Hip-Hop Chess Federation

[GeneChing]

Adisa mentioned he had something east coast in the works.

PRESS RELEASE: June 2008
For Immediate Release
Contact: M. Gaborski
877.502.5758 ext. 8
Shinken Communications

The Hip Hop Chess Federation is proud to celebrate the 9 QUEENS' KNOCKOUT INVITATIONAL

New York, NY- June 29, 2008 - Join an all-star roster of hip-hop legends and inspirational chess players for an afternoon of chess, music, and art.

Featuring:
RZA - Legendary Wu-Tang Clan, Actor as seen in American Gangster. Other works include Kill Bill, Afro Samurai, etc.
Jennifer Shahade - 9 Queens' co-founder, Women's Grandmaster and two-time American Women's Chess Champion
Adisa Banjoko - Founder of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, Award Winning Author and Speaker
Maurice Ashley - World's 1st African American International Chess Grandmaster
Jay Smooth - Creator of illdoctrine.com and host of the longest running hip-hop radio show in New York City
Rugged Monk - From the Black Knights Youth female chess players from Intermediate School 318 Brooklyn, long running national chess champions

Join the Hip-Hop Chess Federation, 9Queens and Wuchess on July 5, 2208 from 3pm to 6pm at the Chelsea Art Museum, 556 W. 22nd Street, New York, NY
The Hip Hop Chess Federation is a nonprofit organization that uses chess, music and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and nonviolence. The HHCF focuses on helping today's youth find the right life strategy to make a better future for themselves, their families and their community. For a list of upcoming or past events, visit www.hiphopchessfederation.org.

WuChess is the world's first online urban chess and social network communuity. Founded by RZA of WuTang Clan and Chesspark.com, a portion of the proceeds will fund the Hip-Hop Chess Federation Scholarship Program.

9 Queens is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women and at-risk youth through chess. For more information on events and programs visit www.9queens.org.

[GeneChing]

No hip hop tho...

Where chess and boxing meet in center of the ring
Recently minted sport combines up to 24 minutes of the top thinking game with up to 5 rounds of the top fighting game
Patrick McGroarty, Associated Press
Thursday, July 17, 2008
(07-17) 04:00 PDT Berlin - --

Nikolay Sazhin almost knocked out his opponent with a blow to the chin in the second round. But he had to take the queen to win the match.

In front of 1,000 cheering fans one recent Saturday night, Sazhin moved his bishop to go in for the kill and won the world championship of chess boxing, a weird hybrid sport that combines as many as five rounds of pugilism with a game of chess.

The combatants switch back and forth between boxing and chess - repeatedly putting their gloves on and taking them off, so that they can move the pieces around the board without clumsily knocking them over - in a sort of brains-and-brawn biathlon.

"It's the No. 1 thinking game and the No. 1 fighting game," said Iepe Rubingh, the sport's 32-year-old founder.
Idea from comic book

Rubingh's inspiration was "Cold Equator," a 1992 French comic book in which two heavyweight boxers beat each other's brains out for 12 rounds and then play a 45-hour game of chess.

"That's not functional. So I thought about how it could work," Rubingh said.

In his version, a chessboard is brought into the ring on a table and the combatants play four minutes, after which the board is wheeled off very carefully so the pieces don't fall over. Then the fighters put on the gloves and trade punches for a round, after which the board is brought back. The pattern is repeated over and over. The chess game can last up to 24 minutes.

If you knock your opponent out, the chess is over, too, and you win the match. If you beat your opponent at chess, then the boxing is over, and you are the victor. In the case of a draw at the chessboard, the boxer with more points in the ring is declared the winner.

Rubingh uses an electronic chessboard that lets spectators watch the action projected onto a pair of large ringside screens.

In 2003, some 800 people turned out in Amsterdam to watch an exhibition match between Rubingh and a friend.

"It was a catastrophe. I lost my queen in the second round of chess," he said.

But the loss didn't stop him from pursuing his dream.

