HHCF Community Education Center Grand Opening August 16th!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Contact: Meek Gaborski

contact@hiphopchessfederation.org

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Celebrates Grand Opening of Community Center

HHCF Celebrates Community Education Center August 16th

July 15, 2014 - San Jose, CA- The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) is proud to announce it will host the Grand Opening of the HHCF Community Education Center. The event will take place Saturday August 16th at 3396 Seldon Ct. Fremont, CA  from 1-6 PM.

The HHCF Community Education Center will focus on teaching K-12 youth chess, martial arts, Hip-Hop dance and competitive cheerleading. They will be offering additional after school mentoring and tutoring programs throughout the school year launch in Fall of 2014. The HHCF will also be hosting regular panel discussions, and Q&A sessions with leaders education, art, nonviolence, technology, chess and martial arts. For the last 8 years the HHCF has brought rappers and chess players like RZA, IM Josh Waitzkin, Sons of Anarchy actor Emilio Rivera, Immortal Technique, IM Emory Tate, Rakaa Iriscience, DJ QBert and others together with the youth to spark deeper levels of intercultural education and community engagement.

“The HHCF Community Education Center will allow our staff to help young people improve their grades, sense of purpose and physical attributes ” stated the organization's Founder Adisa Banjoko.

HHCF Director of Education, Arash Daneshzadeh stated “  The HHCF Community Education Center will give young people a place where their minds can truly thrive free of judgement and actualize their academic goals. Our fusion of Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts are built to inspire positive thought and action. We are thankful to all those who have helped make this day possible.”

1:00 PM-  Doors open, open chess gaming, open jiu jitsu mat and music by DJ Don Mega of All Tribes Universal Zulu Nation Chapter

2:30 PM-  Adisa Banjoko Grand Opening  Remarks    

3:00-   HHCF Raw Cheer exhibition + Akoma Arts Hosted Capoeira Roda + Future Arts Now Hosted All Styles Dance Cipher

5:00-  Performances by Shamako Noble & DLabrie, Nim One and more TBA

6:00 PM-  Closing remarks

In related news, the HHCF is currently running a free chess camp in San Jose that was funded by the City of San Jose’s Safe Summer Initiative Grant. Additionally, HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko is currently serving as an Education Consultant to  the World Chess Hall of Fame in St. Louis Missouri.  The World Chess Hall of Fame stated their exhibit will “delve into the overlapping cultures of Hip Hop and chess through the exhibit Living Like Kings. Hip Hop and chess share a rich history—as cultural touchstones, tools for community building, and avenues for understanding.”  The Living Like Kings exhibition will run October 9th 2014 to April 26th 2015.

For more information on Hip-Hop Chess Federation Grand Opening  RSVP Here or follow @realhiphopchess on Instagram for more information.

The Best Strategy for Peace is Forgiveness

Please take a moment to check out a post made by Adisa Banjoko on Bishop Desmond Tutu's blog. Its about chess, nonviolence and forgiveness:

If Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts have taught me anything, they have taught me that everything has a process. If you ignore the most efficient ways to do any particular thing it is not only going to be less efficient, it is going to put a dent in your personal joy. The Book of Forgiving seems to be one of the best formal methods of understanding and actualizing forgiveness (of others and the self) that I have found.

When I created the HHCF, I did it to help young people, mostly teens, navigate through the minefield of life at any stage. I quickly learned through consistent re-engagement of young people that most of them are in deep pain. The root of their pain has many sources. Sometimes, it’s simply poverty. Other times it might be physical or mental abuse. Still others might be from the early death of a parent or sibling. Often times, in my line of work though, it’s violence. READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

WATCH: New Christopher Woon Film Showcases Hip-Hop Dance and Jiu-Jitsu

This is a great short by Christopher Paper Son Woon. It highlights the path of "Boogeyman" a 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu champion and champion Bboy (Hip-Hop dancer). This is a very unique but amazing film and if anything it proves that there is a beautiful path for people of all walks of life. Everybody in the HHCF loves this flick and we hope it helps open more eyes to the potential of converging arts. PARENTS: There are a few curse words, be aware. Kids, get your parents permission. 

