International chess icon Josh Waitzkin has joined the rank of stars scheduled to appear at the Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition on May 19, 2007 at the Omega Boys Club located at 1060 Tennessee St. in San Francisco, California.
The Hip Hop, Chess & Life Strategies Exhibition, organized by the Hip Hop Chess Federation founders Adisa Banjoko and Leo Librian, teams up rappers, martial artists, athletes and other stars in a head-to-head intellectual battle in a fun and safe environment. “Our purpose is to encourage young people across the country to infuse their artistic and physical gifts with chess tactics and strategies to enrich their lives for years to come” stated co-founder Adisa Banjoko, “after spending nearly 3 years defining our goals and vision we are so honored to announce Josh’s participation with our organization”.
Josh Waitzkin recently authored, The Art of Learning, a breakthrough book on how to cultivate mind and body. Waitzkin burst into the chess world as a child in the mid 1980’s. His journey to winning his first National Chess Championship was captured in the film Searching for Bobby Fischer. Since then he has gone on to become eight-time National Chess Champion, a World Champion of Tai Chi Chuan Push Hands and a student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Mr. Waitzkin is the author of Attacking Chess and is developer and spokesperson for Chessmaster, the biggest computer chess program in the world.
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Joshua Waitzkin will be a wonderful addition to such a project. It’s nice to see he hasn’t forsaken chess altogether.
I recommend Aikido over Jiu Jitsu. It is more delicate. IMO, the martial art develops tactical ability and also inbibes sound principles of life in one. A much better sport to encourage studensts to adopt, rather than chess. Is Susan listening? ;))
Maybe Waitzkin should wear a bulletproof vest to this thing. I heard a story about a gang fight break out between Snoop Dogg’s little league team and another rapper’s team. Maybe Snoop will be there since he just avoided prison.
I would keep the kids clear of this one.
Michael, you sir, are a dork. These guys are taking chess, and martial arts to the inner city. They are doing the good work of uplifting the youth. The last event they did was packed and there was no drama! I was there…So, until you are trying to do for at risk youth what these guys are doing- sit quiet.
As far as Aikido over Jiu Jitsu….It softer….Too soft, thats why its not practical in most real physical situations.
The philosophy came from a real warrior- BUT his students are not from that path…So, his art has become watered down.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has evolved way past any other martial art (as a whole system in terms of practicality).
Besides…Josh is a World Champion Tai Chi Chaun Master…I don’t see you championing that…
Maybe some of you should come out of the country club and the backyard…Come see the world as it really is and watch the people who matter bring more light to the youth.
Will Sam Sloan be there signing autographs for kids too?
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