The Dutchman returned to Berlin - where he has lived for a decade - and set out to find tough fighters who could also play a good game of chess.
Many boxers in Germany

Germany has emerged as a major boxing center, attracting top talent from Eastern Europe. Most of the world's top heavyweight fighters are natives of Russia and Ukraine, and many train in Hamburg.

Rubingh knows he won't be recruiting either boxers or chess players at the top of their game, but he believes there is a deep reservoir of talent among amateur and lower-ranked pro fighters with sharp, tactical minds.

One of his first prospects was Frank Stoldt, a 37-year-old Berlin riot police officer and amateur kickboxer. Stoldt was also an obsessive chess player who often lost himself in late-night online matches.
2 champs already

"Both disciplines are aggressive," Stoldt said. He started training at Rubingh's chess boxing gym in Berlin. In November, he won the sport's first world championship in Berlin.

He lost his belt this month to Sazhin, a 19-year-old Russian.

Sazhin learned about the sport while surfing the Internet, and tried out by mailing boxing tapes to Rubingh and playing him in online chess games. Rubingh thinks he could be the first of many chess boxers from a country that has embraced fighters and idolizes chess players like Garry Kasparov and Boris Spassky.

It was long after midnight in a Berlin warehouse when Sazhin and Stoldt entered the ring and sat down at the chessboard.

Stoldt moved quickly to establish a defensive perimeter of pawns, while Sazhin staggered his diagonally. Switching to boxing, Sazhin attacked Stoldt with a relentless series of body blows that left the German exhausted.

Back at the chessboard, Stoldt looked distracted, and he left his queen vulnerable as he scurried to protect an exposed bishop. Sazhin pounced, forcing Stoldt to concede the match.

In addition to the title and the belt, the champion won a cash prize. Rubingh would not disclose how much but said it was mostly symbolic at this point, and "it's nothing compared to professional boxing."

"To see these 120-kilogram (264-pound) guys sitting there playing chess, it's like a photo montage," said 27-year-old chess-boxing fan Yarim Fahre. "The different strengths, the tactics - it doesn't go together."

The rules

-- A chess boxing match starts at the chessboard. In this version of speed chess, each player has a total of 12 minutes in which to beat his opponent. During a player's turn, the clock is running. When he completes a move, he stops his clock and his opponent's clock starts ticking.

-- When the contestants have played four minutes of chess between them, the board game is suspended and they put on their gloves. The boxing is in three-minute rounds. After each boxing round, contestants have a one-minute rest before returning to the chessboard. The contest can last as long as five boxing rounds and six chess rounds.

-- If you knock your opponent out, the chess is over, too, and you win the match. If you beat your opponent at chess, then the boxing is over, and you win. In the case of a draw at the chessboard, the boxer with more points in the ring is declared the winner.

[GeneChing]

Check it. There's a feature on the Mind over Matter in our 2008 Sep/Oct, on stands now.

I met with Adisa yesterday. He sounded like Darth Vader because someone choked him out in practice last week and that messed with his windpipe. He kicked me down a copy of his book Lyrical Swords Vol: II. Their next event is Oct 11, but I'm scheduled for the Qigong Symposium and Training Workshop at Ohlone College that day. Looks like I'm gonna have to hustle then...

[GeneChing]

Clyde Smith of Prohiphop.com was kind enough to give us and HHCF some props. I heard from Adisa yesterday - he's in L.A. with RZA.

September 01, 2008
Hip Hop Chess Federation in Kung Fu Magazine
The Sep/Oct issue of Kung Fu Magazine has a report by Gene Ching titled Mind Over Matter: Chess & Grappling Exhibition by the Hip Hop Chess Federation which includes mention of RZA's involvement in the HHCF though the grappling aspect has been developed by Adisa Banjoko.

[GeneChing]

Here's the press release on that Oct 11 event. That's going to be a busy day for me.

