meaning "beautiful" or 梅 (méi) meaning "Chinese plum" (species Prunus mume), as well as other characters which are pronounced similarly.

MIN敏, 民 m & f Chinese, Korean From 敏 (mǐn) meaning "quick, clever, sharp", 民 (mín) meaning "people, citizens", or other Chinese/Sino-Korean characters which are pronounced similarly.

MING明, 铭 m & f Chinese From Chinese 明 (míng) meaning "bright, light, clear" or 铭 (míng) meaning "inscribe, engrave", as well as other characters which are pronounced similarly.

MU慕, 木 m & f Chinese From Chinese 慕 (mù) meaning "admire, desire", 木 (mù) meaning "tree, wood", or other characters with similar pronunciations.

NA娜f Chinese From Chinese 娜 (nà) meaning "elegant, graceful, delicate" or other characters pronounced similarly.

NING宁 f & m Chinese From Chinese 宁 (níng) meaning "peaceful, calm, serene", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

NUAN暖f Chinese From Chinese 暖 (nuǎn) meaning "warm, genial" or other characters with a similar pronunciation.

PING平 m & f Chinese From Chinese 平 (píng) meaning "level, even, peaceful". Other characters can also form this name.

QIANG强m Chinese From Chinese 强 (qiáng) meaning "strong, powerful, energetic", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

QING青, 清 f & m Chinese From Chinese 青 (qīng) meaning "blue, green, young", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

QIU秋, 丘 m & f Chinese From Chinese 秋 (qiū) meaning "autumn", 丘 (qiū) meaning "hill, mound", or other characters with a similar pronunciation. The given name o f the philosopher Confucius was 丘.

RONG荣, 融, 容 f & m Chinese From Chinese 荣 (róng) meaning "glory, honour, flourish, prosper", 融 (róng) meaning "fuse, harmonize" or 容 (róng) meaning "appearance, form" (which is usually only feminine). Other Chinese characters can form this name as well.

RU儒, 如 m & f Chinese From Chinese 儒 (rú) meaning "scholar", 如 (rú) meaning "like, as, if", or other characters with similar pronunciations.

SHI时, 实, 史, 石 m & f Chinese From Chinese 时 (shí) meaning "time, era, season", 实 (shí) meaning "real, honest", 史 (shǐ) meaning "history" or 石 (shí) meaning "stone". Other characters can form this name as well.

SHU淑f Chinese From Chinese 淑 (shū) meaning "good, pure, virtuous, charming", besides other characters which are pronounced similarly.

SHUFEN淑芬f Chinese From Chinese 淑 (shū) meaning "good, pure, virtuous, charming" combined with 芬 (fēn) meaning "fragrance, aroma, perfume". Other character combinations are possible as well.

SHUI水 m & f Chinese From Chinese 水 (shuǐ) meaning "water", as well as other characters pronounced in a similar way.

SHUN (1)顺 f & m Chinese From Chinese 顺 (shùn) meaning "obey, submit" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

SU (2)素, 肃 f & m Chinese From Chinese 素 (sù) meaning "plain, simple" or 肃 (sù) meaning "respectful", besides other characters pronounced in a similar way.

TAI太 m & f Chinese From Chinese 太 (tài) meaning "very, extreme" or other characters pronounced in a similar way.

TAO涛m Chinese From Chinese 涛 (tāo) meaning "large waves", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

TU图 m & f Chinese From Chinese 图 (tú) meaning "chart, map" or other characters with similar pronunciations.

WEI威, 巍, 伟, 微, 薇 m & f Chinese From Chinese 威 (wēi) meaning "power, pomp", 巍 (wēi) meaning "high, lofty, towering" or 伟 (wěi) meaning "great, robust, extraordinary". As a feminine name it can come from 微 (wēi) meaning "small" or 薇 (wēi) meaning "fern". This name can be formed by other Chinese characters besides those shown here.

WEN文 m & f Chinese From Chinese 文 (wén) meaning "literature, culture, writing", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

WU武, 务 m & f Chinese From Chinese 武 (wǔ) meaning "military, martial" (which is generally only masculine) or 务 (wù) meaning "affairs, business", as well as other characters which are pronounced similarly. This was the name o f several Chinese rulers, including the 2nd-century BC emperor Wu o f Han (name spelled 武) who expanded the empire and made Confucianism the state philosophy.

XIA夏, 霞 m & f Chinese From Chinese 夏 (xià) meaning "summer, great, grand", 霞 (xiá) meaning "rosy clouds", or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

XIANG翔, 祥, 湘, 香 m & f Chinese From Chinese 翔 (xiáng) meaning "soar, glide", 祥 (xiáng) meaning "good luck, good omen", 香 (xiāng) meaning "fragrant" (which is usually only feminine) or 湘 (xiāng), which refers to the Xiang River in southern China. This name can also be formed from other characters.

XINYI欣怡, 心怡 m & f Chinese From Chinese 欣 (xīn) meaning "happy, joyous, delighted" or 心 (xīn) meaning "heart, mind, soul" combined with 怡 (yí) meaning "joy, harmony". This name can also be formed from other character combinations.

XIU秀f Chinese From Chinese 秀 (xiù) meaning "luxuriant, beautiful, elegant, outstanding" or other characters which are pronounced similarly.

XIULAN秀兰f Chinese From Chinese 秀 (xiù) meaning "luxuriant, beautiful, elegant, outstanding" combined with 兰 (lán) meaning "orchid, elegant". This name can be formed o f other character combinations as well.

