HHCF Chess and Jiu-Jitsu Student Neutralizes Bully

Many people often get confused about what we do. At the end of the day, we teach non violence through the fusion of art and logic. We pull wisdom from wherever we find it. But we mostly find it from blending concepts from Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts.  It takes a lot more to explain how we do what we do and why it works. At the end of the day however, we teach peace. That is what HHCF does. The good grades, the scholarships, the trophies are just things some of the kids get on the way to a fruitful life.

The creation of our org, the lectures across the country, our exhibit at the World Chess Hall of Fame in 2014, our championship dance teams, the book Bobby, Bruce & the Bronx: The Secrets of Hip-Hop Chess are all tied to that endgame- nonviolence.

We recently announced our Chess and Jiu-Jitsu classes and I am happy to say it is growing. Each class is a fusion of chess instruction and gaming and jiu-jitsu or wrestling positions. Assistant jiu-jitsu instructor Sammy Teame and wrestling coach Andrew Swank ensure each class is technically on point and physically demanding. In every class we always return to the importance of emotional mastery, kindness and mercy. You always hope these things reach our students, but you are never sure.

The other day one of my students told me had gotten into a physical altercation. He is 14 and while off campus a bully (who was acting very immature) and hit my student in the face with leaves on the branch of a tree branch. My student told him to not do it again in a respectful, but firm way. The bully took it as a challenge and did it again and ran off.

He said to me “I chased him, and then as I got close to him he threw a fist full of acorns at me as he turned to face me.”  From his repetition in training, after being approached he was quickly able to get to the bullies back and begin applying a choke hold. He said he felt the bully tense up  from not being able to escape the hold. The bully could feel the dominance of the position as my student got ready to squeeze. Then my student remembered the talks on nonviolence I gave in class. Released the choke put one hand and put the bully's arm behind his back and pushed him away. He again told the bully to stop being childish and leave him alone. When I asked him specifically HOW he got to the kids back, he replied “I don’t know how. I just got there.” This impressed me.

After being pushed away, the bully got enraged and charged him. Again my student got to his back, and reset the choke. He was angry he said at this point. He let go of the choke again, and bear hugged the bully to prepare to suplex him. Then he said he thought about how dangerous it would be to slam him on cement. He also thought about how mad I’d be at him for seriously hurting a kid he did not have to hurt.

My student let him go. The bully, realizing the level of mercy being given him stopped harassing my student.

I was happy to hear a few things:

1. That he did not recall how he got to the choke. I was happy to see he was not bogged down in mechanical thinking.
2. That he did not fully apply the choke or slam the bully on the concrete. In a world where young men love to express rage and power as others film it I was proud of him for being his own man.
3. That the work I do to teach nonviolence had a tangible outcome that made this kid, his school and the world a little more safe. If only in a super small way, in a small city, with ONE kid- it happened.

His father took me outside and thanked me for teaching his son. I was thankful to him, for trusting me with his son and joining our chess and jiu-jitsu program. I feel good. This is not a scientific study. But it is real. A new student starts tonight. I look forward to helping this youngster grow on the chessboards, on the mats and in life in a similar way. I hope in the future, all of our children can learn how to return injury with kindness through the fusion of chess and jiu-jitsu.

Join today at www.hiphopchess.com

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

Adisa Banjoko on Tupac, Machiavelli and Chess at Skyline College THIS SAT

From Machiavelli to Makaveli: The Strategic Life of Tupac Shakur

RTSB Facilitator: Adisa Banjoko

This presentation will cover Tupac’s life in jail and how reading the works of Niccolo Machiavelli and Sun Tzu’s Art of War helped him prepare for his years at Death Row.

If you live in the bay area you should come out to this!!! 

For more info visit www.rocktheschoolbells.com 

Listen to Adisa Banjoko on The Dope Science Show!! #Chess #Steam #Stem + more!!