UFC Fighters to Play Rappers at HHCF Annual Chess Kings Invitational

Actors, Rappers, Chess Masters, and UFC Fighters Come Together for Charity Chess & Grappling Event

The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is proud to announce the Annual Chess Kings Invitational. The Hip-Hop Chess Federation fuses music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence. The Chess Kings Invitational is a charity chess tournament where celebrities and youth interact through a variety of avenues. Due to the popularity of the event, the HHCF will host the Invitational at the San Francisco Cow Palace. Everyone is invited to enjoy a variety of events from a traditional scholastic chess tournament, blind chess match, human chess, celebrity chess exhibition, scholarship tournament, grappling demo and more on Saturday October 11, 2008.

UFC Fighters Rich Franklin and Jeff Monson, RZA & GZA from the Wu-Tang Clan, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples and pioneer female MC Roxanne Shante are just some of the stars participating in the celebrity tournament. Best selling author of The Art of Learning and chess master Josh Waitzkin, Rich Franklin, RZA and Ralek Gracie will participate on a panel called "Fitness of Body & Mind ". A second panel "Art and Education" will feature Roxanne Shante, Josh Waitzkin, author of children's book Chess Rumble Greg Neri and Def Poetry Jam's Amir Sulaiman.

There will be a standard scholastic chess competition for youth and adults. Additionally, four schools selected by the HHCF will play in the Scholarship Invitational where they will compete for education scholarships. A Brazilian jiu jitsu exhibition by MMA fighter Ralek Gracie and Rakaa will also take place. There will be open free chess gaming all day and those who do not know how to play can learn the basics from HHCF chess mentors.

"We are enthusiastic and grateful to all the celebrities, kids and educators coming together for the Chess Kings Invitational" said CEO Adisa Banjoko. "This Invitational is going to be an incredible event. These are tough times for many of America's youth. Nevertheless the HHCF remains unflinching in our goal to share the countless educational and artistic life options for them in this world. People are flying in from all over the country to participate. We're are grateful for all the rappers, chess masters and martial artists who have donated their time to teaching kids healthy alternatives to violence on the streets."

UFC's Rich Franlkin stated " I'm excited to a part of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation event. Anything that can help young people better their lives is worth it for me."

Fellow UFC vet Jeff Monson is eager to attend after missing last years event due to a car accident. "I look forward to coming out to the Chess Kings Invitational and teach the kids about staying focused and having fun" said Monson. "I want them to know that it is equally important to train your brain and body to get the most out of life."

To sign up for the tournament visit: http://www.hiphopchessfederation.org/kings2008

Partners for the Annual Chess Kings Invitational include Scion and Bay Area Chess. Other sponsors include JW Foundation, www.thechesspiece.com, www.onthemat.com, www.friendster.com and Cal Chess.org. To be a sponsor for this event or for more information on how to participate visit www.hiphopchessfederation.org/kings2008 today!

[GeneChing]

The Cow Palace. My old 'hood.

