BREAKING: HHCF Launch Chess & Jiu-Jitsu Classes!!

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Unveils a Fusion of Chess and Jiu-Jitsu to Promote Peace on the Streets  

HHCF Launches Chess & Jiu-Jitsu Class to Promote Fitness and Nonviolence

3/15/17 San Jose, CA- Hip-Hop Chess Federation 501(c)3 is proud to announce it has created a Chess & Jiu-Jitsu class for kids, teens and adults. The class is the brainchild of the HHCF’s Founder, Adisa “The Bishop” Banjoko. Mr. Banjoko holds the rank of brown belt and is author of The Iron Hook Scroll (a book on submission holds) and the self improvement book Bobby, Bruce & the Bronx: The Secrets of Hip-Hop Chess. The book illustrates how strategies from Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts can be used to build short and long term goal setting. It seamlessly connects concepts found in shows like The Get Down, Luke Cage and The Breaks to daily life. His lectures on this topic have brought his unique brand of wisdom to podiums at Harvard, Stanford, Oberlin College in U Conn among others. The Bishop was recently the recipient of The Legacy Award by Rock The School Bells for his consistent work in the field. The organization is an innovator in the space of STEAM and STEM.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Rap artists like Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, Public Enemy DJ Johnny “Juice” Rosado, and even R&B artists like Usher have spent time learning the art. DJ Qbert even made a song about it on his last album.  At the same time jiu-jitsu masters Rickson Gracie, Ryron Gracie, Carlos Machado and others have shown a consistent affinity for the game of chess. The HHCF however is the first organization to ever fuse both arts into one class.

“This class is built for average people to discover and actualize their extraordinary potential” stated The Bishop.  “We show the overlapping mental and physical themes between chess and jiu-jitsu. It was something I envisioned when I started HHCF a decade back. I recently had a chess student I wanted to test my theories on. In less than four months we took him from ‘What is jiu-jitsu?’ to taking second at the US Open. Now what I taught him, I want to teach around the world in hope of promoting peace and nonviolence across the globe.”

The organization teaches that chess is jiu-jitsu for the mind and jiu-jitsu is chess for the body.”

Right now the HHCF Chess & Jiu-Jitsu class has a solid group of  students (a mix of kids, teens and college age adults) taking the class and the growing interest shows no sign of slowing down. “People always say the Hip-Hop community never offers solutions to violence in the world. Our program proves them all wrong.”

For more information on workshops and how to join visit www.hiphopchess.com

HHCF Classes on Chess & Life Strategies NOW Enrolling!!!

HHCF is now enrolling kids in classes on chess, chess and life strategies and chess and jiu-jitsu and youth entrepreneurship . Our classes are fun, all ages and help kids of all backgrounds learn to value the power of their own mind and body.  We also offer amazing Hip-Hop dance classes taught by Grant Torino and Karate classes taught by Sensei Anthony Thomas! Visit www.hiphopchess.com to learn more. 

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Summer Camps Start June 9, 2016!!!

HHCF is happy to announce we will be hosting our always packed summer camps!!!! Our summer camps allow your child to grow learning things like Hip-Hop dance, chess and life strategies, jiu-jitsu, and TV and Film production. Our goal is to refine their character and their fitness levels. HHCF camps will have special guests from the film, technology, jiu-jitsu and chess world visiting our kids. We will also be taking field trips to some of the coolest companies in the technology world. HHCF camp teachers are ALWAYS life scan cleared to ensure your children are consistently in a safe and fun environment. They get packed QUICK so go to www.hiphopchess.com and sign your kids up today! See you in June!! If you would like to DONATE to the HHCF CAMPS or host a visit to your technology company visit our website or donate on our homepage. 

HHCF Awarded Safe Summer Initiative Grant by City of San Jose for FREE Summer Camp for Teens

City of San Jose Awards Hip-Hop Chess Federation Grant for Chess and Life Strategies Summer Camp

HHCF Opens FREE Summer Camp to Keep Kids Focused on School and Off the Streets     

May 20th, 2015 San Jose, CA - The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) is happy to announce they will be hosting a FREE Chess and Life Strategies summer camp starting June 15th to August 15th 2015 at the Seven Trees Community Center in San Jose, CA. This powerful, innovative education program is brought to you in part by the city of San Jose awarding the HHCF the Safe Summer Initiative Grant (SSIG). The purpose of the SSIG is to give funds to organizations that strive to help teens in underserved areas. “It is a deep honor for the HHCF to be awarded the SSIG.” stated VP of Outreach Meek Gaborski. “Our commitment to inspire and enable young minds to higher heights, is rapidly getting more recognition. Everyone in HHCF is excited.”