If you have never heard The Dope Science Show, you are missing something extremely cool. A week or so back they were kind enough to interview HHCF's own Adisa Banjoko about all things related to Hip-Hop, chess, science, steam, stem and all things in between. We encourage you to check it out, follow them and enjoy a fun conversation. Shout out to Science Stuff with Steph for being a great host. Be sure to follow @thedopescience show on Twitter. Here is the link to THE DOPE SCIENCE SHOW!

Rock The School Bells Gives HHCF Legacy Award!!

Much love and thanks to Rock The School Bells for honoring us with the coveted Legacy Award. If you are unfamiliar with the organization they are a leader in Hip-Hop Education. Their next event is March 11, 2017!!! I will be there giving a talk on Tupac and strategy. For more info visit Rock The School Bells site today!!!

Unity in Diversity Was Amazing!!! Amazing

Moderator Miki Noda, DJ AkkikoLUV, Zumbi of Zion I and Sumi Dumela on the technology and culture panel.

Gratitude. That is all I can define my heart's state as. This Sat, the HHCF hosted it's inaugural Unity in Diversity event. It was an attempt to bring a select number of technology people, artists and educators together and talk about the things we love. In the history of my life I have thrown many, many events. All with varied rates of success and failure. Never has any one event I've thrown seemed so well quarterbacked and prepared only to quickly disintegrate at a rapid rate before my eyes. It went from a two day event to a one day event.

The short version of what happened is that I was overextended as a person. As a father, as a husband, promoter, a teacher, a jiu-jitsu student and a friend. But we all have our own issues. It's not all sunshine and rainbows out here. I know that. After a point though, the disintegration was so consistent my heart was becoming hard.

I almost canceled it all a day or two before. Were it not for the actions GOD, of my wife and kids, and friends like Itoco Garcia Paul Moran Chuck Creekmur, AkikoLUV Tomie KingKash Lenear Kevin Clark, Amir Abdul-Shakur and his family, Jay Williams D'Juan "Dirty South" Owens Vince Bayyan Andre Swank, Alan Marques, Iriscience there is no doubt it SURELY would have been canceled.

As I sat up till 4:30 AM the night before I was being terrorized by many levels of failure the event could reach. I was trying to preemptively apologize all the mistakes. Then I realized no matter how bad, or good your world is going. All you can do is get up, take a shower and walk out the door and see what the next day brings. I want to apologize to all the people who were scheduled to speak that were unable to participate due to circumstances beyond our control. I'm resolved to ensuring you all participate in Unity in Diversity II which will be announced in the coming months.

Despite my fears about low turn out and other concerns, Unity in Diversity was amazing. The panels were off the chain. The moderators were on fire. The crowd was dope. The beats banged. Styles were dropped. Lessons were taught. The opening Hip-Hop and Education panel moderated by Daniel Zarazua with Jose Guerra, Mazi Mutafa, Leroy Moore, Dr. Elliot Gann and Dr. Itoco Garcia was really powerful. It highlighted the innovative things many people are doing to inform and inspire kids inside and beyond the classroom.

Artist Amina Lei (center in all black) with UID attendees

The martial arts panel was mind blowing. The technology and culture panel was deeply insightful. Milan Drake was like Rakim talking about technology. Until you have watched Zion I Crew talk with UX Designers about bias in the algorithm you have not lived. Until you see gems from Casey Wong and Tom Callos open hearts and minds simultaneously you have missed something amazing. Mike Relm and his wife drove all the way up to the bay to moderate. That is love. I love Mike Relm though. Blood family level.

Leroy Moore came and brought amazing gems. So did Mya Canty, Miki Noda and Sumi Dumela.

Laughter and understanding were shared. I'm so thankful.

The next day, Paul Moran came and taught my jiu-jitsu kids class. He opened and closed the class with meditation. We hung most of the day. The things he showed me about jiu-jitsu I did not know. He will always be my brother.   

                                         Paul Moran of Open Mat Radio observing HHCF kids chess match! 