XIUYING秀英f Chinese From Chinese 秀 (xiù) meaning "luxuriant, beautiful, elegant, outstanding" combined with 英 (yīng) meaning "flower, petal, brave, hero". Other character combinations are possible.

XUE雪, 学 f & m Chinese From Chinese 雪 (xuě) meaning "snow" or 学 (xué) meaning "study, learning, school", besides other characters pronounced similarly.

XUN勋, 迅 m & f Chinese From Chinese 勋 (xūn) meaning "meritorious deed, rank" or 迅 (xùn) meaning "snow", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

YA雅f Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" or other characters with a similar pronunciation.

YAHUI雅惠 f & m Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" combined with 惠 (huì) meaning "favour, benefit". This name can also be formed from other character combinations.

YALING雅玲f Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" combined with 玲 (líng) meaning "tinkling o f jade". This name can be formed o f other character combinations as well.

YAN (2)艳, 岩 f & m Chinese From Chinese 艳 (yàn) meaning "beautiful, gorgeous" (which is usually only feminine) or 岩 (yán) meaning "cliff, rocks", as well as other Chinese characters pronounced in a similar fashion.

YANG洋, 阳 m & f Chinese From Chinese 洋 (yáng) meaning "ocean" or 阳 (yáng) meaning "light, sun, male" (which is typically only masculine), as well as other Chinese characters pronounced similarly.

YATING雅婷 f & m Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" combined with 婷 (tíng) meaning "pretty, graceful". Other character combinations are possible.

YAWEN雅雯f Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" combined with 雯 (wén) meaning "cloud patterns". This name can be formed o f other character combinations as well.

YAZHU雅筑 f & m Chinese From Chinese 雅 (yǎ) meaning "elegant, graceful, refined" combined with 筑 (zhù) meaning "lute, zither, build". Other character combinations are also possible.

YI宜, 毅, 义, 益, 艺, 怡, 仪 f & m Chinese From Chinese 宜 (yí) meaning "suitable, proper", 毅 (yì) meaning "resolute, decisive, firm", 义 (yì) meaning "justice, righteousness", 益 (yì) meaning "profit, benefit", 怡 (yí) meaning "joy, harmony" (which is usually only feminine) or 仪 (yí) meaning "ceremony, rites" (also usually feminine). Other characters can also form this name.

YIJUN怡君 m & f Chinese From Chinese 怡 (yí) meaning "joy, harmony" combined with 君 (jūn) meaning "king, ruler". This name can also be formed from other character combinations.

YIN银, 音, 荫 f & m Chinese From Chinese 银 (yín) meaning "silver, money", 音 (yīn) meaning "sound, tone" or 荫 (yīn) meaning "shade, shelter, protect", as well as other Chinese characters pronounced similarly.

YONG勇, 永 m & f Chinese, Korean From Chinese 勇 (yǒng) meaning "brave" or 永 (yǒng) meaning "perpetual, eternal". This can also be a single-character Korean name, for example from the hanja 勇 meaning "brave". This name can be formed by other characters besides those listed here.

YU玉, 愉, 雨, 宇, 裕 f & m Chinese From Chinese 玉 (yù) meaning "jade, precious stone, gem", 愉 (yú) meaning "pleasant, delightful" or 雨 (yǔ) meaning "rain". Other characters can form this name as well.

YUN云, 允 f & m Chinese From Chinese 云 (yún) meaning "cloud" or 允 (yǔn) meaning "allow, consent", as well as other Chinese characters which are pronounced in a similar way.

ZAN赞 f & m Chinese From Chinese 赞 (zàn) meaning "help, support", as well as other characters with a similar pronunciation.

ZEDONG泽东 m & f Chinese From Chinese 泽 (zé) meaning "moist, grace, brilliance" combined with 东 (dōng) meaning "east", as well as other character combinations. A notable bearer was the founder o f the People's Republic o f China, Mao Zedong (1893-1976).

ZHEN珍, 真, 贞, 震 f & m Chinese From Chinese 珍 (zhēn) meaning "precious, rare", 真 (zhēn) meaning "real, genuine", 贞 (zhēn) meaning "virtuous, chaste, loyal", or other Chinese characters which are pronounced similarly.

ZHENG正, 政 m & f Chinese From Chinese 正 (zhèng) meaning "right, proper, correct" or 政 (zhèng) meaning "government", as well as other hanja characters with a similar pronunciation.

ZHI志, 智 m & f Chinese From Chinese 志 (zhì) meaning "will, purpose, ambition" or 智 (zhì) meaning "wisdom, intellect", as well as other characters which are pronounced similarly.

ZHIHAO志豪, 智豪 m & f Chinese From Chinese 志 (zhì) meaning "will, purpose, ambition" or 智 (zhì) meaning "wisdom, intellect" combined with 豪 (háo) meaning "brave, heroic, chivalrous". Many other character combinations are possible.

ZHONG中, 忠 m & f Chinese From Chinese 中 (zhōng) meaning "middle" or 忠 (zhōng) meaning "loyalty, devotion". Other characters can form this name as well.

ZHOU舟 m & f Chinese From Chinese 舟 (zhōu) meaning "boat, ship", in addition to other characters which are pronounced similarly.

[6-phds-and-no-sense]

Yet more pacific rim and recreation prompts bc your content for it is just as beautiful as the concept: behind the scenes (and camera) for jake + memories of the time when Jäger pilots were celebrities

wow I haven’t written a Jake one yet! a tragedy. The world needs more Jake content for sure. Best character in PRU. I’m not sure how much these scenes are like, actually sitcom-esque versus just being cute, but, here we go! The memories prompt I think will go in its own post.

original pacrim and rec post here / my pacrim and rec tag here

These are all interviews that are from uhhh I guess an episode where all Mako does is follow Jake around and bother him. Yes. Let’s go with that. Featuring Mako, Jake, and a brief appearance from a Wei Tang triplet.

