Join HHCF Drive to Open Community Center!

The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is attempting to launch a community center where the elements of Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts can be taught full time! To learn how you can help visit CROWDTILT.COM , #donate and #share with other folks you know. Thanks in advance for the support!!

LISTEN: HHCF Founder Adisa Banjoko Featured on New Zealand Radio National

I was lucky enough to be interviewed by Kathryn Ryan of Radio New Zealand National about the deeper social/political environment that gave birth to the fusion of chess and Hip-Hop. I think, you will like it. Her questions were seriously thought out and well framed.
LISTEN:
http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2589225/feature-adisa-banjoko-hiphop-scholar,-chess-player

Happy Birthday Flavor Flav!!!

    Happy birthday to the one and only FLAVOR FLAV!!!!
   L-R: HHCF Educational Dir. Arash Daneshzadeh, Flavor Flav, Chuck D and  HHCF's Adisa Banjoko

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Expands to Oakland High Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PR Contact: 

memg@hiphopchessfederation.org

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Expands to Oakland High Schools

HHCF Teams with B.A.C.R. to Offer Chess & Life Strategy Classes to East Bay Youth

Oakland, CA, 3/4/14-  The Hip-Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) will begin teaching Chess and Life Strategies classes to teens in Oakland and greater Alameda County later this month. The HHCF is the first 501(c)3 to fuse music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence. Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) has brokered a partnership with HHCF to bring their innovative approach to chess and life to youth and teens across the greater East Bay. The first classes will begin at Encinal High School in Alameda.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Founder, Adisa Banjoko stated “Our plan is to teach the universal themes of music, and chess to the youth.  We know the fusion of those help promote the teaching the value of nonviolence. We are are honored to have this new alliance with Bay Area Community Resources. John Fuentes of BACR is a visionary in the world of Hip-Hop and education. The HHCF is happy to have this opportunity to help heal the climate of violence for the children of Oakland and Alameda County.”    

The HHCF recently announced its award winning chess program is expanding to Santee Education Complex, in South Central Los Angeles. Two weeks ago actor and rapper RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan won the HHCF’s Chess Kings Invitational tournament in Anaheim.  FULL AUDIO OF RZA’s talk with Sons of Anarchy star Emilio Rivera and members of LAUSD about the merits of chess and music for at-risk and gang impacted teens  can be heard in its entirety at The Journey Podcast .Rappers Immortal Technique, Zion I, T-KASH, The Jacka, Dilated Peoples, DJ QBert, Mike Relm and many others from the Hip-Hop community participated in HHCF community outreach events. The HHCF has been featured in Forbes, Chess Life, Good Morning America and the NY Times for their innovative approach to chess.

John Fuentes, High School After School Program Manager for Bay Area Community Resources stated “I am excited to begin a formal partnership with the Hip-Hop Chess Federation. I have known Adisa Banjoko for many years. Having had an opportunity to bring him and the HHCF into my after school program is amazing. The HHCF offers young people the opportunity to critically think, strategize, problem solve, anticipate and develop the necessary skills to navigate their high school education and navigate through life.

In related news, the HHCF recently released Street Games Vol. 1 hosted by DJ Rob Flow and A-Plus of Hieroglyphics. Street Games Vol. 1 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 Cipher by 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.

For more information on Hip-Hop Chess Federation visit www.hiphopchessfederation.org or follow @realhiphopchess on Instagram. 

LISTEN: RZA, Emilio Rivera (Sons of Anarchy), Rakaa Iriscience and more on Chess, Art and Education

Dr. Sergio Flores, Dr. Martin Gomez ans Emilio Rivera on chess and Education

The  Mind Over Matter panel featured RZA, actor Emilio Rivera from Sons of Anarchy, Dr. Martin Gomez Principal of Santee High, Dr. Sergio Flores Director of Partnership for LA Schools, Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, and LA Chessboxing Champion Andrew McGregor. The panelists discussed how Hip-Hop, chess and martial arts can lead American youth to unity, strategy and nonviolence. FULL AUDIO OF RZA’s talk on the Mind Over Matter Panel can be heard in its entirety at The Journey Podcast . http://thejourneypodcast.com/portfolio/special-episode-mind-over-matter/

RZA Retains HHCF Chess King Title !!

READ FULL STORY HERE: RZA Retains HHCF Chess King Title!

I know its kinda late, things have been NUTS, good nuts....More behind the scenes stuff to drop soon.

RZA of Wu-Tang Clan to Play "Alvarez" from Sons of Anarchy for HHCF Belt in Los Angeles Feb 16th!!!

For Immediate Release

PR Contact: Meek Gaborski

memg@hiphopchessfederation.org

RZA of Wu-Tang Clan Plays "Alvarez" from Sons of Anarchy at Hip-Hop Chess Tournament to Help Los Angeles Schools

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

Los Angeles, CA 2/14/14- 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's 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. Through Crowdtilt.com they hosted an online fundraiser to teach chess and non-violence to Los Angeles youth. They raised the 5k needed to launch the program in two LA schools.

The HHCF will be teaming with a submission only (tapout only, no points) Braziian Jiu Jitsu tournament called the KO Finisher www.kofinisher.com 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 beautiful fusion of jiu jitsu, chess and non-violence to the planet.”

The events that day will include HHCF’s Founder giving a short 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 released Street 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 Cipher by 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.

UFC Fighter, Brendan Schaub, Emilio Rivera aka "Alvarez" from Sons of Anarchy and Malcolm Mays aka "Tahime" from Life of a King will also be playing in the Chess Kings Invitational with many others from Hip-Hop,MMA and film industry.

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.”

