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

LISTEN: HHCF Remembers Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (audio project predating HHCF on nonviolence)

You know, when people try to jump in the mix and claim anything.....All you have to do, is look into their past. What were they doing BEFORE what they claim...... I've never been all saint or all sinner. But my evolution as a MAN, and as a lover of peace, is undeniable. I came from a very sheltered suburban place. That led me to a very hardcore Black radical place. That Black radicalism led me to Taosim, Confucianism, Buddhism, Kemetic science and Islam. Those studies let me to nonviolence. My man Kool Kyle just posted an old mix we had an idea for in 2004 (2 years before the existence of HHCF) that championed the cause of MLK Jr. This actually aired on a conservative talk show I used to host. It was one of the things that got me kicked off the air KSFO I think.....Whatever Michael Savage was on....WE were on there via Icicle Networks.....Once of the first internet radio hubs in the bay......Please sit with this, LISTEN to things from MLK you don't often hear and walk with us on this path to peace. ASHE!! HOTEP!! SHALOM!! SALAAM!! PEACE!!http://soundcloud.com/baylando-records/got-m-l-k-megamix-2004

Help RZA and the HHCF Bring Chess and Peace to the Children of LA!!

Please take a moment to donate (as little as 20 bucks if you have it) to the HHCF expansion project to LA. I’m keeping it private until I get 15 donations. I know my peoples support what we do, and I know the economy sucks for everybody. Whatever you can do, please do. Much thanks in advance http://tilt.tc/BS3t

Jen Shahade giving great tips for beginners!!

BREAKING: RZA to Defend Chess King Title in LA!!

Wu-Tang Clan Leader RZA Defends HHCF Title at Chess Kings Invitational in Los Angeles

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Hosts Celebrity Chess Tournament to Help South Central LA  

Los Angeles, CA 1/13/14- The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) is proud to announce that it will host its upcoming Chess Kings Invitational , a celebrity chess tournament, at the Anaheim Business Expo on Sunday Feb 16th 2014. Wu-Tang Clan leader RZA will defend his title in an 8 man speed chess tournament. RZA won the first HHCF heavyweight title belt in 2007. See video here.

The HHCF will be teaming with a submission only (tapout only, no points) Braziian Jiu Jitsu tournament called the KO Finisher for the event. Some of the biggest names in jiu jitsu will gather together to prove their skills. A portion of the ticket sales will help the HHCF expansion into Los Angeles.   

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Founder, Adisa “The Bishop” Banjoko stated “The HHCF is very excited to be hosting an event in LA. No one has ever seen anything like what we are about to do. This event will help get HHCF the funds to start to after school programs in South Central Los Angeles. I have chosen Santee High School as one, and the other will be determined by RZA, our Director of Outreach. The HHCF is grateful to Kurt Osiander, Nick Greene and everybody at the KO Finisher for allowing us to join forces. Together we will showcase the power of jiu jitsu and chess to the planet.”

The events that day will include HHCF’s Founder giving a short 15 minute presentation on the philosophical connections between chess and jiu jitsu. The HHCF will also host a Mind Over Matter Panel featuring RZA, as well as notable chess masters,  martial arts masters and educators. It will be a discussion on how Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts can lead American youth to unity, strategy and nonviolence.

Dilated Peoples Rakaa Iriscience, Mike Relm, DJ Rob Flow and Quadir Lateef will be on hand and other special guests will be announced shortly. In related news, the HHCF recently releasedStreet Games Vol. 1 hosted by DJ Rob Flow and A-Plus of Souls of Mischief. Street Games is a profanity free mixtape about the connections between Hip-Hop Chess and martial arts. It includes A Technical Flow by Kalhi feat. UFC coach Ryron Gracie, 64 Squares in the Cipherby Sunspot Jonz, Zumbi and Rakaa Iriscience, The Chess Clock by Quadir Lateef and Jasiri X, and The Maurice Piece, a tribute to the first Black Grandmaster of chess, Maurice Ashley.

RZA has a message for those who seek to take his title: “I am looking forward to the upcoming chess battle at the HHCF Chess Kings Invitational in Los Angeles. To those knowing I have to defend my belt, get ready to protect ya neck.”

