Will you stand alone as man, as a man has to sometimes....?

Be sure to teach your child the 3 C's!

Being a mentor is a full time job. It is often very hard to know if you are doing well at it.  I work with kids everyday in my organization, www.hiphopchessfederation.org . Today one of the kids I mentor was talking to me about his life goals (we will call him Marcus).  Sometimes Marcus jokes a lot. I saw some of  his constant joking as a mask.  I pulled him aside today, and after wishing him Happy New Year I asked “When you sit at home after school, what do you dream about being?”


Marcus quickly glanced around to make sure nobody could hear him and said without hesitation “A genetic engineer.”  His face was serene, but serious. You could tell he’s probably never shared that dream. It is my job to help him manifest that dream.

“So what is keeping you from that right now?” I inquired.

“Mostly my math grades” he said, using his foot to play with pebbles on the ground.

Marcus and I made a deal.  I told him I’d introduce him to an African American friend of mine at who worked in the field of genetic engineering. But he would have to bring his math grade up.  He smiled at the idea after we shook hands.

As we talked more I told him more about life after high school.  How quickly you and your friends no longer hang out.  How life gets in the way over time.  People go to college, get jobs, move away, have babies etc.  I told Marcus that it was important for him to really embrace his vision of what he wants to be, because he is truly in charge of it.

“In the end it all comes down to the three C’s” I said: College, career, or crime.

College: The best thing for you to do is stay in school.  This economy is cold right now.  It is harder to survive out here than you understand. You need the education and the network of college to get beyond the invisible walls of the ghetto.  College is essential.  There is no better option for you in this time.  If you won’t go to college, then you have to dedicate yourself personally to studying online, and spending your extra money on books. Nothing ensures your safety like knowledge.

Career: If you don’t stay in college, your career is your path to peace. You have to stay focused. You must to put in extra hours studying you craft, so you can excel. Be someone your boss can depend on. Try to do something you like, it will make the hard times easier.

Crime: If you fail to do the first two, crime is your destiny. An uneducated Black man, cannot get a job. A Black man with no job will inevitably get an empty stomach, because he’s a living organism. A Black man with an empty stomach for extended periods of time, will be compelled to do crime. You can’t afford to do crime. So choose one of the first two.  I fear for many of the young Black males at this school because they take the other two like it is a joke. This makes their destiny in prison almost guaranteed. But it does not have to be like that for them, or you.

The bell rang, Marcus smiled and thanked me. He gave me a pound and headed to class. “The three C’s!” he said walking off down the hall.

I hope sharing the three C’s work for Marcus. I hope sharing the three C’s with you helps somebody you care about.

If you are new to learning about HHCF, be sure to check this out

RADIO INTERVIEW: Martial Arts Weekly on Chess Martial Arts & Life

Outline of events for V-DAY!!

       Every registered player get this FREE HHCF V-Day Competitors Shirt 

Designed by Orisue and Karmaloop
REGISTER TO PLAY NOW: www.hiphopchessfederation.org 

V-DAY EVENT OUTLINE* As Always V-DAY IS A FREE ALL AGES EVENT

The Alum Rock Youth Center is located at 137 N. White Rd. in San Jose, CA.

10 AM-4 PM  [Sal, Bay Area Chess, Pam The Funkstress] Chess Tournament: Doors open at 10:30

12 PM- 1 PM [US Chess Federation Ruth Haring, Boondocks Asheru, SF State Prof. Dawn-Elissa Fischer, MMA Fighter Ralek Gracie] HHCF Panel, Moderated by T-KASH

1 PM [ Gumby, HHCF Jiu Jitsu Team] Kids Jiu Jitsu Workshop

2 PM [Gumby, HHCF Jiu Jitsu Team]Adult Jiu Jitsu Workshop AND Jiu Jitsu Exhibition]

3 PM [Dibiase, DLabrie, Rahman Jamaal, Shamako Noble, Zulu Nation B-boys w/ Special Guest]

4 PM [WE SHUT EM DOWN!!]

*Life happens but this is the plan and we're stickin' to it!! 

Here are some videos of past events to give you an idea of what to expect....

HHCF Orisue & Karmaloop Drop Limited Edition V-Day Competitors Shirt!

My good friends at www.karmaloop.com (the world best urban online clothing store) and www.orisue.com (one of the best urban brands out right now) were kind enough to design HHCF V-day shirts for all competitors for our rated Feb 11th tournament in San Jose. Every competitor will get a FREE shirt like the one above WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Sooo, I guess its time to sign up for the tournament huh? Do it now: www.hiphopchessfederation.org  

Green Castle Block always has good themes on chess

I enjoy his episodes a lot...I never thought about the importance of checking distance.

Another killer Jrobi tutorial on the English Opening

He always delivers....enjoy...

Journal of a BJJ Player, you need to learn about it

This is an amazing video series on jiu jitsu techniques. Do ALL of them at YOUR OWN RISK. Its important to have a certified instructor teach you moves. For those that have qualified teachers, these are good supplements.

DJ QBert LOVES Speed chess. I saw him play Vinay Bhatt a few times. Fun stuff....

Always remember to brush your teeth kids! And don't blow your speakers out when you play this please...

You still don't know about the connections between Hip-Hop and Martial Arts? Sit down...I'll teach you.

DJ Rob Swift Made Hip-Hop History Like No Other DJ

Most people know DJ Rob Swift for his work with Linkin Park and the X-Men aka X Ecutioners. But for me, his album Wargames is an untouchable masterpiece. He put it out shortly after 9/11. It was a statement against the war, and poverty...It was so courageous. It spoke to nonviolence. I think this is TRULY an album Dr. MLK Jr. would have supported and I don't like to make assumptions about dead leaders...

However, this record was immaculately executed from front to back. With a turntable, DJ Rob Swift was able to say things that rappers were unable and mostly too afraid to say. He really captured a lot of the emotional pain and confusion that our nation has been in since 9/11. And, you see the artwork is chess heavy. Its hard to find, but, I encourage you to get it. It has a DVD that comes with it....