The HHCF Chess and Life Strategies program teaches more than chess. In the HHCF chess positions on the board are matched with lessons that teach teens the power of patience, planning and independent thinking methods. “We make the game more culturally relevant to young people by showing them rappers, business leaders and politicians who play chess.” stated HHCF Founder, Adisa Banjoko. “This gets their  attention and allows them to see themselves in the game. Sadly in the summer,  many kids get into gangs, drugs and bad behavior because they don’t have anyone to work with them. HHCF is here for the kids of San Jose. We have a lot of gang activity out here. ”

Adisa Banjoko recently served as the education and history consultant to the World Chess Hall of Fame (WCHOF) exhibit Living Like Kings  in St. Louis, Missouri. The Living Like Kings  grand opening broke all previous attendance records for WCHOF grand openings.  RZA from Wu-Tang Clan (HHCF’s Director of Ourtreach) and Adisa spent time in St. Louis last year after the police killing of Mike Brown. They spoke to more than 1000  at-risk teens, including incarcerated youth. Their lectures centered on the impact of chess and martial arts can have on their  discipline and decision making. In 2015, Adisa Banjoko gave powerful lectures at Lehigh, Oberlin College and University of Connecticut among others.

HHCF also released a mixtape promoting their ideals of chess and peace at www.soundcloud.com/hiphopchess .

For more on HHCF and their Chess and Life Strategies  programs visit www.hiphopchess.com

About HHCF: The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is the world's first nonprofit (501c3) to fuse music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence. They host lectures, panels, and celebrity chess events to help at-risk, gang-impacted and gang intentional youth make better decisions in life. The HHCF has been featured on Good Morning America, Forbes, Chess Life, VIBE and Rolling Stone.  

 

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Chess, Choices and Needles in the Park....

This morning I was at a park in San Jose with my students. They were playing tag, pushing one another on the swings and throwing footballs as kids love to do. Suddenly one of the boys approached me smiling, waving a hypodermic needle.

"Mr. B, what is this for? What does it do?!"

"Put that down right now!" I barked. "Right now."

He dropped it. Scared. I never yelled at any of the kids like that before.

"Where did you get this?" I asked.

"By the bench. By the baby swings." he said in a low tone.

"Did you poke yourself? Did you poke anybody? I need to know the truth." My voice had less traces of panic it.

He shook is head. "I just picked it up. I did not know what it was."

I called all the students over. I explained what the needle on the cement was often used for. That people use it to shoot drugs and you can get HIV, Hepatitis C or B from getting cut by them and how those things often kill people. I told them "When I was your age, I never played in parks with needles and stuff in them. You shouldn't have do. But this is real life. So, you have to know what is going on in this world. I know people say 'Say no to drugs' but you guys have to know this will cut your life short. Immediately. Cut it right off..."

I told him to go wash his hands then I had him see the nurse to look at his hands for abrasions or cuts just to make sure he was ok. He was.

I got rid of the needle.

Just as I headed off I saw a mother bring two 3 year olds to the area where the needle had been laying. My heart started racing. "What if one of them found it and scraped themselves or their brother or sister with the needle, not knowing?" I asked myself. "What if the mother never saw. She'd always wonder." They waddled past me, oblivious.

 I had the next few classes come out with me and clean the park. I told most of them why. I got exhausted emotionally telling 12, 13, and 14 year olds what happened. I had a cousin die of heroin at 19...I kept seeing his face....Sometimes I see people who look like, what I think he would look like if he were alive....Their faces stay in my mind.... I recently had a dream about a student I mentored who was killed a few months ago. In my dream, he was in a fight with another student. In the dream I watched the fight and did nothing to break it up. I awoke shaken.

Sometimes I rub people the wrong way. Don't get me wrong. I'm friendly, and silly. I watch cartoons more than anything, mostly to escape the pain of reality. However, at times, I can be short with people or seemingly lost in thought. I often am.

I feel like when I do my job wrong, death happens. I know we all die anyway. I know. But when I don't get through to my kids, I know a jail cell or a coffin is waiting for them.

When I started jiu-jitsu at Ralph Gracies' he used to get so pissed off if he thought you were doing a move sloppily or without passion and focus. It used to boggle my mind. "Why is he tripping?" I would ask myself. I understand now though. His fear, was that learning his teachings wrong you might find yourself in a real situation and you would lose. He took your loss personally.

"Didn't that guy train with Ralph? I thought they knew how to fight better." That was Ralph's nightmare and he still gives his all passing on the wisdom and the toughness of mind and body.

"Didn't he learn from Adisa.? I thought she played chess?" That, is my nightmare.

I take these losses personally. So if I ever seem like I take the methods of HHCF too seriously. If I ever come off like understanding Hip-Hop history and subculture matter a lot...If I ever seem like I take chess and life strategies too seriously. This is why.

Because kids bring me hypodermic needs in class and I'm trying to make sure they live. Not just today, but ten years from now I want them to be alive because I taught them how to survive.