A full schedule of events for the Chess Kings Invitational will be posted shortly at

 www.facbook.com/hiphopchess

Hip-Hop Chess Federation 2013 Year in Review

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Year in Review 2013

Gumby, Asheru, Honorable Jimme Edwards, Adisa Banjoko, WCHOF Dir. Susan Barrett, Dr. James Peterson and Mike Relm

2013 was a busy year for the HHCF. We just wanted to take a minute to think some folks who helped make 2013 a year of growth despite the struggle. If you for some reason do not see your name, you have to know that the HHCF is deeply appreciative of every person, for every ounce of help given. Know that if you need us to return the favor we will be there.

The Hip-Hop Chess Federation at Harvard University

This year HHCF had a chance to present at a small event at Harvard University. We love Harvard (Adisa was lucky enough to have spoken there twice before). With the help of RZA from Wu-Tang Clan Adisa was able to get there. It was a great presentation.

Shoutout to Brian Coleman for his help in getting Adisa there, and being a fantastic host. Most people don’t know Adisa went straight from SF, to Boston, to a short nap, to fly right back to LA and shoot the Opera House Massacre. Then he drove with Gumby and his amazing wife Pam right up the coast to back to SF.  

Opera House Massacre

This was a project created by HHCF and video wizard Mike Relm to illustrate the connections between chess and jiu jitsu. Even got some cool support from Jesse Cale, Gumby, Henry Akins, Rener Gracie and Rakaa Iriscience. When it first dropped, I knew as peoples understanding of chess and jiu jitsu grew, the video would grow with it. We’ve got just under 40k hits and growing! The beat bangs, and moves are crispy. We will plan to have more experimental vids about Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts coming in 2014. Shout out to the World Chess Hall of Fame for supporting us pushing the artistic envelope on that one.

This was shot at Are 51 (aka secret location at Youtube film center in LA). They were amazing and everybody who helped make it happen- we love you.

SF Examiner Feature on HHCF

Anita Abedian did a great story on HHCF in the SF Examiner. It opens with a story that illustrates the extent HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko is willing to go to get a message to kids who are forgotten by many.

HHCF having fun with the youth at Innovative Concepts Academy in St. Louis

HHCF Sets it Off in St. Louis

Because of the kindness and open mind and spirit of Jennifer Shahade, we got an invitation to do some education events in St. Louis by the World Chess Hall of Fame. WCHOF Director, Susan Barrett has an amazing team (shoutout Laura, Shannon and Amanda) and amazing vision for how chess can help kids. The HHCF brought a team of folks including Gumby from Heroes Martial Arts, rapper Asheru, from the Boondocks Theme Song, Dr. James Peterson and Mike Relm. We went to Judge Jimmie Edwards Innovative Concepts Academy, Confluence Academy and St. Louis juvenile hall talking about how chess and enrich young minds and lives.

Beyond that, we got to work with and learn a lot from Jen, Maurice, Yasser and all the other cool folks from the St. Louis Chess Club (what up Mike and Matt!). Plus the food was off the hook.  

It was like going to the Mecca of chess. It really helped us understand the purpose of HHCF and the heavy lifting that must be done to save American minds. We look forward to doing more amazing things with WCHOF in 2014. We can’t wait to get back out there.

HHCF and CTRL Industries

This year Rakaa Iriscience ( a tireless warrior for Hip-Hop Chess Federation) connected us to magnificent art and mind Blayne Barlow. He runs a clothing brand CTRL Industries. They promote self control and showcasing the beauty of jiu jitsu subculture. We did an ad together with one of the best jiu jitsu raps ever done by Kalhi . Shout out to Chris and Christine Nguyen, David McLeod and Yin Dumela for making such a great commercial for CTRL’s Rook II jiu jitsu kimono.  You can listen to an extended version of the song with an intro from Ryron Gracie right HERE! Just click the player to the right.

HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko Address at San Jose City Hall

This was a talk our Founder, Adisa Banjoko gave to more than 300 students from across San Jose. It got a fantastic response and it illustrates why HHCF is leading the charge for education innovation.

