diff --git a/code/_onclick/item_attack.dm b/code/_onclick/item_attack.dm
index 47036da9cf8..bed8c64b054 100644
--- a/code/_onclick/item_attack.dm
+++ b/code/_onclick/item_attack.dm
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@
 	return FALSE
 
 /obj/attackby(obj/item/I, mob/living/user, params)
-	return ..() || (can_be_hit && isitem(I) && I.attack_obj(src, user))
+	return ..() || (can_be_hit && I.attack_obj(src, user))
 
 /mob/living/attackby(obj/item/I, mob/living/user, params)
 	user.changeNext_move(CLICK_CD_MELEE)
@@ -37,8 +37,6 @@
 	SEND_SIGNAL(user, COMSIG_MOB_ITEM_ATTACK, M, user)
 	if(flags & (NOBLUDGEON))
 		return 0
-	if(check_martial_counter(M, user))
-		return 0
 	if(can_operate(M))  //Checks if mob is lying down on table for surgery
 		if(istype(src,/obj/item/robot_parts))//popup override for direct attach
 			if(!attempt_initiate_surgery(src, M, user,1))
diff --git a/code/datums/uplink_item.dm b/code/datums/uplink_item.dm
index e12aa5cd9db..a363c5e17b3 100644
--- a/code/datums/uplink_item.dm
+++ b/code/datums/uplink_item.dm
@@ -813,7 +813,9 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(uplink_items, subtypesof(/datum/uplink_item))
 	desc = "A manual that teaches a single user tactical Close-Quarters Combat before self-destructing. Does not restrict weapon usage, but cannot be used alongside Gloves of the North Star."
 	reference = "CQC"
 	item = /obj/item/CQC_manual
-	cost = 9
+	gamemodes = list(/datum/game_mode/nuclear)
+	cost = 13
+	surplus = 0
 
 /datum/uplink_item/stealthy_weapons/cameraflash
 	name = "Camera Flash"
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items.dm b/code/game/objects/items.dm
index 4860733f4f7..77b263fb8f2 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items.dm
@@ -578,11 +578,4 @@ var/global/image/fire_overlay = image("icon" = 'icons/goonstation/effects/fire.d
 		return TRUE
 
 /obj/item/attack_hulk(mob/living/carbon/human/user)
-	return FALSE
-
-/obj/item/proc/check_martial_counter(mob/living/carbon/human/target, mob/living/carbon/human/user) //handles block for CQC
-	if(target.check_block())
-		target.visible_message("<span class='danger'>[target.name] blocks [src] and twists [user]'s arm behind [user.p_their()] back!</span>",
-					"<span class='userdanger'>You block the attack!</span>")
-		user.Stun(2)
-		return TRUE
+	return FALSE
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/misc.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/misc.dm
index 381f19dc4cf..9dd14046cb9 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/misc.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/melee/misc.dm
@@ -1,6 +1,13 @@
 /obj/item/melee
 	needs_permit = 1
 
+/obj/item/melee/proc/check_martial_counter(mob/living/carbon/human/target, mob/living/carbon/human/user)
+	if(target.check_block())
+		target.visible_message("<span class='danger'>[target.name] blocks [src] and twists [user]'s arm behind [user.p_their()] back!</span>",
+					"<span class='userdanger'>You block the attack!</span>")
+		user.Stun(2)
+		return TRUE
+
 /obj/item/melee/chainofcommand
 	name = "chain of command"
 	desc = "A tool used by great men to placate the frothing masses."
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/stunbaton.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/stunbaton.dm
index b7356a7757b..f128b874eaa 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/stunbaton.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/stunbaton.dm
@@ -141,6 +141,12 @@
 	if(isrobot(M))
 		..()
 		return
+
+	if(ishuman(M))
+		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = M
+		if(check_martial_counter(H, user))
+			return
+
 	if(!isliving(M))
 		return
 