Super special shout out to the hardest working woman in Hip-Hop, Christie Z at Tools of War Jams for her consistent promotion of Unity in Diversity. I also want to thank Chuck Creekmur at Allhiphop.com and Kevin Clark of Okayplayer.com for letting folks know about Unity in Diversity and I want to thank all the people who participated as well as all the people who tried to. Forgive me for all the mistakes in the planning and execution. Jose Guerra built a custom made podium for David D. Timony to give the first Unity in Diversity keynote on artificiall intelligence. That is so amazing. Amina Lei brought amazing art. So much to tell. Much love to DJ Just Jay (follow him @Urbanumpires on IG) . He kept it rocking from front to back.

Dr. Terri Givens to Give Closing Keynote at #UnityInDiversity on College Readiness

Most parents do all they can to ensure their kids get into college. But what can we do to have better clarity on how well prepared they are? Dr. Terri Givens, Provost at Menlo College will give a powerful talk that helps parents and students understand what it takes to be college ready. Do not miss this event. It is all ages and tix are going fast Get tix here!!!

Technology and Hip-Hop: Innovating Beyond The Code!! Come out as a family.

Come to our upcoming Unity in Diversity event Feb 26th and see an amazing panel of tech experts talk about Technology, and Hip-Hop beyond the code. Get tix here! This is an all ages event and we expect a lot of great people coming out. If you are  a teacher, a student or a parent looking for new insights, this is the event to be at. Do not miss this.

Artificial Intelligence, Chess and the Mind Feb 25th!! #UnityInDiversity

If you love technology. If you love looking into the essence of cognitive function. If you love chess, come out to this amazing talk by Dr. David Timony.

TIX HERE! 

HHCF Hosts Hip-Hop Education Event Blending Art & Technology: Unity in Diversity Feb 25-26!!

This will be a 2 day event. A lot of top people from technology, Hip-Hop and the education world will be there. IF you are a parent or an educator or a student....You want to be at this.

Get tix here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unity-in-diversity-trends-in-hip-hop-ed-art-technology-tickets-31246996608

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Contact:

Meek Gaborski

888-588-4418

bishopsoffice@hiphopchess.com

Two Day Event Centered on Hip-Hop Education, Art and Technology

Scholars, Artists and Technology Leaders talk STEAM, STEM and College Readiness at Unity in Diversity in SF Bay Area

1/23/17 San Jose, CA- Hip-Hop Chess Federation 501(c)3 is proud to announce it will be hosting a two day event for parents, and educators about the latest trends in Hip-Hop Education, art and technology. Unity in Diversity: Hip-Hop Ed, Art and Technology

will be a series of community conversation about how teachers, artists and innovators are informing and inspiring our youth. Dr. David Timony of Delaware Valley University will give the first keynote entitled Real Genius or Artificial Intelligence? Dr. Terri Givens of  Menlo College will close the second day with College Readiness: Myth Vs. Reality.

There will also be special guest performances to be announced shortly to close each day's event.  Unity in Diversity is an ALL AGES event at costs $10.00 for both days to ensure it affordable.  The event will be a 2 day event Feb 25-26 2017. It will take place at 42660 Christy St. Suite B, Fremont, CA 94538.  

“In chess all pieces have their own movements” said HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko.      ”Alone they can do very little. However, united they can achieve amazing things. The same is true in education. We are giving parents and educators immediate access to one another so both can find the best tools to get their kids college ready. This is just the beginning.” Participants include Hip-Hop producer Dug Infinite, NBC 11 Technology Anchor Scott Budman, rapper Aliah Sharrief, Dr. Charity Clay, Zion I, Dr. Elliot Gann and Nate Nevado among others. There will also be a youth led panel.

Topics include: The Hamiltonization of Hip-Hop: Is Commerce Killing The Culture,

Fight Philanthropy: How Martial Artists Give Back, Innovating Beyond the Code and Hip-Hop, Technology and Gender among others.