WATCH: RZA Win 2014 Chess Kings Invitational

Check out some never before seen footage of HHCF Chess Kings Invitational. Sons of Anarchy actor Emilio Rivera, Chessboxing Champion Andrew McGregor and others are also featured. In related news, the HHCF will be opening its own full time facility August 16th, for more information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/271478046370617/

In related news, Street Games Vol. 2 Mixtape also drops August 16th! 

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.

WATCH: New Video by The Chessmen introduced by RZA (kids get your parents permission)

New Video by The Chessmen !!! Kids get permission from your parents....It has some explicit lyrics. Nevertheless it shows the connection between chess and Hip-Hop like nothing else in recent years.

Chess and the Art of Business

Chess and the Art of Business

By: Adisa Banjoko

                               Top business chess players include Peter Thiel, Danille Rice, Seth Bannon

About a year or so ago I gave a short keynote speech to a group of  300 high school  kids interested in entrepreneurship at San Jose City Hall. Since it came out, different people have asked me some of my thoughts on the connection between chess and business.

When teaching the HHCF Life Strategies program to teens I always highlight the fact that rappers like RZA,  Jay Z, 50 Cent and Will Smith love the game of chess. I remind them that these guys are not consumed with chess mastery as much as using the game to master their emotions and stay focused on options. I teach them how concepts like “divide and conquer” and “win first, then seek battle” can apply to almost any team sport or business endeavor. Ideas from Sun Tzu and Machiavelli work on the chessboard as well as the boardroom.

The connection between chess and business is not new, but it’s also not very often explored deeply. Like many other aspects of the world chess touches it sits on the sidelines of the American consciousness.

In 2005 the Harvard Business Review interviewed chess icon Garry Kasparov about his thoughts on business and chess. Anatoly Karpov put out a great book a few years ago called Chess and the Art of Negotiation. It’s a great look at how the psychology of combat plays a role in business decision making. The main thing to consider here is that one not need be a Grandmaster or Master to understand and use these ideas for your own business. You only need to play consistently and pay attention to the reasons behind your losses and victories.

Here are some thoughts I had about how chess and business are alike, specifically to the chess pieces on the board.

    This set is designed by Studio Anne Carlton Chess follow them on Twitter @SACchess

King=CEO:

Creates the vision for the entire company. This is where the core ideas, values and purpose arise. Kings have the lion's share of the ideas and inspiration but very little of the ability to actualise everything in its totality. This is the person who essentially creates the brand. But brand building is the root of so much else that needs to be actualized. This is why the other pieces on his team are so important. Without a king there is nothing to fight for, he is priceless.

Queen= Investors/Board of Directors:

The queen is the defender of the Kings vision. and economic model for maximum profit. They survey all the terrain ahead and map out the grand strategy for actualizing the kings vision. A king without a queen is always doomed. A CEO without his board and investors support and resources is also doomed.  

Bishops = Business Development

These are the people who understand and live the brand's philosophy and use angles of differentiation and positioning to gain advantages for the company. They are the key evangelists for the brand. They know their lane and stay strong in it.

Knights = Outside Sales

These guys jump directly into the fog of war to go head up with the competition, and do battle in the name of their king. You have to respect them because of their fearless devotion to the brand's mission. Their work in the field makes them indispensable as a resource for information for Bishops and queens. They move in unorthodox ways at times, but always work well with Bishops and Knights.

Rooks= Inside sales.

These guys take the vision of the product directly to other industry leaders. Its their job to look forward and hit people straight up with the value of the company. Philosophically, the rook also symbolizes those of in depth knowledge of the product and purpose of the company.

Pawns= The daily workers that make the entire operation happen:

This word pawn often gets overused to represent the simple underling. This is a huge mistake. Pawns outnumber every other piece on the board. Their unity spells disaster for the opposing team. They are usually the first to hit the battlefield and sacrifice themselves for the sake of the king. Those that survive and cross to the other side can gain the power of the queen.Their ability to work together is the root of victory for the kings empire.

Now enjoy your day, and go have a good game with a few friends!!