Scenes from JAKE’S DAY OFF

INT. OFFICE WHERE THEY DO THE INTERVIEWS WHICH IS ACTUALLY JUST JAKE’S DORM - MORNING

JAKE is standing in front of the interview chair. Off screen, MAKO is holding the camera. It shakes as she laughs at him. Jake, also trying not to laugh, keeps reaching for the camera.

JAKEMako, give the camera back.

Jake almost grabs the camera, but MAKO yanks the camera back, giving the audience a view of Jake’s desk. Above Jake’s desk is four different posters advertising the Jaeger program, although the one featuring STACKER PENTECOST is in the center. On the desk is a series of action figures and toy models, including but not limited to: one Godzilla, two Gundams, and one Zoid. The camera shakes as Mako and Jake continue to fight over it off screen. Eventually it stabilizes, and Jake is sitting in the chair where Mako has pushed him.

JAKEMako, come on. 

MAKO (Off screen)No! I won. Today, we interview you. 

JAKEI let you win.

MAKOYou did not. 

JAKE… I did not. Alright, fine. Shoot your questions.

MAKOSay your name! You must introduce yourself to your audience.

JAKEUh, okay. I’m Jake.

MAKOYou make us say everything. Say everything.

JAKE(sighs) I’m Jake Pentecost.

MAKOAnd?

JAKEAnd I’m a cadet in the Jaeger program.

MAKOAnd you are nineteen.

JAKE(throws his arms up in the air) Why do they need to know that?

MAKOI feel it is relevant. So, Jake, why did you decide to start this film project?

JAKEWell, uh, it’s like… You know, we’re in the middle of a war, kind of, is it a war if it’s aliens? Everyone calls it a war, so I suppose it must be. Anyway, we’re in the middle of a war, and I figured you know, we should record it. Because like… This is wild stuff! We’re literally in giant robots beating up on monsters. Most days it doesn’t really feel real, but then you go in the bay, and there they are. Giant robots, and it’s just people like us inside ‘em. Normal people. I think people on the outside don’t quite get that.

MAKOIt is a very competitive program.

JAKEYeah, ‘cause it’s cool as hell.

MAKOYes. Hm. (She pauses.) You should tell the audience why you want to be a ranger.

JAKEIt’s not exciting.

MAKOI think it is a good story.

JAKEI mean, uh, my dad is a ranger, obviously. They’re going to know who my dad is, if they’re watching this, so I don’t have to explain this. And he’s… This is embarrassing. I don’t want to talk about this. My dad is cool. Gimme another question.

MAKOI suppose I should not ask who your favorite ranger is.

JAKEMaks!

MAKOFine. What if I follow you today? So they will know about your life too, Cadet Jake Pentecost.

JAKEYeah, ‘cause they’re gonna want to watch me in my engineering classes. Can I have the camera back now?

MAKOThis is true. I do already have footage of your sparring session, which is the most exciting portion of your training.

JAKEYou have what now?

MAKOIt is time for me to go now. If you do not include this in your documentary, I will be sure to acquire and release it.

INT. SPARRING ROOM - DAY

MAKO appears in front of the camera. She adjusts the stand and disappears from the screen. The camera now focuses on JAKE and NATE sparring. Jake is facing away from the camera. Jake lunges at Nate, but Nate knocks him down with his bō.

MAKO (Off camera)Jake seems to have forgotten that he must hit his opponent.

JIN (Off camera)Lambert isn’t even that good.

MAKOHe is distracted, I think, by Cadet Lambert’s pants.

Jake manages to block one hit only to be immediately taken down again.

JINThey do seem unusually tight.

MAKOI wonder if this should be considered sabotage of Jake’s ability or a battle strategy.

JIN… Yeah, so, we’ve only taken down four kaiju, but I don’t think any of them care about what we’re wearing. And actually? I really don’t want them to.

MAKOOh? Are you sure? It is working so effectively for Lambert.

JINMako, please never suggest that we seduce a kaiju again.

MAKOI said nothing of the sort-

Jake hits the floor yet again.

MAKOOh. That one looked bad.

JINDoes he know you’re recording this?

MAKOIt is for his education. And posterity.

INT. CADET DORMITORY COMMON ROOM - NIGHTJAKE is sitting on a beat up couch, watching Dragon Ball Z. He is eating Doritos and facing away from the camera. The camera shakes as Mako approaches him from behind.

MAKO (Off screen)(whispering) Here, we encounter Cadet Jake Pentecost after a difficult day of training. He lost all of his sparring matches to Cadet Lambert, which is very embarrassing, as Cadet Lambert is-

Jake hears her behind him and spins around.

JAKEWhat the hell- Maks, I’m in my robe. I’m not even wearing proper clothes.

He stands up. He is, in fact, wearing a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles robe over pajamas. 

MAKOIt is for your documentary. You said you wanted to document what our lives are like-

JAKE(shouting) Not while I’m in my robe!

MAKO-and it is very important that they see us as, what did you say? Regular people? Unless you think it is not a regular thing to be wearing a children’s robe at nineteen.

JAKEMaks, lots of people- There was like, an adult version! Where they were 3D! It’s not. It wasn’t good, but I feel like it’s a bit reductive to- Anyway, give me the camera, I’m deleting this.

MAKOJake, that is not behavior appropriate for a documentarian. You may delete it if you catch me.

Mako takes off running, the camera shaking as she runs. She is wearing combat boots which are neatly maintained.