HHCF Breakdown of Methodology

Adisa Banjoko and music producer Ronnie Lee at Hiero Day holding down the 64.

A lot of what we do, specifically has been kept in the dark by design. It was not done to be sneaky, the HHCF methodology has been being tested for the last 7 years now. But this year, HHCF Founder decided to share more of what is happening and why this odd fusion of Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts works. These were things beyond 3PA > 1NT and the PPC Code. Articles like One Big Chess Game, A Techincal Flow and Chess Clock began to highlight their unique approach to how chess and life are connected. Some of these articles will be published in full form in Adisa Banjokos’ upcoming book Live The Game slated for release in May of 2014.

HHCF Street Games Vol. 1 Mixtape

HHCF ended the year releasing a FREE profanity free mixtape. Twenty-five powerful songs from artits from all over the world that deal with peace, love, unity and having fun. DJ Rob Flow and Ronnie Lee led the music charge on this project. Songs like Chess Clock, One Big Chess Game, 64 Squares in the Cipher and others really showed that HHCF is on another level and unlike any other organization out there.  

There was much more to say, but we wanted to just thank all the people who made the above happen. We’d also like to acknowledge some of the following people and institutions for their help and support in 2013 : RZA, GZA, Rugged Monk, Tam, Rakaa Iriscience, Onthemat.com, Paul Moran and everybody at Open Mat Radio, www.sfgoldman.com, Tom Callos, everybody at Heroes Martial Arts, Chasing Lions Cafe in San Francisco, Joe Schloss, John O’Connell High School (Mark Alvarado, Mr. Flores, G, Mama Bev, Steve, Bonacorso, Moskowitz, Kay Hones and Goldstien) , Demone Carter and Future Arts Now, Zak and Salwa of Northstar School,  Andrew “Society” Bigelow, San Jose Universal Zulu Nation Chapter, SF All Tribes Universal Zulu Nation Chapter, Brycen, Rahman Jamaal, Daaim Shabazz, The Shakoor Family, Santini Family, Kurt Osiander, Nick Greene and Ralph Gracie, Ryron, Ralek and Rener Gracie (you guys rock), Seven Trees Music Center, Ed and Kiersten from Seven Trees Community Center in San Jose, Clyde and everybody at Flux Research, Chess.com, Kristen and JP, David Bitton and EVERY artist and producer for the HHCF Mixtape.

PLAY THESE LOUD!!!! HHCF Street Games Mixtape Feature:

OPEN THE WINDOWS AND LET THE BLOCK KNOW WHO YOU ROLL WITH!! #HHCF

LISTEN:  Karma of the Streets by Tyson

LISTEN: Fallen Angels by Black Knights

LISTEN:  Living Tribute to GZA of Wu-Tang Clan by Mike Relm

LISTEN: A Living Tribute to Grandmaster Maurice Ashley

Check out these amazing tracks from the HHCF Mixtape!!

1. The Maurice Piece (A Living Tribute to Maurice Ashley)  By DJ Rob Flow

2. Gold Out West by Society

3. Drip Drop Drizzle by King Khazm

We hope you enjoy these tracks. Remember, you can download the entire 100% curse free  mixtape at www.datpiff.com/mixtapes-detail.php?id=552859

FULL DOWNLOAD: Street Games Vol.1 Mixtape (100% curse free)

One Big Chess Game

Here is a special essay I wrote as a guest blogger on New Black Man, ran by super historian  Mark  Anthony  Neal. 

My first few days teaching life strategies to at-risk and gang impacted youth using chess, I met three Latino boys. The first was heavyset with black marble eyes, dark curly hair and a body like Baby Huey. The second was super thin with reddish brown Aztec skin, small beady eyes and an unusually slim face. The third, at first glance you might miss really easy. He had an average build, average height but a very sweet smile. Oddly though, his eyes had no emotion- like a snake. It was deeply unsettling. That’s what I remember about meeting him for the first time. I recall going home and telling my wife “I think I met a killer today.”

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE 

NEW MUSIC!!! Chess Clock by Quadir Lateef feat. Jasiri X

    Chess Clock by Quadir Lateef & Jasiri X