Unity in Diversity Outline of Events

Feb 25th:

11 AM Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders: Where Do We Get it Right and Where Do We Fall Short? Dr. Itoco Garcia (Cherryland Elementary), Leroy Moore ( Krip Hop Nation), Aliah Sharrief (Artist Activist), Ras Ceylon (Educator/Activist) Moderator, Daniel Zarazua (Founder Pochino Press/ Educator Unity High School)- Moderator- T-KASH (Student Parent Counselor UC Berkeley)

2 PM Panel Fight Philanthropy: How Martial Artists Give Back Panelists- Paul Moran (Founder Open Mat Radio/ Philanthropist), Casey Wong (Hip-Hop Ed scholar/Martial Artist), Rahman Jamaal (Rap Force Academy), Tom Callos (The 100/Philanthropist), Gumby (Heroes Martial Artst/Philanthropist), Eliot Kelly (Jiu-Jitsu Inst/Educator) Moderator- D’Juan Owens (Founder, Fight 4 Uganda)

4 PM Panel (1:15 min w/ 45 min intermission) Hip-Hop, Art, Technology and Gender Panelists- Dr. Charity Clay (Sociology Prof. Merritt College), Mya Canty (100% College), Miki Noda (5th Element), Moderator- Meek Gaborski, HHCF VP of Operations

6 Keynote: Real Genius or Artificial Intelligence? Dr. David Timony of Delaware Valley University

Feb 26th:

11 AM SPECIAL YOUTH PANEL- TBD (lineup announced soon)

2 PM Panel (1:15 min w/ 45 min intermission) The Hamiltonization of Hip-Hop: Is Commerce Killing The Culture? Panelists- Demone Carter (Future Arts Now), Doug Infinite (Producer of Common), Nate Nevado (Rock The School Bells), Mazi Mutafa (Words Beats & Life),Moderator- Vince Bayaan, Southeast Dir. for HHCF

4 PM Panel Technology, Science and Hip-Hop: Innovating Beyond the Code Panelists- Milan Drake (Yes We Code), Andrew Swank (UX Engineer, Google), Stephanie Lowe (The Dope Science Show), Sumi Banjoko (Coder/ Founder Fashion Cali) Moderator- Scott Budman, NBC News 11

6 Keynote Dr. Terri Givens (Provost Menlo College): College Readiness: Myth Vs. Reality

SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES WILL BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY.

HHCF 2016 Year in Review!

Happy New Year!! 2016 was a fantastic year for Hip-Hop Chess Federation Inc. The demand has never been greater.

In case you missed it, the media loves us.

Watch: KPIX TV (see our HHCF Chess Club at O'Connell HS by Kenny Choi)

Listen: The Cipher Show Podcast (interviewed by Forbes writer Shawn Setaro)

HHCF Chess & Life Strategies taught as a class at John O'Connell HS- You read correctly. Hip-Hop Chess Federation teaches chess and life strategies as a class in SFUSD. We show how chess and life is connected. We use those connections to help kids make decisions on academic and real life situations. It has been our greatest achievement and honor to date. We also have an amazing group with work with on weekends at College Track in Oakland, Unity High in Oakalnd and Cherryland Elementary in Hayward.. They are some of the greatest kids I've ever had the honor to teach. I feel like these three schools are without question our greatest groups of kids to work with ever. If you would like us at your  school please email contact@hiphopchessfederation.org !

The release of Bobby, Bruce & The Bronx: The Secrets of Hip-Hop Chess- After ten years of research we finally have a book out. It is a self-help book for teens and adults fusing classical chess tactics, Hip-Hip street psychology, and martial arts philosophy to keep you sharp in life. The book has a 5 star rating on Amazon. Now our curriculum can be absorbed worldwide. Get one today or lose to those who have.