JAKE(shouting) Maks!

Jake can be heard shouting in the background as the camera shuts off.

[yzafre]

eyyyyy, I went on wikipedia binge vaguely in this direction for my OCs a couple months ago, let's see if I can recycle the research/thoughts.

I'm staying inside the Japanese weapons portion of Wikipedia for this (though also including the Okinawan page - that's actually where the bō, nunchaku, and sai are listed!) - fitting the theme of ninja + what Splinter's more likely to have on hand. I thought about extending to the Chinese weapons, given Tang Shen's heritage - then I remembered she was explicitly against being part of the ninja clan in 2012, so.

Let's start with Leo and the Nakamaki. Still a sword - it's hard to separate the idea of Leo from swords! But you can do some fun symbolism with it.

According to wikipedia, there's a theorized weapon evolution that goes Ōdachi > nakamaki no tachi > nagamaki. Basically, the thought is that the Odachi blade was sometimes too long to use properly, so they would wrap cord above the sword guard, and grip the sword there; eventually that evolved into just lengthening the hilt.

Not to re-use a metaphor I applied to an OC, but... it's a really great metaphor for biting off more than you can chew, isn't it? Wouldn't that be a great bit of symbolism for Leo - wanting to be the Leader, before he really understands what that is? Like yes, he's the responsible one... but also its very clear he wants to see himself as a cool hero (hello, Captain Ryan), and what's cooler than a big fuck-off sword? That he.... then struggles to wield, and has to modify.

And! You have two good directions for further changes! Either taking the cord off to go back to the Ōdachi to represent him coming into his own, OR have him replace the handle to move towards the Nagamaki, representing him accepting his limitations and his need for help.

Another direction - sooo okay. Brief diversion to '03 - Leo brings up Bushido there, which is a samurai thing, not a ninja. And, thought we often associate the katana with samurai, from my very amateur reading it seems like pole-arms would have been a lot more common? So giving the naginata to Leo, rather than Donnie, could be interesting.

Next, uhh... this is less thinking about the characters, and more my child-hood "archers are cool!" thing coming out, but... would love for one of them to use the bow/yumi/whatever. A) because it's cool, B) because it would be very different! A true ranged user on the team, one that could lean into the stealth aspect, almost doing sniper things...

It wouldn't happen in the actual show, I don't think, because, well - action show. BUT! If it did, I think it would be either Leo or Donnie?

It would be a very weird choice for Leo, in some ways - a weapon for the Leader that requires him to stay back? But he's kinda all about the focus and precision, which I think would translate over. It also would be interesting thematically, for him to have a weapon that forces him to not be in the front lines.

In theory, staying up high and back to aim would also allow him to see the whole battlefield, to then call out directions to his team - pushing him to act more as a tactical/strategic lead than an Action Hero lead.

With Donnie, it mostly comes down to the math brain - all the angles and calculations and stuff. Considering when Metalhead was made under the reasoning of having something else fight for you, while you stayed safe, I don't think he'd be opposed to a weapon that let him hang back.

Speaking of Donnie - did you know the hanbō/half-staff is listed as only being a few inches different in length from the japanese blow-gun? I could see Donnie attempting to make a franken-weapon - and experimenting with different poisons/chemical weapons with the darts.

This is very silly - but if he's staying with a spear, the pictures of the bisentō look really hecking cool.

Moving on to the warm-colored turtles.

I think Raph would enjoy playing into the image of a kanabō, but I'm not sure that's the best idea, long-term. Like I think he'd want to - and I even think he'd be skilled with it! But... I don't know.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I actually think it would be interesting to see him with a chain/rope weapon (kusarigama, kusari-fundo, kyoketsu-shoge, ect). I mean, he'd hate learning it, I'm pretty sure. It seems like they'd have a steep learning curve. And I do not see him choosing it for himself. But!

So, like... I've seen a lot of fan works pointing out the "controlled chaos" connection with Mikey - having to master the momentum, let it flow with him. And... I actually think you could translate that over for symbolism/metaphor's with Raph's anger issues?

Like... the anger is going to happen (you have to have the momentum for the weapon to work) - how do you go along with it, control it, to have a productive outcome and not have it interfere with your team mates or snap back and hurt you (how do you ride the waves of anger, so you don't self-destruct)?

A weapon I find interesting for either Raph or Mikey would be the suntestsu/yawara type - pressure-point strikers, basically. Raph likes to get up-close and personal, Mikey likes to dance around his opponents, both would lend well to that type of damage - and it would require both of them to work on focus.

I saw someone said give Mikey a Battleaxe and... yeah, I can see it. The imagery is great, I think he'd figure out how to master that momentum. Though I do wonder if having to cart it around would hamper his agility/acrobatics? (his brother's might appreciate it slowing him down, lol)

It made me quickly think of Amy Rose from Sonic, actually - and that's an affectionate, excited reference. Big hammer (the ōtsuchi, maybe?), not a Battle Axe - but if he could figure out how to break physics to do that hammer-launched jump she does? Not realistic at all, but it would fit his image well!

Also! We see them all using throwing stars in the show - but I think Mikey could really master thrown weapons? Part of this comes from the episode with the water balloons (and Leo's where were you hiding those??? lmao) - but also... I can just picture him bouncing all around the scenery, flinging weapons from every angles, doing trick shots. I can also see it driving Donnie crazy - he can do the trick shots, but has to think about it, run all the calculations, it takes time to set up - but Mikey can just do them on instinct.

((Also: slightly off-topic, but did you know there's a sword-and shield combo called the Tinbe-Rochin - with one of the common materials for the shield being listed as turtle shell? A bit morbid for the boys, but could be a very interesting choice for a villain.))