Adisa Banjoko is the Founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation 501(c)3. Learn more by following the official HHCF Instagram @realhiphopchess

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

Chess and Jiu-Jitsu: Destruction of A Guard

Chess and Jiu-Jitsu: Destruction of A Guard

By: Adisa Banjoko, Founder of Hip-Hop Chess Federation  

I play chess, but my past is checkered/ The mic and I are like staff and sheppard/ When I apply science, my maths perfected, gotta move with proper tools for task selected - Ka, Peace Akhi

In the interest of furthering the discussion on chess and jiu jitsu, I wanted to share a reflection I've given thought to for quite some time. I find the connections between chess and jiu jitsu fascinating to the mind and enlightening to my heart. The interconnectedness between these arts and sports has given me much genuine inspiration over the years.

Recently I have been combing through tons of old DVD’s and  of VHS of classic jiu jitsu matches from the late 1990's. I’m talking about early matches with legends like Roleta, Marcio Feitosa, Mario Sperry, Terere, Jacare, Saulo Ribero, Fabio Gurgel, Gordo- all the OG’s. Its really exciting to observe how certain techniques disappeared while others stay or evolved. I have to assume that looking back in chess history certain evolutionary themes rise and collapse over time. Nevertheless some elements never will never die.

In chess, there is a theme called Destruction of a Guard (or removing the guard). Essentially it’s a tactic where you focus on attacking the pieces that are protecting the bigger pieces you are going after. Maybe its a knight in front of a queen you hope to capture. There might be two pawns and a rook preventing you from getting to the king. The process of capturing those pawns and rook, or getting them to move off of the squares they are on- is destruction of the guard.

Jen Shahade has a great chapter on this topic in her amazing book Play Like A Girl.

When people watch MMA and BJJ, there is a correlating physical position call “the guard”. Traditionally it's called "the closed guard" where one person is on their back (with a person on top of them, who is attacking) but the person on the bottom has both of their legs wrapped around their opponents torso. This takes a lot of mobility away from the person on top and leaves them vulnerable to direct attacks and reversals. For the person on top, until he or she gets past the person on the bottoms legs, it will be almost impossible to win. They must “destroy the guard”, commonly referred to in BJJ as “guard passing.”  I should note that there are many guard variations outside of the closed guard including "open guard", "butterfly guard", "X guard" and "rubber guard" among others. Each have their own nuances that turn every match into a positional  minefield (much like chess).

The jiu jitsu player on the bottom wrapped his legs around his opponent's torso securing the closed guard.

Here are some easy to understand examples of the countless elements of guard passing in jiu jitsu.  Jason Scully also has a cool video about guard passing that shows you many of the positional variations  when passing someone's guard. Having clarity in the full balance of power within the position, understanding threat assessment and your opponents  potential counters are key. Destroying the guard on the chessboard or the mat can be tricky at best, dangerous every time and if done without full focus- absolutely fatal.

A secondary theme in the concept of “destruction of a guard” in jiu jitsu is when one opponent is on top (after passing the guard and transitioning to the mount) and is trying to secure an armlock. However, his/her opponent (knowing they  are in danger of tapping out soon) defends the armlock by grabbing their opposite arm, or gi to prevent hyperextension of the elbow joint. Ryron and Rener Gracie have a fantastic presentation on various tactics people use to defend the armlock. Their video is a perfect illustration of the destruction of a guard.

Womens MMA sensation Ronda Rousey breaking the defending grip of her opponent to finish the armlock.

Without question the parallels between chess and jiu jitsu are as numerous as the potential moves within the two arts. I will post more on this relationship soon. Feel free to email me about your thoughts on chess and jiu jitsu at bishop@hiphopchessfederation.org!

Rapper Kalhi from Street Games Vol 1 Drops New Round 1 Mixtape !!!

When the HHCF dropped the Street Games Vol. 1 Mixtape with DJ Rob Flow, there was a huge positive response around the world. Nobody expected a profanity free mixtape to be so lyrically aggressive and educational. Rapper Kalhi, based in Geneva Switzerland had arguably one of the mixtapes most standout tracks with A Technical Flow which featured UFC Coach Ryron Gracie. If anyone had any questions about the connections between Hip-Hop, chess and jiu jitsu- he answered them!! Kalhi recently dropped a new mixtape called Round 1 which you can download right now! In the tradition of Gangstarr, Nas and others he gives his heart to the mic. Its a very impressive mixtape in terms of its production and lyrical content (though kids will want to get their parents permission). In this interview we talk about the impact rap had on his life, being raised between The Bay and Geneva, his love for martial arts and his plans for the future.

