Smack my bish up
Chessboxing could be coming to East London. Are you ready for fight knight?
BRAINS and brawn could be colliding in Docklands this summer.
The area may host Britain’s first showcase of Chessboxing, a discipline which allows competitors to test their opponent’s brain power before pummelling it in the ring.
North London resident Tim Woolgar is keen to launch the sport in the UK after visiting an event in Berlin last year. He runs a class in Islington but also hopes to set up another in Shadwell.
He said: “It’s the number one thinking sport combined with the number one fighting sport.
“I think the East End has the right sort of atmosphere for this. People seem quite open to trying new things.�
Chessboxing competitors play six rounds of chess lasting four minutes each, with five three-minute boxing bouts in between. The winner is decided by checkmate or knock-out, then by whose chess clock runs out last and then by the fighter with most points.
Tim, 35, said: “Considering the adrenaline and excitement you feel in the ring, if your body takes a few blows, it can change the way your mind works for better or worse.
“You’ve got to be able to re-focus on the chess game pretty quickly.�
The former TV producer discovered Chessboxing after he started sparring at the Boxing London gym in Islington while playing chess in his spare time. After watching the sport, he was inspired to give up his job to kickstart it in Britain.
He said: “I’d love to see it on a TV channel such as Sky or ITV. But it could also be used in the community as an outlet for getting people to train and focus.�
The classes cost £10 and are held on Saturdays. For more information, go to www.gbcbo.co.uk.
Chessboxing’s east London event could take place in early June, and Tim has big ideas for the night.
He said: “My ideal event would be to get hold of a massive disused tanker on the Thames, and put a great light and sound system with DJs on it.
“I’m keen to get something out there.�
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