Dr. Peter Goldman, HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko and UFC's BJ Penn

I met BJ Penn a long time ago. We were both new at Ralph Gracies. What I remember the most about him was his flexibility, his unmatched dedication to Jiu Jitsu and his courage. Deep courage. You all see it in the cage now, but, to see it then....Was almost even more amazing. He lived a few blocks away from me. After a while his older brother JD Penn would invite me to go to Alex Oxendines place....It was Alex's garage in San Jose...It was dubbed "Legends" and if you were in that garage you worked hard...Fast forward to 2011 and the world knows his name and he is an inspiration to people around the world. I saw BJ Penn for the first time in a long time....Thanks to Dr. Peter Goldman (he reconnected us). It was great to see him and Hoyt and Danny "Donothing" at Skyline College. The Head Coach of Skyline Wrestling team held a private grappling session. I got notice late and I walked in the cold on an empty stomach to roll. It was great. Nothing in the world like reconnecting with old friends. If you have never read his book Why I Fight, I suggest you get it for yourself, then give it to someone you love. -Adisa Banjoko

The first time I heard this song in 1993...I cried. Today it still hits me hard...

I dedicate this to all my kids. I hear you...I'm with you.

Sherlock Holmes 2 is THICK with chess elements...I encourage you all to go see it. I plan to.

Rickson Gracie on the power of jiu jitsu in overcoming fear

“Where there’s discomfort, there’s fear,” he said. “In these very tough positions, you’re in a little piece of hell. And through this daily suffering, you learn to survive in these situations. You have to find comfort in the uncomfortable situations. You have to be able to live your worst nightmare. Jiu-Jitsu puts you completely in the moment where you must have complete focus on finding a solution to the problem. This trains the mind to build that focus, to increase your awareness, your capacity to solve problems. Sometimes, you don’t have to win. You cannot win. But that has nothing to do with losing.” - Master Rickson Gracie

HHCF Presents: Pawn Storm Invitational Dec. 10th 2011 At John O'Connell In SF!

This is a tournament for kids inside the SF School District who register with us. The Pawn Storm Invitational is a team tournament for kids competing for the first time. Our goal is to promote unity in the SF community. If you have any questions email me directly at bishop@hiphopchessfederation.org for more details.

You better get to know Weak Square!

Please be sure to check out www.weaksquare.blogspot.com !! Not only does he work with at-risk kids to learn chess, he's a truly gifted artist. Follow him on twitter to @weakSquare. He claims he is a novice but, based on the posts he puts up, dude, got a lotta knowledge!! Check him out though. He's a cool guy to know about in the chess world.

Jrobi keeps it real

My mom went to go see the play on Fela Kuti! Thought I'd share Stalemate...

I dedicate this song to my cousin Ben, may he rest in peace. He died at 19...so young. But before he died, while we sat in a car front of my home during the Holiday season we talked about Nigeria. He had just returned from Lagos. Him and his brother started talking about Fela Kuti. They both see I'm lost in the conversation. He asked me if I heard of Fela? I said I had not. He said, "If you like Bob Marley, you will LOVE Fela". Ben was right. He died four months later. I did not hear Fela until after he passed. I never hear a note from Fela and forget my cousin. That was ten years ago. I miss you Ben...I love you. 

The Iron Hook Scroll Vol. 1 is COMPLETE! (and its free!)

I'm happy to announce The Iron Hook Scroll Vol. 1 is out. Its done. Its FREE at www.ironhookEbook.blogspot.com. A few weeks after you get the scroll the Jiu Jitsu Innovations Newsletter will drop. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you stay safe and blessed out there. Much thanks to all who have supported me.

This Story in the NY Times Really Warmed My Heart

New African American Masters in Chess 

Once again Dylan McClain is a great writer. He told their story well.As everybody knows, HHCF does not groom kids for competitive chess. But to see those that do rise, is lovely.

This article inspired some of the kids at my school today. A lot of teachers were talking about it to.

Gratitude

For the last few weeks I've been haunted by a cloud (that I might have cancer). I had to get some tests over the last few days. Today I was informed that I am cancer FREE. But, I will need to get some other, very minor procedures done (compared to having cancer) in the near future. I just wanna say that I have gained some serious clarity on who I am, what I love and who I care about....Also, more importantly, what I have not done and need to accomplish. Much love to my real folks out there.