Over the course of cleaning the park we found a bag of weed (with a little left in it), a weed pipe and a lighter. Gang tags were all over the park benches. Our kids deserve better. I will do all I can to give them better and I promise you. I will die trying.

I don't have any love for any gang. I don't have any love for dope dealers.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Launches Summer Camp on Chess and Entrepreneurship

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Launches Summer Camp on Chess and Entrepreneurship

Non-profit bridges gaps between music, business and technology

San Jose, CA 6/9/2014- The Hip-Hop Chess Federation(HHCF) is proud to announce that it will be hosting its annual Summer Camps. This summer the camps will be held at Ocalla Middle School starting June 16 and will run for 8 weeks . Camp programs include classes Chess, Entrepreneurship Camp,  Hip-Hop Dance and Cheerleading.

It is well known the some of Silicon Valley and Hip-Hop have chess as a common theme in their life.

Thanks to the generosity of the City of San Jose Safe Summer Initiative Grant, the HHCF is able to drop the price of the camp from $295 a week to a low price of $99 a week. This grant will help some kids attend who might not have been able to otherwise. The HHCF works to ensure that learning the game of kings is not reserved for only the economic elite.  

“Our chess camps stay full because they are more than  just becoming a chess champion” stated HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko. “Chess teaches kids how ideas followed with the right planning and action make you victorious. Our methods teach young people the connection between chess, life and education strategies. We are really excited about this years entrepreneurship camp where participants will develop skills to help them become the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs. Throughout the camps we will bring in will bring in company founders and start-up Silicon Valley executives to host guest lectures on topics such as business strategies, chess and more”.

The camp for K-12th grade encourages local schools and community members to participate in this summer camps. The $99 fee provides each camper with materials for camp activities and for those registered by June 13, a free camp T-shirt.

A limited number of partial scholarships are available. Parents should contact Crystal Silva atcamps@hiphopchessfederation.org, if finances are a concern.

About Hip-Hop Chess Federation: The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is the first nonprofit 501(c)3 to fuse music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence. They host celebrity chess events and panels of life strategies for at-risk, gang impacted and gang intentional youth. Artists like RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, chess master Josh Waitzkin, actor Emilio Rivera,  Immortal Technique, Asheru, Zion I, DJ Qbert, Dilated Peoples, Hieroglyphics and many others have participated in their events. Founder Adisa Banjoko has presented at Harvard University and World Chess Hall of Fame on how chess, martial arts and music promote peace in the streets. Visit their official website at www.hiphopchessfederation.org.

HHCF SUMMER CAMP SIGN UPS!!! Get in now, they get packed up fast!!

Every Summer kids and parents from across The Bay Area are thrilled to join HHCF Summer Camps. We provide chess instruction as well as innovative ways to boost self esteem, and creative expression. JOIN TODAY: http://hiphopchessfederation.org/index.html

Feb 9th HHCF & San Jose Universal Zulu Nation Come Together

Helping young minds strategically actualize their destiny

Just wanted to share these shots with you. We are headed there now. We are always in need to donations to help make what we do happen. If you are an individual or a business who wants to help a nonprofit 501c3 continue to serve young people tools to thrive, email bishop@hiphopchessfederation.org today.

LISTEN: New Bishop Chonicles Podcast on Molly and Technology

Today we have a very serious show about the impact of MDMA aka "Molly" and its horrific effect on teens and young adults. Rapper Kendrick Lamar recently took a courageous stance against the drug. But many others including Kanye West, Tyga, Trinidad James and Rick Ross have celebrated the drug a lot. This is a serious discussion and selections from some songs are played to give context to the conversation. Kids under 15 we suggest you get parents permission!!

After that, we have an amazing conversation with attorney David Frazee about amazing technology trends in the Silicon Valley and the importance of protecting your ideas!! If you are a business owner or you aspire to be one, you must tune into this interview.

LISTEN HERE NOW: www.bishopchronicles.com 

HHCF Summer Fundraising Drive Starts Now! Donate Today! 501c3

Greetings from the Hip-Hop Chess Federation!

We hope this letter finds you in great spirits and great health. The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is about to announce our Summer Camps for chess, performing arts and Hip-Hop dance.

Last summer the HHCF Summer Camp was sold out every week! We are in the process of moving facilities this Summer in anticipation of another amazing summer. We are seeking a bigger facility and we should have one solidified within the next 7-10 days. To do this we will need your help in raising $2500.00. This will allow us to purchase new equipment, pay our chess and dance coaches, relaunch our website and scholarship some of the kids whose parents are unable to pay for the camp. We’ve done some amazing things with the HHCF this year. But none of it can continue to happen without you. The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is a 501(c)3 non-profit and your donation is tax deductible. Make a donation to the HHCF TODAY!

The Hip-Hop Chess Federation has a lot of amazing things to announce and we wanted to share them with you!