UFC Fighters to Play Wu-Tang Clan at HHCF 2nd Annual Chess Kings Invitational
Chess Masters, Rappers and MMA Fighters Come Together for Charity Chess & Grappling
Sept. 15, 2008 - San Francisco, CA- The Hip-Hop Chess Federation is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Chess Kings Invitational. The Hip-Hop Chess Federation fuses music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy and non-violence. The Chess Kings Invitational is a charity chess tournament where celebrities and youth interact through a variety of avenues. Due to the popularity of the event, the HHCF will host the 2nd Annual Chess Kings Invitational at the San Francisco Cow Palace. Everyone is invited to join the team on Saturday October 11, 2008 starting with a scholastic tournament.
UFC Fighters Rich Franklin and Jeff Monson, RZA & GZA from the Wu-Tang Clan, Rakaa from Dilated Peoples and pioneer female MC Roxanne Shante are just some of the stars participating in the celebrity tournament. Best selling author of The Art of Learning and chess master Josh Waitzkin, Rich Franklin, RZA and Ralek Gracie will participate on a panel called "Fitness of Body & Mind ". A second panel "Art and Education" will feature Roxanne Shante, Josh Waitzkin, author of children's book Chess Rumble Greg Neri and Def Poetry Jam's Amir Sulaiman.
There will be a standard scholastic chess competition for youth and adults. Additionally, four schools selected by the HHCF will play in the HHCF Scholarship Invitational for scholarship money. A Brazilian jiu jitsu exhibition by MMA fighter Ralek Gracie and Rakaa will also take place. There will be open free chess gaming all day and those who do not know how to play can learn the basics from HHCF chess mentors.
"We are enthusiastic and grateful to all the celebrities, kids and educators coming together for the Chess Kings Invitational" said CEO Adisa Banjoko. "This
Invitational is going to be an incredible event. These are tough times for many of America's youth. Nevertheless the HHCF remains unflinching in our goal to share the countless educational and artistic life options for them in this world. People are flying in from all over the country to participate. We're are grateful for all the rappers, chess masters and martial artists who have donated their time to teaching kids healthy alternatives to violence on the streets."
UFC's Rich Franlkin stated " I'm excited to a part of the Hip-Hop Chess Federation event. Anything that can help young people better their lives is worth it for me."
Fellow UFC vet Jeff Monson is eager to attend after missing last years event due to a car accident. "I look forward to coming out to the Chess Kings Invitational and teach the kids about staying focused and having fun" said Monson. "I want them to know that it is equally important to train your brain and body to get the most out of life."
To sign up for the tournament visit: http://www.hiphopchessfederation.org/kings2008
Partners for the 2nd Annual Chess Kings Invitational include Scion and Bay Area Chess. Other sponsors include JW Foundation, www.thechesspiece.com, www.onthemat.com, www.friendster.com and Cal Chess.org. To be a sponsor for this event or for more information on how to participate visit www.hiphopchessfederation.org/kings2008 today!

FLYERS:
http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m...deB_final2.jpg
http://s107.photobucket.com/albums/m...deA_final2.jpg

[GeneChing]

I just got a press release from the HHCF.

Annual Celebrity Invitational
Has moved from to Feb. 28, 2009
Oct 11th has been postponed to 2/28/2009

Mark your calendars

Many of you have already received personal emails from myself announcing the change in date for the Celebrity & Scholarship Invitational. Due to financial constraints for our monetary sponsors we have deceided to move the date of the event to Feb. 2009. This will allow our sponsors to provide services needed for the hundreds of youth that had applied for financial aid. All our celebrity guest were more than happy to wait until February, knowing the positive oppoutunities the new date will provide to hundreds of students.

We are working with our sponsors to ensure all current financial aid applications will be provided for as result of the date change. The HHCF is also looking forward to suppling more prizes for our scholarship & scholastic players. We will keep you updated, but watch for registration which will begin January 2009!

[GeneChing]

HHCF's Mind Over Matter II is scheduled for Feb 28, 2009.

HHCF Presents: Mind Over Matter 2 feat. RZA & Rakaa

[GeneChing]

Good Morning America Weekend. Unfortunately I have a schedule conflict with HHCF's 2/28 event, but I encourage y'all to go.

[GeneChing]

Feb 28th in SF: HHCF Mind Over Matter 2

This weekend!

[GeneChing]

And it's free to the public. All you S.F. locals who keep telling me you want to meet the RZA, here's your chance.

Mind Over Matter II
February 28, 2009
JOHN O'CONNELL HIGH SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY
2355 Folsom Street (@19th Street), San Francisco, CA 94110

The HHCF presents Mind of Matter II. Last year over 500 guest from around the globe participated in a variety of events including the HHCF scholastic tournament & celebrity life strategies panel. This years event will offer even more prizes, celebrity guest and other special surprise. Due to high demand and the economic constraints of many students and their families, the HHCF has formatted this event to be free to the public.

Guest of the Mind Over Matter II event will enjoy a variety of events such as grappling exhibition feature UFC/MMA fighters, panels featuring RZA (who's credits include films such as American Gangster, Afro-Samurai and Grammy Award winning group Wu-Tang Clan) and many more special guest and events throughout the
day.

I won't be there personally this time because of a scheduling conflict, but there will be reps from Tiger Claw and KungFuMagazine.com.