@@ -166,8 +172,6 @@
 
 	if(ishuman(L))
 		var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = L
-		if(check_martial_counter(L, user))
-			return
 		if(H.check_shields(0, "[user]'s [name]", src, MELEE_ATTACK)) //No message; check_shields() handles that
 			playsound(L, 'sound/weapons/genhit.ogg', 50, 1)
 			return
diff --git a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/swords_axes_etc.dm b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/swords_axes_etc.dm
index 3fc4b4b7717..d0526ebbcb8 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/items/weapons/swords_axes_etc.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/items/weapons/swords_axes_etc.dm
@@ -52,7 +52,9 @@
 				if(ishuman(target))
 					var/mob/living/carbon/human/H = target
 					if(H.check_shields(0, "[user]'s [name]", src, MELEE_ATTACK))
-						return 0
+						return
+					if(check_martial_counter(H, user))
+						return
 				playsound(get_turf(src), 'sound/effects/woodhit.ogg', 75, 1, -1)
 				target.Weaken(3)
 				add_attack_logs(user, target, "Stunned with [src]")
diff --git a/code/modules/martial_arts/cqc.dm b/code/modules/martial_arts/cqc.dm
index 54f9ac97cd9..b57e7fc4f98 100644
--- a/code/modules/martial_arts/cqc.dm
+++ b/code/modules/martial_arts/cqc.dm
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#define SLAM_COMBO "HG"
+#define SLAM_COMBO "GH"
 #define KICK_COMBO "HH"
 #define RESTRAIN_COMBO "GG"
 #define PRESSURE_COMBO "DG"
@@ -8,15 +8,24 @@
 	name = "CQC"
 	help_verb = /mob/living/carbon/human/proc/CQC_help
 	block_chance = 75
+	var/just_a_cook = FALSE
+	var/static/list/areas_under_siege = typecacheof(list(/area/crew_quarters/kitchen,
+														/area/crew_quarters/cafeteria,
+														/area/crew_quarters/bar))
 
-/datum/martial_art/cqc/can_use(mob/living/carbon/human/H)
-	if(istype(H.gloves, /obj/item/clothing/gloves/fingerless/rapid))
-		return FALSE
-	return ..()
+/datum/martial_art/cqc/under_siege
+	name = "Close Quarters Cooking"
+	just_a_cook = TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/drop_restraining()
 	restraining = FALSE
 
+/datum/martial_art/cqc/can_use(mob/living/carbon/human/H)
+	var/area/A = get_area(H)
+	if(just_a_cook && !(is_type_in_typecache(A, areas_under_siege)))
+		return FALSE
+	return ..()
+
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/check_streak(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
 	if(!can_use(A))
 		return FALSE
@@ -44,22 +53,23 @@
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/Slam(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
 	if(!can_use(A))
 		return FALSE
-	if(!D.stat || !D.weakened)
+	if(!D.weakened && !D.resting && !D.lying)
 		D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] slams [D] into the ground!</span>", \
 						  	"<span class='userdanger'>[A] slams you into the ground!</span>")
 		playsound(get_turf(A), 'sound/weapons/slam.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
 		D.apply_damage(10, BRUTE)
 		D.Weaken(6)
 		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] :  Slam", ATKLOG_ALL)
-	else //if target can't be slammed, do a regular grab attack then clear the streak
-		streak = ""
-		grab_act(A, D)
-		streak = ""
+		return TRUE
+	streak = ""
+	harm_act(A, D)
+	streak = ""
 	return TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/Kick(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
 	if(!can_use(A))
 		return FALSE
+	var/success = FALSE
 	if(!D.stat || !D.weakened)
 		D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] kicks [D] back!</span>", \
 							"<span class='userdanger'>[A] kicks you back!</span>")
@@ -68,17 +78,20 @@
 		D.throw_at(throw_target, 1, 14, A)
 		D.apply_damage(10, BRUTE)
 		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : Kick", ATKLOG_ALL)
-		if(D.weakened && !D.stat)
-			D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] kicks [D]'s head, knocking [D.p_them()] out!</span>", \
-						  		"<span class='userdanger'>[A] kicks your head, knocking you out!</span>")
-			playsound(get_turf(A), 'sound/weapons/genhit1.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
-			D.SetSleeping(15)
-			D.adjustBrainLoss(15, 150)
-			add_attack_logs(A, D, "Knocked out with martial-art [src] : Kick", ATKLOG_ALL)
-	else //if target can't be kicked, do a regular harm attack then clear the streak
-		streak = ""
-		harm_act(A, D)
-		streak = ""
+		success = TRUE
+	if(D.weakened && !D.stat)
+		D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] kicks [D]'s head, knocking [D.p_them()] out!</span>", \
+					  		"<span class='userdanger'>[A] kicks your head, knocking you out!</span>")
+		playsound(get_turf(A), 'sound/weapons/genhit1.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
+		D.SetSleeping(15)
+		D.adjustBrainLoss(15)
+		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Knocked out with martial-art [src] : Kick", ATKLOG_ALL)
+		success = TRUE
+	if(success)
+		return TRUE
+	streak = ""
+	harm_act(A, D)
+	streak = ""
 	return TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/Pressure(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
@@ -103,6 +116,10 @@
 		restraining = TRUE
 		addtimer(CALLBACK(src, .proc/drop_restraining), 50, TIMER_UNIQUE)
 		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : Restrain", ATKLOG_ALL)
+		return TRUE
+	streak = ""
+	harm_act(A, D)
+	streak = ""
 	return TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/proc/Consecutive(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
@@ -118,10 +135,10 @@
 		D.adjustStaminaLoss(50)
 		D.apply_damage(25, BRUTE)
 		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : Consecutive", ATKLOG_ALL)
-	else //if target can't be hit, do a regular harm attack then clear the streak
-		streak = ""
-		harm_act(A, D)
-		streak = ""
+		return TRUE
+	streak = ""
+	harm_act(A, D)
+	streak = ""
 	return TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/grab_act(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
@@ -133,6 +150,8 @@
 	var/obj/item/grab/G = D.grabbedby(A, 1)
 	if(G)
 		G.state = GRAB_AGGRESSIVE //Instant aggressive grab
+		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : aggressively grabbed", ATKLOG_ALL)
+
 	return TRUE
 