Uhhh... realizing I might be a bit off on the question - you might have meant what they'd choose to switch to (in character perspective) and not what would be interesting for them (meta perspective). But. Hopefully that will help somehow?

I have a Thought/question I want some opinions on. I have some of my own ideas, but if any of the turtles (particularly the 2012 versions) were to switch or learn to use a different weapon what would that weapon be? This doesn’t have to be limited to weapons we’ve seen used in tmnt before, go nuts.

[tama-fighting-artblock]

(Silly TangChung sketches cause I'm not in the mood since arcane act 2... So yeah.)

Tang Bō continue to be Sun Wukong's number 1 fan and Chung Myung is his victim.

[yasbxxgie]

The Legend of the 52 Blocks

I don’t know how I first heard about the 52 Blocks. Like much of New York City’s urban mythology—such as the Decepticons gang, the tunnels under Alphabet City, or the albino alligators and alligator-sized rats in the sewers—the legendary hand-to-hand combat style seemed to always hover just outside my conscious knowledge, a whisper from an unclear direction.

Certainly, though, I heard references to the 52 scattered in lyrics by rappers such as Nas protégé Nature and Wu Tang affiliate Killa Sin. The Wu-Tang Clan, in particular, seems to have an affinity for the 52. GZA, Ghostface Killah, Method Man, and various Killa Bee affiliates have all rhymed about the 52. The most memorable lyric about the 52 is probably Meth’s line from his and Redman’s “1,2,1,2”: “52 cops/ Can’t withstand the 52 Blocks/ Unless they bust like 52 shots.”

While working as a night security guard in Manhattan several years ago, I got into a conversation with a guy on the maintenance crew. The man bragged about the various fighting styles he’d studied in his lifetime, swinging his mop handle like a Japanese bō. Considering that he had spent his youth in a reform school in the Rockaways in the ‘70s, and was ostensibly an expert in various fighting forms, I asked him if he knew anything about the 52 Blocks.

“52 Blocks?” he sneered. “That’s ghetto shit. It’s nothing.”

A few minutes later, a buddy of mine who was also on the maintenance crew came upstairs. He was less of a martial arts aficionado, but was a tough guy and had spent some time locked upstate in the ‘90s, so I asked him the same question.

“Yeah.” he said. A smile spread across his face. “Yeah.” He quickly directed me to bring up YouTube on the security computer and search for round five of Judah vs. Mayweather. He knew the exact round of the fight off the top of his head. Chapter and verse. We watched the clip in silence. Mayweather dominates for the first couple minutes, landing several punches, and driving Zab Judah into the corner. Then, a switch flips, and Judah steps forward into the center of the ring. He pulls his elbows in tight, and his arms pivot back and forth across his face like a butterfly flapping its wings.

“You tell me what this is,” an announcer says in disbelief. Mayweather steps backwards—his infamous cockiness drained away—and Judah lands a righteous combination. So this was the 52 Blocks. It was something after all. And it was beautiful.

+++

Even the name of 52 Blocks is shrouded in mystery. Some say it describes a catalogue of individual moves with fanciful names like the “skull and crossbones.” Others dismiss this, and say that the name is a metaphor for a general style, coming from the game of “52 pickup,” where cards are allowed to fall where they may. Still others say that that the “block” in question is a specific cellblock. Indeed, an alternate name for the 52 is “the Comstock Shuffle,” a reference to The Great Meadow Correctional Facility in Comstock, New York.

Whether it’s 52 Blocks or Comstock, the term refers to a purported codified New York prison system-specific style of Jail House Boxing, aka Jail House Rock. This is held in contrast to related styles in other prison systems, like New Jersey and Pennsylvania, which are rumored to vary, be less codified, and go by different names. The moves themselves supposedly reflect the prison environment. The idea is that the tight stances, lack of far-ranging movement, and emphasis on survival and defense were designed to function in in the confines of a prison cell than a ring. Rumors abound online about a predatory gay 52 Blocks prison master named Mother Dear—and the authoritative Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia even implies that he originated the style himself at Rikers. There is no record of this man’s actual identity.

The first reference in print to this type of fighting style apparently came in a 1974 issue of Black Belt magazine, in a feature on prison karate. Most of the article focuses on the clandestine practice of traditional karate in prisons in New York State and elsewhere, but the conclusion focuses on the more interesting “In House Arts.” Black Belt treats the prison fighting styles as “impromptu” variations on hand-to-hand combat styles used by incarcerated military veterans, and refers to them by facility-specific names, such as “Coxsackie variation” and “Comstock style.”

Amazingly, the afroed-man photographed demonstrating the Comstock style is Miguel Piñero, the famous poet and playwright of the Nuyorican arts movement. Black Belt could not have found a more appropriate model. In his, “A Lower East Side Poem,” Piñero describes himself as, “a street fighting man.” He goes on to explain that he is, “a dweller of prison time/ a cancer of Rockefeller's ghettocide/ this concrete tomb is my home/ to belong to survive you gotta be strong.”

The first direct journalistic reference to 52 Blocks does not seem to have come until the late date of 1999, though, in Douglas Century’s Street Kingdom: Five Years Inside the Franklin Avenue Posse, an immersive account of a Crown Heights gang in the early ‘90s. Century followed up two years later with an eye-opening article about the 52 Blocks in the recently-shuttered fashion magazine, Details. In his book, Century describes “fifty-two hand-blocks” as “a style of hand-to-hand combat developed in the New York State Penal system and widely practiced amongst gang members on the streets of Brooklyn in the ‘70s and ‘80s.” This is as good a definition as any (though some folks from the Bronx or Harlem might object to the geographic specificity). In the Details article, Century quotes Dennis Newsome, a well-known Capoeira master and martial arts scholar, providing his own definition of the 52 Blocks: “Basically it’s an artistic butt-whuppin’ … It’s just part of Black aesthetics.” Newsome goes on to argue that the racially-segregated nature of prison meant that only African American inmates learned the style.

