Chessboxing

Chessboxing: exercising body and mind!

Chessboxing is a new combination sport: opponents compete over the chessboard then hit each other in the boxing ring. Chessboxing features alternate rounds of chess and boxing, with the winner decided by either knockout, checkmate or a judge's decision after 11 rounds.

The first UK chessboxing club has begun at Islington Boxing Club in Archway.  Founder Tim Woolgar said: "Boxing requires tactical thinking, a skill that is vital to playing chess."

Chessboxing originates from Berlin, where the world's first tournament was held last November. Championships have also taken place in Amsterdam and Cologne.  "I'm interested in both chess and boxing, so I went to one of the Berlin championships and thought they combined the two perfectly," said Mr Woolgar. "Boxers need real strength of mind, which helps them compete in chess."

Competitors are given 60 seconds to remove their gloves as they leave the ring to sit or stand at the chessboard. Mr Woolgar hopes to hold the first UK championship this summer.

Interested? Why not check out the World Chess Boxing Organisation www.wcbo.org  

Article from the BBC