 /datum/martial_art/cqc/harm_act(mob/living/carbon/human/A, mob/living/carbon/human/D)
@@ -141,8 +160,9 @@
 	add_to_streak("H", D)
 	if(check_streak(A, D))
 		return TRUE
+	add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src]", ATKLOG_ALL)
 	A.do_attack_animation(D)
-	var/picked_hit_type = pick("CQC'd", "neck chopped", "gut punched")
+	var/picked_hit_type = pick("CQC'd", "neck chopped", "gut punched", "Big Bossed")
 	var/bonus_damage = 13
 	if(D.weakened || D.resting || D.lying)
 		bonus_damage += 5
@@ -154,7 +174,7 @@
 		playsound(get_turf(D), 'sound/weapons/cqchit1.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
 	D.visible_message("<span class='danger'>[A] [picked_hit_type] [D]!</span>", \
 					  "<span class='userdanger'>[A] [picked_hit_type] you!</span>")
-	add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src]", ATKLOG_ALL)
+	add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : [picked_hit_type]", ATKLOG_ALL)
 	if(A.resting && !D.stat && !D.weakened)
 		D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] leg sweeps [D]!", \
 							"<span class='userdanger'>[A] leg sweeps you!</span>")
@@ -168,24 +188,36 @@
 	if(!can_use(A))
 		return FALSE
 	add_to_streak("D", D)
+	var/obj/item/I = null
 	if(check_streak(A, D))
 		return TRUE
-	if(!restraining)
-		D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] strikes [D]'s jaw with their hand!</span>", \
-							"<span class='userdanger'>[A] strikes your jaw, disorienting you!</span>")
-		playsound(get_turf(D), 'sound/weapons/cqchit1.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
-		D.Jitter(2)
-		D.apply_damage(5, BRUTE)
-		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : Disarm", ATKLOG_ALL)
-	if(restraining)
+	var/obj/item/grab/G = A.get_inactive_hand()
+	if(restraining && istype(G) && G.affecting == D)
 		D.visible_message("<span class='danger'>[A] puts [D] into a chokehold!</span>", \
 							"<span class='userdanger'>[A] puts you into a chokehold!</span>")
 		D.SetSleeping(20)
 		restraining = FALSE
-		add_attack_logs(A, D, "Knocked out with martial-art [src] : Choke hold", ATKLOG_ALL)
+		if(G.state < GRAB_NECK)
+			G.state = GRAB_NECK
+		return TRUE
 	else
 		restraining = FALSE
-		return FALSE
+
+	if(prob(65))
+		if(!D.stat || !D.weakened || !restraining)
+			I = D.get_active_hand()
+			D.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[A] strikes [D]'s jaw with their hand!</span>", \
+								"<span class='userdanger'>[A] strikes your jaw, disorienting you!</span>")
+			playsound(get_turf(D), 'sound/weapons/cqchit1.ogg', 50, 1, -1)
+			if(I && D.drop_item())
+				A.put_in_hands(I)
+			D.Jitter(2)
+			D.apply_damage(5, BRUTE)
+	else
+		D.visible_message("<span class='danger'>[A] attempted to disarm [D]!</span>", "<span class='userdanger'>[A] attempted to disarm [D]!</span>")
+		playsound(D, 'sound/weapons/punchmiss.ogg', 25, 1, -1)
+
+	add_attack_logs(A, D, "Melee attacked with martial-art [src] : Disarmed [I ? " grabbing \the [I]" : ""]", ATKLOG_ALL)
 	return TRUE
 