Lore has it that the 52 Blocks worked its way down from the prisons to the streets in the ‘70s. This is plausible; street style has always reflected prison culture, and moves that would work in the confines of prisons would work just as well in the confines of the similarly-designed housing projects which had come to dominate New York City’s ghettos in the era of urban renewal. Because any effective fighting style would essentially be contraband, an illicit weapon smuggled in and out of prison, it would have had to remain underground. Whether it referred to legend or fact, the name 52 Blocks was restricted to argot. This secrecy is part of what makes it so difficult to trace or verify much of this history.

Through a shared association with the prison system, the 52 Blocks came to be connected in many people’s minds with the self-mythologizing Nation of Gods and Earths, more commonly known as the Five Percenters. The history of the Five Percenters is too complex to get into here, but it is a fascinating movement which was founded by a former Nation of Islam minister named Clarence 13X, aka Father Allah, in Harlem in the ‘60s. The Five Percenters’ unique approach to language has had a profound impact on Hip Hop, and modern American slang.

The Five Percenter lessons—themselves an enumerated code of arcane knowledge often learned in prison—could be seen as a mental parallel to the 52 Blocks, just as many Eastern practices have both a spiritual and physical aspect. In his book, Tao of 52, self-declared expert Diallo Frazier writes: “52 was called God Blocks because in the science of Supreme math, the number 7 is the number of GOD. When you add 5 and 2 you get 7 …” Narratives of receiving esoteric transmission of religious and martial instruction behind bars have a strong appeal for many people have been incarcerated, as they allow the years spent in prison to be viewed as time spent gaining knowledge, rather than simply wasted.

+++

In the early 1970s, perceptions of Asian martial arts began to influence New York street culture through the popular imported Kung Fu movies. Aficionados had long traveled to movie theatres on Canal Street in Chinatown, but the explosion of martial arts film screenings in midtown meant that a wider, non-Asian audience was exposed to the genre. A 1974 article in the film journal Cineaste proclaimed:

In a little more than two years, kung fu (also known as Chinese boxing), the centuries-old Chinese martial art, has caught the fancy of the American public and literally become the ‘fist of fury.’

As the 2013 documentary The Black Kungfu Experience depicts, some African American fans of Kung Fu movies were inspired to actually train in Chinese and Japanese martial arts. Ron Van Clief, a Brooklyn native, became a martial arts champion after surviving a lynching down south in the early ‘60s, and serving in combat as a Marine in the Vietnam War. He was given the name “The Black Dragon” by none other than Bruce Lee, and eventually moved to Hong Kong to star in a plethora of Kung Fu movies. These movies, in turn, inspired a whole new generation of African American martial arts practitioners.

Van Clief was the fight choreographer for the 1985 Berry Gordy-produced film, The Last Dragon. The Last Dragon, which features a showdown between two black martial arts experts in Harlem, represented the confluence of Kung Fu cinema and New York street culture. Jim Jarmusch would build on the trope fifteen years later, in Ghost Dog, a movie scored by Wu Tang’s leader, RZA. Considering that The Wu-Tang Clan’s imagery draws so heavily from both Five Percenters and Kung Fu movies, it’s no surprise that their lyrics contain so many 52 Blocks references.

The influence of film does not mean that the ‘70s martial arts trend was solely about play acting; street gangs like the Black Spades, the Nomads, and the Ghetto Brothers were actively engaging in hand-to-hand combat. Examples of this can be found in the excellent recent documentary, Rubble Kings, which chronicles the events leading up to the 1971 Hoe Avenue gang truce in the South Bronx. The film features an influential figure named “Karate Charlie” Suarez. Suarez—a Marine-turned-gang leader-turned-activist-turned-martial arts instructor—literally made a name for himself as a karate practitioner, and inspired a myriad of imitators.

+++

Many 52 Blocks proponents argue that the true inspiration for the form does not come from Asia, but from Africa. 52 Blocks scholar Daniel Marks, who first learned of the form from street savvy recruits while in the Army, refers in a brief monograph to the southern African American fighting style of “Knocking and Kicking.” Frazier similarly connects Jail House Rock back to a “Virginia Scufflin” boxing style practiced by slaves in the 1800s. The existence of enslaved bare knuckle boxers—like the famous Tom Molineaux—who were forced to fight for their masters’ entertainment, is documented in other sources, including the foundational early-1800s prize fighting account, Boxiana. Marks and Frazier both connect Southern African American fighting styles back to African martial arts, such as Hausa Boxing (also known as Dambe) in Nigeria.

Within the martial arts community, there are many detractors who question if the 52 Blocks even exists at all, let alone possesses a history stretching back centuries. Considering that martial arts is a field filled with both Orientalist frauds and blustering bravado, and that there is so little hard evidence on the history of the 52 Blocks, some measure of skepticism is certainly warranted. That being said, much of the derision for the 52 Blocks goes well beyond careful critical appraisal. A typical attack is articulated by the right-wing writer Phil Elmore:

the system simply doesn’t exist […] we are asked to believe that a people sold into slavery and shipped across the ocean to serve as slaves in the United States somehow managed to transmit the coherent body of a complex, technically diverse martial arts system to their children, their children’s children, and their children for generations, all under the watchful eye of slave owners who would not be eager to have their property learning to fight.