1. HHCF founder presented at Harvard University VIEW EXCERPTS HERE. Listen to the full lecture HERE

2. Our Cheer and Hip-Hop dance team took 1st, 2nd and 3rd at US Nationals in Disneyland VIEW HERE . Because of the victory our team was invited to PIXAR Studios to perform at a private Monsters University event. We are bound by contract not to show the photos and stuff yet, but, once we get the green light, you will love it. It was an honor, and it was VERY fun.  

3. Hip-Hop Chess Federation will be doing an event at the World Chess Hall of Fame May 8th!

4. HHCF feature in Black Enterprise

5. Aprill 22nd HHCF will drop Opera House Massacre video directed by Mike Relm on YoutTube. Mike Relm is a video remix king (with over 13 million hits on YouTube!!). He is an old ally of the HHCF and is also the producer of Adisa’s www.bishopchronicles.com podcast.

YouTube recently purchased the airplane hangar that the famous Spruce Goose airplane used to be in and made a film studio out of it. Only stars like Matt Damon were previously allowed to shoot there. But because of Mikes following on YouTube he was invited to shoot there and he and Adisa came together with a truly one of a kind film clip called The Opera House Massacre (a remake of a famous game played by the chess legend Paul Morphy). Its about the fusion of chess and jiu jitsu. It will debut on April 22nd on Relmvision and you will be able to catch it also on Bishop Chronicles and www.hiphopchess.blogspot.com . Neither chess, nor jiu jitsu has been filmed like this before. We encourage you to you share it with your friends after you see it.

I know this economy is a beast, but in the shadow of all the turmoil today, you can know that you donate to an organization committed to being on the frontlines to combat violence and enrich the minds of all children and teens. Donate today!  

Yours,

Adisa Banjoko

Founder, HHCF

7 Year Old Girl Shocks World, Winning Step Up Revolution VIP Grand Champion Dance Competition

HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko with Sarah

7 Year Old Girl Stuns the World Winning Step Up Revolution VIP Grand Champion Dance Competition

July 23rd- San Jose, CA- The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) hosted the first ever Step Up Revolution All Styles Dance Competition. The event took place at the Alum Rock Youth Center in San Jose, CA. “This battle was meant to get kids off the street and showcase the amazing dance talent in the Bay Area. No doubt this mission was accomplished.”

The day began with a workshop from world renown Bboy A-Game from Hybrid Crew/Style Elements. He taught an introductory class on the fundamental Bboy movements that left young novices flowing seamlessly from top rocking, to crisp floor work.

The competition was DJ’ed by Kool DJ Dizzy of All Tribes Zulu Nation chapter and judged by San Jose Bboy Anonymous and Funkee Asiatic of All Tribes Zulu Nation.

The day’s all styles battle was conducted in an “Iron Man” format that came down to a faceoff  between popper’s Shez and Maze, both representing San Jose. After a grueling 5 rounds Shez and Maze tied for first.

                         L to R All Style Champions Tied for 1st Place Maze & Shez with Sarah

The shock of the day however was a 7 year old known only as Sarah, who took the floor by storm and won the Step Up Revolution VIP Grand Champion. Her 2 minute 30 second routine was an amazing blend of modern Hip-Hop Dance, crumping, tutting and turf dancing that was packed with intensity. “The energy Sara hit the floor with was unmatched. Her choreography was composed so well.” said HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko. “The only problem was that her trophy was almost as big as she was. She has authentic star power.”

Sarah said after winning “I had a great time dancing today, because I love to dance and I love my trophy!” Her parents stated “There were some amazing dancers at the event today. We are so excited for Sarah and proud that she got to be part of this great event and raise money for HHCF and give back to the community.”

The Hip-Hop Chess Federation would like to give a deep thanks to  Ed Solis, Mona Martinez and everybody from the Alum Rock Youth Center and the City of San Jose. They gave these youth and their families an amazing place to display their skills. We also want to be sure to thank King Kenny of San Jose Universal Zulu Nation Chapter, San Francisco All Tribes Chapter, Demone Carter of Future Arts Now, www.bboysounds.com, Rahman Jamaal, Som Ngeth, Bboy A-Game, Bboy Aftashock, IDC Magazine, Raw Talents and of course  the creators of Step Up Revolution for trusting us to put on such a fun event.

For more info on the Hip-Hop Chess Federation visit: www.facebook.com/hiphopchess
PHOTO 1:  PHOTO 2: Lto R All Style Champions Tied for 1st Place Maze & Shez with Sarah

This right here, is pretty much my life...

No jiu jitsu, no chess, just Hip-Hop its most pure essence...dont overdose.

MAY 19th HHCF & Universal Zulu Nation UNITE in Shark City!!

To say I'm honored is a HUGE understatement. Please support ALL the sponsors who helped make this happen. #UZN