 /mob/living/carbon/human/proc/CQC_help()
@@ -194,11 +226,10 @@
 	set category = "CQC"
 	to_chat(usr, "<b><i>You try to remember some of the basics of CQC.</i></b>")
 
-	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Slam</span>: Harm Grab. Slam opponent into the ground, knocking them down.")
+	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Slam</span>: Grab, switch hands, Harm. Slam opponent into the ground, knocking them down.")
 	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>CQC Kick</span>: Harm Harm. Knocks opponent away. Knocks out stunned or knocked down opponents.")
-	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Restrain</span>: Grab Switch Hand Grab. Locks opponent into a restraining position, stunning them.")
-	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Choke Hold</span>: Restrain Disarm. Knocks out an opponent you have restrained.")
+	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Restrain</span>: Grab, switch hands, Grab. Locks opponents into a restraining position, disarm to knock them out with a choke hold.")
 	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Pressure</span>: Disarm Grab. Decent stamina damage.")
 	to_chat(usr, "<span class='notice'>Consecutive CQC</span>: Disarm Disarm Harm. Mainly offensive move, huge damage and decent stamina damage.")
 
-	to_chat(usr, "<b><i>In addition, by having your throw mode on when being attacked, you enter an active defense mode where you have a chance to block and sometimes even counter melee attacks done to you.</i></b>")
\ No newline at end of file
+	to_chat(usr, "<b><i>In addition, by having your throw mode on when being attacked, you enter an active defense mode where you have a chance to block and sometimes even counter attacks done to you.</i></b>")
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
index 84764bfddaa..c1d61338dcd 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/human_defense.dm
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ emp_act
 			return 1
 	return 0
 
-/mob/living/carbon/human/check_block()
+/mob/living/carbon/human/proc/check_block()
 	if(martial_art && prob(martial_art.block_chance) && martial_art.can_use(src) && in_throw_mode && !incapacitated(FALSE, TRUE))
 		return TRUE
 
@@ -220,6 +220,10 @@ emp_act
 		if(check_shields(I.force, "the [I.name]", I, MELEE_ATTACK, I.armour_penetration))
 			return 0
 
+	if(check_block())
+		visible_message("<span class='warning'>[src] blocks [I]!</span>")
+		return FALSE
+
 	if(istype(I,/obj/item/card/emag))
 		emag_act(user, affecting)
 
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/_species.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/_species.dm
index e9a88fdb033..72fe54970a1 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/_species.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/carbon/human/species/_species.dm
@@ -319,7 +319,7 @@
 		user.do_cpr(target)
 
 /datum/species/proc/grab(mob/living/carbon/human/user, mob/living/carbon/human/target, datum/martial_art/attacker_style)
-	if(target.check_block()) //cqc
+	if(target.check_block())
 		target.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[target] blocks [user]'s grab attempt!</span>")
 		return FALSE
 	if(attacker_style && attacker_style.grab_act(user, target))
@@ -348,7 +348,7 @@
 		add_attack_logs(user, target, "vampirebit")
 		return
 		//end vampire codes
-	if(target.check_block()) //cqc
+	if(target.check_block())
 		target.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[target] blocks [user]'s attack!</span>")
 		return FALSE
 	if(attacker_style && attacker_style.harm_act(user, target))
@@ -393,7 +393,7 @@
 		SEND_SIGNAL(target, COMSIG_PARENT_ATTACKBY)
 
 /datum/species/proc/disarm(mob/living/carbon/human/user, mob/living/carbon/human/target, datum/martial_art/attacker_style)
-	if(target.check_block()) //cqc
+	if(target.check_block())
 		target.visible_message("<span class='warning'>[target] blocks [user]'s disarm attempt!</span>")
 		return FALSE
 	if(attacker_style && attacker_style.disarm_act(user, target))
diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
index 0641ce380f5..3182c829466 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/living_defense.dm
@@ -337,8 +337,4 @@
 			return TRUE
 		if(INTENT_DISARM)
 			M.do_attack_animation(src, ATTACK_EFFECT_DISARM)
-			return TRUE
-
-//defined here, overridden for humans in human_defense. By default, living mobs don't get to block anything
-/mob/living/proc/check_block()
-	return FALSE
\ No newline at end of file
+			return TRUE
\ No newline at end of file