Leading up to the second Hip-Hop, Chess and Life Skills Exhibition, co-founder Adisa Banjoko was brimming with excitement. Roving around with cell phone in hand, Banjoko was excited as he strolled around the Bay area in anticipation for the big event.  The event featured a panel discussion by Josh Waitzkin and RZA of the Wu Tang Clan. Waitzkin, the figure of whom "Searching for Bobby Fischer" was written, discussed his beginning as a chess hopeful in New York's Washington Square Park and his thoughts on the relationship between martial arts and chess. He also gave the audience an overview of his new book, The Art of Learning.

RZA reflected on the martial art/hip-hop duality and the inspiration he received from Gordon' Liu's Enter the 36 Chambers.  The movie made such and impression on him that he named his first album Enter the Wu Tang 36 Chambers. RZA summed up the philosophical underpinnings of martial arts and how chess is a chamber through which one seeks elevation. (see clip)

Banjoko talked with The Chess Drum the day after the event, gave a run down and posted a list of the sponsors.

"Please support all the folks who threw down for this event. These events are FREE because the people below gave love and time to make it crack."

Posted by The Chess Drum: 23 May 2007