[GeneChing]

Remember, this event is FREE! Stop by and check it out.

Hip Hop Chess Federation Presents "Mind Over Matter II"
By Eric Arnold in Arts, Free Tickets, Music
Thursday, Feb. 26 2009 @ 9:42AM

If you thought chess was a game for old dudes with goiters, Market Street hustlers, and nerdy four-eyes kids, think again. The South Bay-based Hip Hop Chess Federation (HHCF) has completely redefined the image chess by making it a kid-friendly, urban art form emphasizing life skills. Thanks to the HHC, chess is suddenly cool; they've brought a whole new dimension to the classic game of mathematic strategy. Past HHCF events have featured hip-hop luminaries such as Wu-Tang's RZA and GZA; Dilated Peoples' Rakaa; political emcees Paris and Immortal Technique; and a wealth of local stars, including Q-Bert, San Quinn, Balance, Casual, and filmmaker Kevin Epps. Chess champ and best-selling author Josh Waitzkin and MMA fighter Ralek Gracie have also been featured participants. The 64 squares are no longer just for squares, it seems.

Coming on the heels off recent appearances on "Good Morning America" and NBC 11 (the HHCF has also been featured in the New York Times and XXL), "Mind Over Matter II" combines a celebrity chess tournament (featuring RZA, Casual and poet Amir Sulaiman), a life strategies panel discussion, and jiu-jitsu exhibitions by Alan "Gumby" Marques from Heroes Martial Arts, Denny "300" Prokopos from 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu, and rope dart master Don Kiolbassa. "Mind Over Matter II" happens February 28th at John O'Connell High School (2355 Folsom St.) from 11 am-5 pm, and is FREE to watch or participate.

[GeneChing]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0H4cHGdlsk

Sorry I missed out. I hear it was a real good time...for a real good cause.

[GeneChing]

Registration opens June 15th

Strangely, I'm already booked for this day.

[GeneChing]

...sadly I had to miss last weekend's event. It was a very busy weekend in S.F.

Hip-Hop Chess Federation Fuses Music, Chess And Martial Arts
Posted Sat Oct 10, 2009 2:09am PDT by Billy Johnson, Jr. in Hip-Hop Media Training

Two hundred and fifty people expected to attend the Hip-Hop Chess Federation's West Coast Kings & Queens Tournament in San Francisco Saturday will learn about the real life persona behind the queen figure in the game of chess.

The influential fifteenth century queen Queen Isabella of Castile will be one of the topics discussed during the "All Queens Life Strategies" panel featured at the eighth HHCF tournament that fuses music, chess and martial arts to promote unity, strategy, and non-violence.

After Queen Isabella was crowned in 1475, the chess queen figure also gained a higher ranking, becoming the most powerful player in the game.

HHCF Founder and CEO Adisa Banjoko found Queen Isabella's story so encouraging that he wanted to address it at the free event taking place at John O'Connell High School from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Banjoko sought out "Birth of the Chess Queen" author Marilyn Yalom to sit on the "All Queens Life Strategies" panel alongside female rappers Conscious Daughters and Melina Jones, DJ Pam, as well as Jean Hoffman from the nonprofit chess educational organization 9 Queens.

"Marilyn's presence will help us fuse classical history and contemporary culture," Banjoko said about the senior scholar at Standford's Institute for Women and Gender. "The HHCF wants these girls to learn how to make thinking and acting like a queen a daily habit."

Other confirmed guests include Rakaa Iriscience from Dilated Peoples, Ray Luv, Traxamillion, Casual from Hieroglyphics, Balance and Big Rich, and KMEL Street Soldiers DJ Malcolm Marshall.

In addition to the traditional rated chess tournament, the day will also include celebrity chess matches, martial arts exhibitions, graffiti art battles, and b-boy ciphers.

Wu-Tang Clan frontman RZA competed in the February tournament. The HHCF has launched the HHCF Europe in Romania and also opened an office in Norfolk, Virginia. It has awarded $10,000 in scholarships to contest winners.