Where are you from.and what are your earliest memories of rap?

I was born in Berkeley California. My father is from the Bay Area but my mother is from Geneva 

Switzerland. When I was a few months old, my parents decided to move to Europe, so that’s 

where I grew up until moving back to the Bay at 18.

My earliest memory of rap was when I was about 5-6 years old. A friend of the family got me 

my very first album as a gift, it was Mc Solaar (french rapper who you might know from a Guru 

feature back in the day). No turning back ever since… 

I understand you learned English from Tupac and Nas albums? Is that true?

Yeah in a sense that’s true. I definitely got the basics from my father speaking to me in english 

as a child, but the way I talk and especially the way I rap was molded from listening to Pac and 

Nas mostly for sure. That’s why I can say that in a sense I learned a lot of my english through 

hip hop and movies. 

What else have you learned through Hip-Hop?

I really feel like Hip Hop was my third parent in a sense. I was conscientious enough as a kid 

to pick the right artists to listen to, but I learned so much I wouldn’t be able to list any particular 

thing. Hip Hop IS part of me, and who I am period. Hip Hop helped raise so many kids, and I 

was no exception. 

Tell me about your latest project?

I have a mixtape coming out at the end of january 2014. It’s been a LONG time coming! I’ve 

been rapping for about 14 years on and off, but never took it seriously until last year. This 

project is my “baby” in a sense. This one sets the bar for what’s to come this coming year for 

sure.

You also have a history with martial arts. Tell me about that.

Hip Hop and Martial Arts are the two main pillars in my life. If you want a common denominator 

to anyone I have met and done business with or anything in between for that matter, you can 

literally trace it back to either Hip Hop or Martial Arts (specifically Muay Thai and Jiu Jitsu). 

I started my Martial Arts journey when I was 6-7 years old with Judo…then stopped after a 

couple years to play soccer (like every kid in Europe), but got back into it with kung-Fu when 

I was 11. From there, I heard about Muay Thai when I was 14 and never looked back! Fast 

forward to 2007 when I started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with the Cesar Gracie Fight Team. Since then, 

I’ve been training mostly Jiu Jitsu, but was also teaching Muay Thai at Jake Shields MMA gym 

while I was a student at UC Berkeley.

You got a huge response from the CTRL Industries ad. Did you expect that?

To be honest I didn’t really know what to expect. But one thing I knew for sure is that it’s really 

difficult to mix rap with a certain “sport” and not make it sound all corny and wack…so I do feel 

like I was able to bridge the gap between hip hop/chess/and martial arts on that one song pretty 

nicely, while still keeping the true essence of Hip Hop intact.

Any last words?

I want to thank all the people who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. I want to thank 

my family and girlfriend for always being there for me, and my close friends as well. I also want 

to thank everyone around me who’ve been supporting me from day one, they know who they 

are.

Download his new mixtape Round 1 at www.kalhimusic.com 

Q&A with Hip Hop Chess Federation founder on partnership with East Bay schools

By: Juan Martinez

What do hip-hop music and chess have in common? The answer is simple according to Adisa Banjoko, the founder of the Hip Hop Chess Federation (HHCF), a non-profit organization that combines music, chess and martial arts to help young people promote nonviolence in their communities.

The art of rap and the game of chess are extremely competitive and difficult to master. In a game of chess, two people battle each other by making strategic moves on a board that has 64 squares. In a rap battle, two artists seek to display mental superiority, using similar survival strategies to a chess player, except that they duel with the wittiest rhymes to win.

Although Banjoko’s traveled all over the country organizing community outreach events, the Bay Area holds a special place in his heart. Banjoko once lived in Oakland and was a part of the ‘90s Bay Area hip-hop music scene. Currently, he is teaching chess and life strategies to students at Encinal High School in Alameda through a partnership with his friend John Fuentes, who oversees the after-school high school program for Bay Area Community Resources (BACR). From now to the end of this school year, Fuentes’ goal is to have Banjoko teach chess at several Oakland high schools as well.

Read the full story: http://blog.sfgate.com/inoakland/2014/04/11/qa-with-hip-hop-chess-federation-founder-on-partnership-with-east-bay-schools/