Elmore’s essentially racist argument not only dismisses the 52, but the very idea that African American culture builds on traditions brought over from Africa. Apparently the man has never heard of blues music, or any other African Diaspora art form. And if he doesn’t believe that martial organization could happen under “the watchful eye of slave owners,” then someone should tell him about Nat Turner.

+++

The crack epidemic of the late ‘80s and early ‘90s brought an unprecedented level of violence to the streets of America’s cities. During this era, hand-to-hand street fighting gave way to gun violence. Those who posit that the 52 Blocks was a tradition passed down through generations point to this disruptive historical moment as the end of the form’s practical use and transmission. In the song “Cold World,” GZA raps about the inefficacy of the 52 Blocks in a burgeoning gun culture: “But with iron on the sides, thugs took no excuses/ Therefore, your fifty-two hand blocks was useless.”

As the 52 Blocks became a relic of the past—historical or mythic—some people began to preserve and honor it as part of African American heritage and culture. Constellation 52 Global, a group which includes Marks and Kawaun Adon Akhenoten7 (aka “Big K” of Street Kingdom fame), works to document and perpetuate the tradition. Marks writes that he values the 52 Blocks, “as a testament of our struggle as Black people in the Diaspora fighting for equality.”

The idea of the 52 Blocks has also gradually taken more of a presence in sports, entertainment, and popular culture. Some boxing fans speculate that in addition to Zab Judah, other boxers like Mike Tyson may have incorporated elements of the 52 into their fighting styles. This theory is rooted in the fact that Tyson received much of his fighting education in the streets of Brooklyn and in a New York State juvenile detention facility. After hearing tell of the form’s fabled efficacy, some martial arts students are seeking to learn the 52 Blocks in more formal settings. This phenomenon was mentioned in a 2009 New York Times article which, in addition to Marks and Akhenoten7, focused on Lyte Burly, a trainer who teaches a version of the 52 Blocks as a business. The Times article also discussed a meeting between Marks and UFC Champion Rashad Evans, and Evans’ interest in 52 Blocks techniques.

The 52 Blocks is finding its place on the screen as well, just as Kung Fu once did. Because of its speed and flash, the 52 Blocks is made for the medium. Indeed, many people now receive their first glimpse of the 52 in YouTube videos, just as I did. Strangely, the first mainstream use of 52 Blocks-style moves was by Mel Gibson in the 1987 film Lethal Weapon. The Australian learned his moves from Dennis Newsome. More recently, the 52 Blocks mythology plays a prominent role in the BET series Gun Hill. Larenz Tate’s character, Bird, is an ex-convict posing as a law enforcement officer, so his knowledge of the 52 is somewhat logical to the plot. Though Tate’s fighting technique—coordinated by Diallo Frazier—may very well be flash designed for TV, rather than an authentic reflection of a prison and street fighting tradition, its central use in the narrative demonstrates the continuing popular appeal of the legend of the 52 Blocks, two decades after the Wu-Tang era.

Despite the lights and cameras, the 52 Blocks remains, in its essence, an art form of bare hands, operating behind concrete and steel. Not too long ago, my girlfriend’s work took her to Harlem early in the morning, just after dawn. Passing through Marcus Garvey Park, she saw a lone man in his fifties—with the weathered look of an ex-con—training inside the playground jungle gym, down the hill from the old fire tower. His half-century-old arms flashed in front of his face, cutting through the morning air.

“Was that 52 Blocks?” she asked me when she got home. “It was like nothing else I’ve ever seen.”

[everytangbo]

DRAFT- Five moment they almost realized they're in love. [1/5]

(yes, I'm reusing this one, cause I made it for this moment)

As annoying as it was, it comes with a deep yearning for something beyond his reach, as he's been waiting for the day it could happen again.

And so, it was long since the details leading up to the event had faded from his memory.

That day he was beyond upset, mad even; not everyone knows that, but Chung Myung always had the bad temper of a moody teenager. He wore rage as much as his uniform. So, no, he cannot remember every trifle that has pissed him off throughout his life.

However, some yobbo said something that stirred something within him, something that shouldn't have hurt the way it did. It felt heavy, gross, like gurgling mud inside his guts.

And, after settling things up, he couldn't handle being around a bunch of meddler, so he just runned for a quiet place to rest. Of just a better place to be in.

Although it happened far from Chengdu, it was still closer than Weinan. Sulking alone in Tang Bō's room was just the most logical conclusion.

He invited himself in, as usual, and went straight to his room. Unsure how long he sat there on the frame of his window. Drinking the first beverage he found in his room; that lavish bastard

That spoiled brat. He even got into the habit of labeling apart the toxic bottles, not that he saw any risk in it, let alone anyone else taking them by themselves.

“I'm sorry I kept you waiting.” Tang Bo disrupted the silence. He had the decency to look embarrassed for keeping his unexpected visitor waiting. "I felt you arrived an hour ago, I was wondering how long it would take you to vandalize my work.

Chung Myung chucked and gave a grin. "How so? you already darn good at self-sabotage"

Tang Bō rolled his eyes.

"I wanted to come. But there was an... Inconvenience... And I mean the elders." Tang Bo brushed off, closing the door behind him. Chung Myung took a jug, looking out the window with little interest . "Is something the matter?"

Chung Myung shrugged. "Eh—"

He took another jug.

Now, here's a thing Chung Myung refuses to understand: One of them was actually good at shoveling their feelings inside a locked chest, swallowing the key, and throwing it down the highest cannon. But it wasn't him.