Super Bowl 50 on stage with Beyonce, Bruno Mars and Coldplay- The whole team is still in shock. A select number of HHCF Raw Elite kids were invited to participate in the historic Superbowl 50 Halftime Show. Most were part of the amazing choreography on the field. Some were lucky enough to get on stage with Beyonce and Coldplay in the ending session of the halftime show. The rehearsals were insane but he opportunity was priceless.

HHCF National and Regional Titles- I cannot put into words how proud I am of the HHCF Raw Elite Team. I am the strength and conditioning coach. A lot of people forget how much work I do with girls. It is some of the most rewarding work I do. These boys and girls have what it takes to push through and work together. Our cheer and Lyrical Dance team won. Our Lyrical team though, not only won their division. These girls won a bid to compete in Las Vegas this year. If I could only tell you how many frustrating practices, blood, sweat and true tears it took to do what we did. I want to commend the coaches and the parents for their faith in the kids and faith in themselves.  We also had big wins in Hawaii and Santa Cruz. If you think your son or daughter would enjoy the fun and fitness that comes with competitive cheer please visit www.rawtalents.org  .

Also, the ever amazing Grant Torino just joined HHCF as a Hip-Hop dance teacher. This young man is second to none. His choreography is top tier and his ability to give kids confidence in their movements is truly unique.

HHCF Jiu-Jitsu Team wins big at US Open- Chess is jiu-jitsu for the mind. Jiu-Jitsu is chess for the body. That is the HHCF motto. Our team, took time to develop. We are small. I call us the 300. We are not big in number, but we are mighty. Our debut at the US Open was amazing Both kids and adults had amazing fun and won medals. 2017 should prove to open more doors. Our wrestling coach Andrew and our BJJ coach Sammy show practical, effective techniques. Our chess and jiu-jitsu program teaches blends the complimentary concepts from chess and jiu-jitsu. Each class ends with students on the board applying pins, forks and checkmates physically and mentally.   If your son or daughter would like to join call 888 588 4418. If you appreciate the spirit in which we teach, embrace nonviolence and love the gentle art, please get the OFFICIAL HHCF gi for women OR men at www.deusfight.com . We are forever grateful for their support in our team.




HHCF MMA Fighter D'Juan Owens Teaches in Uganda- After winning in MMA and Jiu-Jitsu matches this year D'Juan took some time to go teach kids in Uganda. It was an amazing journey. He taught Hip-Hop dance as well as classes self defense centered on kids and women. D'Juan was a great example of leadership on and off the mats.

Adisa Banjoko speaking at Kennedy Center in DC- The crown jewel of the year was an unexpected invite to keynote at the Words Beats and Life WBL Fest in DC. For the first time, I gave a talk about the hidden connections between Bruce Lee, the early art battle DJ'ing and its connection to the brains exercising executive function. It was received so well. I was so scared. You can hear a segment of it on Bishop Chronicles Podcast.

Honorable mentions in regards to our impact this year include HHCF Summer Program (funded by RZA). We taught chess, jiu-jitsu and entrepreneurship to kids. We had an HHCF  chess program in Alameda County juvenile hall. Tupac's sister Set Shakur, Ryron Gracie and Ralston Gracie came to visit our HQ. Rapper T-KASH dropped an album about nonviolence  AND he ran yet another Oakland Running Festival to bring more attention to nonviolence. We also hosted the DMC Bay Area DJ championships. The crowd was massive and amazing. Also, one of our performing arts kids was cast in a new movie starring Ludacris called Ride. Look for it in 2017.

What do we need help doing? We need help growing. The demand for our programs is much higher than we can currently manage. We need help scaling. We need grant writers and we need help building our fundraising capabilities. If you can help us please contact us at contact@hiphopchessfederation.org. 

Thank you to all our sponsors and donors. You mean the world to us. Without you, none of the help we give the youth is possible. If you would like to donate to HHCF, a 501(c)3 nonprofit please visit www.hiphopchess.com and donate today!