Chessboxing is one of the most insane and mesmerizing sports I’ve heard of. It’s basically rounds of boxing interspersed with rounds of chess, which sounds fucking weird, what with all the huge differences in each sport, but when you think about it – the amount of skill you need to get someone in checkmate after 4 rounds of being pummeled repeatedly in the head is quite impressive. We spoke to Tim Woolgar, founder of the Great Britain Chessboxing Organization about the sport…and Wu Tang.

Hi, so what exactly is chessboxing?

Chessboxing combines the number 1 thinking sport with the number 1 fighting sport.  It is an enjoyable and rewarding challenge and a chance for people to enjoy a unique experience.  Competitions work by alternating six rounds of chess with five rounds of boxing.  The chess moves are played against the clock so each player must play quickly to avoid being counted out on time. During a show we use a massive projection system and live commentary to ensure everyone can follow the thrills on the chessboard as well as the boxing.

Training classes work slightly differently – it’s all about preparation and fitness. Some people will take part in sparring sessions but that’s not essential, others just like to combine chess and fitness and that’s fine as well.  Chessboxing class is a great way for beginners to learn and improve at chess – there’s no time to get bored and your game improves really quickly.  We also have some really strong players, IM’s we’ve even had a GM along to one training session. Even the strongest players definitely get something beneficial from the fitness regime and the self-confidence that boxing training engenders.

Do people mostly get in to it from a love of boxing or a love of chess?

Equal numbers join us from chess and boxing backgrounds. Our organisation has contacts with top level professional boxing trainers and some of the biggest names in chess, it appeals to both groups.

Is it right that a lot of athletes are accomplished chess players in their own right – winning competitions etc?

Some competitors are strong chess players but that’s not important. You can learn to play chess in minutes and with a little coaching anyone can get to a decent level very quickly. The important thing is to match competitors with equal ability and experience to ensure a fair contest.

How exactly do people win, by KO or by checkmate? Or both?

Whichever comes first!

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Are there any chess-boxers who are great at one but not the other, or do you have to be good at both to compete?

To compete you need a level of ability in both disciplines, but the willingness to compete is more important – so long as we match opponents equally we can be sure of an entertaining bout.

How do people get in to the sport? Is there somewhere in London where people can go and join up?

Chessboxing Training is at Islington Boxing Club, 19 Hazellville Road, London N20 3LP every Saturday morning 10am-12noon.  More details at www.londonchessboxing.com or call me on 07956 196780. Class fee is £15 non-members £10 members.  Annual membership is £50.  Students, non-wage earners and under 18s train for £5.

Lastly, does anyone use da mystery of chessboxin’ as their entrance song?

Entrance music varies. I’ve used Welcome to the Jungle before which goes down well, Ride of the Valkyrie has been used as has No Limit by 2 Unlimited. It’s a personal thing but nothing beats the feeling of walking out of the changing room with your seconds behind you, the fight ahead of you and hearing your music thumping in the room while the crowd cheers you on. Wu Tang Clan’s  The Mystery Of Chessboxing is not used as entrance music  though as we have other uses for that song during the show.

www.londonchessboxing.com

This entry was tagged as boxing, chess, chessboxing, islington boxing club, London, tim woolgar, wu tang clan.