Chung Myung thought he was good at hiding it; but no, he was good at hiding, not at hiding it.

Instead, Chung Myung failed to understand how Tang Bo could simply crack his skull open to scavenge every corner of his mind. Clung his fingers around his brain and knead it, skin him and slice him open. Tang Bo never struggled to embrace him as the ugly sack of flesh and bones he was.

What he did then, was what Chung Myung was expecting. Because Tang Bō was so emotional, he had to walk near him, do something so everly sentimental like placing a hand on his shoulder. Chung Myung saw it coming, he'll do something to cheer him up and Chung Myung will be falling for it. Like an idiot.

There it was: a hand on his shoulder, a squeeze, and smile, Bō's dimple showed on his left cheek —the way it always showed when he was looking at Chung Myung, he wondered if people were even aware of its existence—.

Bō sat in front of him. So close. Too close, Chung Myung noticed. With his knee pressing a spot inside his legs. Ah, he didn't see that coming. Chung Myung could only watched enthralled, as Bō took the bottle from his hands and leaned forward, so inviting.

Chung Myung saw nothing but his pair of pleading puppy eyes. He couldn't help but lean forward too, mirroring his movements, waiting for something to happen. If only Chung Myung could see his own eyes to see the way he looked at Bō.

Once more, Bō caught him off guard, closing the distance and pressing their foreheads together.

Chung Myung was rarely shaken by anything.

But it never crossed his mind that kind of touch was possible. That people could sit that way, that close, touch like that. It had him wonder if what they were sharing had ever been shared by anyone else. If that kind of closeness was even right. That maybe he was experiencing something that was meant to be forbidden, a new form of transgression.

Not that he cared.

It surely felt like something bound to be secret, just for the two of them. Something that no one else was allowed to witness nor know about, that couldn't —shouldn't— happen outside those walls.

It was only theirs to share.

His breath was still caught in short gasp, he didn't mind losing air if it meant that he could get to preserve that moment a little longer. So he stayed perfectly still, and left it all to him.

Then, there was a hush, a short sentence, something he wish he could remember instead of the shiver it sent down his spine. So soft, so kind, he could hear a smile in his voice.

Chung Myung mumble as well, agreeing with whatever Bō said and stayed like that. Whether it was a minute or an eternity. Until whatever he was troubled about seemed trivial, and he realized it was, so let the turmoil fade.

[lang-boy]

2018年7月13日

西奈半岛 - xī nài bàn dǎo - the Sinai Peninsula

西岸地区 - xī àn dì qū - the West Bank

戴维本古��安 - dài wéi běn gǔ lǐ ān - David Ben-Gurion

犹太复国主义 - yóu tài fù guó zhǔ yì - Zionism

集结 - jí jié - to amass, gather together

巴勒斯坦托管地 - bā lè sī tǎn tuō guǎn dì - Mandatory Palestine

特拉维夫 - tè lā wéi fū - Tel Aviv

耶路撒冷 - yē lù sā lěng - Jerusalem

白宫 - bái gōng - the White House

唯恐天下不乱 - wéi kǒng tiān xiā bù luàn - just want to see the world burn

推波助澜 - tuī bō zhù lán - to add fuel to the fire

投机份子 - tóu jī fèn zi - opportunist

阴谋 - yīn móu - conspiracy

夺权 - duó quán - to seize power

同伙 - tóng hǔo - accomplice

江青 - jiāng qīng - Jiang Qing, Mao Zedong’s fourth wife

林彪 - lín biāo - Lin Biao, Chinese army leader at the time of the Cultural Revolution

修正主义 - xiū zhèng zhǔ yì - revisionism

恶果 - è guǒ - evil consequences

欲罢不能 - yù bà bù néng - want to stop but unable to

李渊 - lǐ yuān - Li Yuan, personal name of the first Tang emperor

唐高祖 - táng gāo zǔ - Tang Gaozu, reign name of the first Tang emperor

国祚 - guó zuò - the longevity of the dynasty

红海 - hóng hǎi - the Red Sea

地中海 - dì zhōng hǎi - the Mediterranean Sea

坐落 - zuò luò - to be situated

主权国家 - zhǔ quán guó jiā - sovereign country

公约 - gōng yuē - international agreement

死海 - sǐ hǎi - the Dead Sea

X以西 - X yǐ xī - to the west of X

巴勒斯坦 - bā lè sī tǎn - Palestine

豁出去 - huō chu qu - to go all out, to go for broke

陡然 - dǒu rán - unexpectedly, suddenly

怨气 - yuàn qì - resentment

笑容 - xiào róng - smile

宁愿 - nìng yuàn - would rather

石墨 - shí mò - graphite

约旦 - yuē dàn - Jordan (country)

条 - tiáo - counter for 河流

油滑 - yóu huá - oily, slippery

[tama-fighting-artblock]

The young apprentice from the house of the flying daggers, Bō and his huge cat Myung-Myung —a maltese tiger—.

Now the desing, the green definitely is a must, specially considering that Bō is still part of the Tang blood line, although not considered a Tang.

He is still younger than Chung Myung, this time six or seven years, and his design does reflect a bit of that playful personality despite how conservative the members of the house of the flying daggers might be, thus, he uses a high bun with two hairpin positioned like little horns, and the colorful set of ribbon tying up his shoes.

I kept some element from the novel design, while retaining the asymmetrical bangs, eyebrows and dimple that are so lovely to see

He looks like a cutie pie and would use it against you. Don't let him fool you, he may have no memories but he's still dangerous and you better not be planning to try anything funny if the big cat is around.