SPECIAL THANKS to our sponsors: www.ctrlindustries.com, www.studioannecarltonchess.com, www.uschess.org,  www.openmatradio.com, www.thechessdrum.net, www.chess.com, www.dstryrsg.com and www.timbuk2.com !

A full schedule of events for the Chess Kings Invitational is posted below . Learn more about HHCF at www.hiphopchessfedertion.org !!

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 and GZA from Wu-Tang Clan, The Jacka, 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 in 2013. Visit their official website at www.hiphopchessfederation.org .

RZA and HHCF Founder Adisa “The Bishop” Banjoko

HHCF Chess Kings Invitational Schedule

WHERE: Anaheim Business Expo

1960 S Anaheim Way, Anaheim, CA 92805

Mind Over Matter Panel: Hip-Hop, Chess & Education at 1 PM - 2 PM

This panel will discuss how chess and martial arts can improve the current state of education and society at large. It will also cover some of the more subtle challenges and innovative solutions available in today’s schools.

Music provided by: DJ Havik MZK/Beat Junkies & DJ Dyps MZK Universal Zulu Nation

RZA- Wu-Tang Clan, Author Wu Manual and Tao of Wu

Emilio Rivera- Actor, Sons of Anarchy/ Gang Related

Andrew McGregor - LA Chessboxing Founder, Photojournalist

Dr. Martin Gomez - Phd Principal at Santee Education Complex

Sergio Flores - Senior Dir. of Transformation of Secondary Schools for Partnership for LA Schools

Rakaa Iriscience- Rapper, Dilated Peoples, Gracie Jiu Jitsu Purple belt

Jiu Jitsu & Chess Exhibition 2:15 : Feat. Rugged Monk of Black Knights + Gumby and Scotty from www.onthemat.com

A short live illustration between positional and philosophical correlations between chess and jiu jitsu

HHCF Chess King Invitational Tournament at 2:45 PM

RZA - HHCF Chess King Title Holder, Wu-Tang Clan / Man With The Iron Fists)

Emilio Rivera- Actor, Sons of Anarchy/ Gang Related

Brendan Schaub (UFC/Metamoris Fighter)

Cliff Curtis- Actor, Trauma, Missing, Training Day    

Rugged Monk - Rapper, Black Knights

Shafiq Husayn- Producer, Sa-Ra, Eryka Badu, Talib Kweli

Ralek Gracie - Gracie Jiu Jitsu Master / MMA Fighter

Malcolm Mays- Actor, Life of A King

HHCF Health Corner:

Dr. Peter Goldman, chiropractor to BJ Penn, Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields, Rickson Gracie, Clark Gracie, Eddie Bravo, Rigan Machado, Bas Rutten, NFL players, Pro Hockey players and many other of the world's best professional athletes will be adjusting 2PM to 4PM Adjustments are $95. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Pete email sfgoldman@gmail.com. His website is www.sfgoldman.com

HHCF Cipher: TBD

(CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

BREAKING: Hip-Hop Chess Federation Featured in San Jose Mercury News !!!

SAN JOSE -- From the confines of a tiny studio nestled in the city's Seven Trees neighborhood, an upstart group that burst onto the scene seven years ago by introducing Bay Area youth to an innovative fusion of chess, martial arts and hip-hop still found itself an underdog needing to increase its profile.

That moment may be here for the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, which tapped the studio -- housed in a community center and library -- to record a locally produced album steadily gaining buzz in the hip-hop underground, coinciding with its expansion to the Los Angeles area.

READFULL STORY HERE!!

HHCF Chess Kings Invitational Tentative schedule!!!

HHCF Chess Kings Invitational Schedule

Mind Over Matter Panel at 1 PM - 2 PM

This panel will discuss how chess and martial arts can improve the current state of education and society at large. It will also cover some of the more subtle challenges and innovative solutions available in today’s schools.

RZA- Wu-Tang Clan, Author Wu Manual and Tao of Wu

Andrew McGregor - LA Chessboxing Founder, Photojournalist

Dr. Martin Gomez - Phd Principal at Santee Education Complex

Sergio Flores - EDD Dir. of Transformation at Partnership for LA Schools

Asheru - Rapper of Boondocks Theme Song & Educator Washington DC

Jiu Jitsu & Chess Exhibition 2:15 : Feat. TBA with Gumby and Scotty from www.onthemat.com

A short live illustration between positional correlations between chess and jiu jitsu

HHCF Chess King Invitational Tournament at 2:45 PM

RZA - HHCF Chess King Title Holder, Wu-Tang Clan / Man With The Iron Fists)

Ralek Gracie - Gracie Jiu Jitsu Master / MMAFighter

Brendan Schaub (UFC/Metamoris Fighter)

Rugged Monk - Rapper, Black Knights

4 More Players TBA

HHCF Health Corner:

Dr. Peter Goldman, chiropractor to BJ Penn, Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields, Rickson Gracie, Clark Gracie, Eddie Bravo, Rigan Machado, Bas Rutten, NFL players, Pro Hockey players and many other of the world's best professional athletes will be adjusting 2PM to 4PM Adjustments are $95. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Pete email sfgoldman@gmail.com. His website is www.sfgoldman.com

HHCF Cipher: TBD

OPEN GAMING ALL DAY, COME OUT AND PLAY A FEW GAMES WITH YOUR FRIENDS

SPECIAL THANKS to our sponsors: www.ctrlindustries.com, www.studioannecarltonchess.com, www.uschess.org,  www.openmatradio.com, www.thechessdrum.net, www.chess.com www.dstryrsg.com and www.timbuk2.com !

(CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

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