English Chess Forum

Hello,

I don't want to impose this idea on anyone not interested, but for those who are curious, or perhaps incredulous , I have just produced a two hour documentary on a hybrid sport which I could not believe at first. But the move I looked into it, the more I came to appreciate the disciplines required of body and mind. Obviously, ChessBoxing is not for everyone. Chess purists will scoff, as will Boxing purists. And to be fair, the standard of boxing among good chessboxers is not the highest. But I'm told by those who like the sport that it has its moments. I've made a few trailers, which you are welcome to watch. YouTube - ‪ChessBoxing - Hot New Sport‬‎

I would urge anyone thinking of trying CB to think twice before acting. You need to be in good physical condition, with a laser-like concentration.

Interestingly, Bobby Fischer worked out in a boxing gym. I don't know how often he punched a bag (he never knew about CB).

Regards,
Mike Lee

A ChessBoxing friend of mine, Tim Woolgar, sent me a notice (below) today. You can also watch scenes from a new CB documentary at http://tinyurl.com/37tf65y It’s pretty wild, not for everyone, but worth having the documentary in order to know what you saying when you support, or trash, the new sport.

Below is from Tim:
“London ChessBoxing is providing a unique opportunity to train alongside Olympic Gold Medallist James 'Chunky' DeGale in a chessboxing session this Saturday 7th August.

 Places are limited, please contact tim.woolgar @gbcbo.co.uk to book( or call 07956 196780)
Saturday · 10:00 am - 12:00 midday
Islington Boxing Club
20 Hazellville Road
London N19 3LP
“Chessboxing combines training in boxing and chess and it is enjoyed by boxers and players of all standards from novice onwards. The class is fast moving and combines a fitness work-out with a chance to learn or play high-speed chess.
Just one chessboxing class provides a lasting memory and this Saturday will be a unique session as we will be joined by WBA International title holder James DeGale MBE.
This is a rare opportunity for fighters, chess players and fight fans to share a gym with and learn from a future British legend.
 
It doesn't matter if you've never played chess before, we will provide basic coaching. Boxing training will be non-contact unless you have sparred before and want to again. training supervised by qualified ABA coach.


Chessboxing training class structure:
Warm-up
Boxing technique
Boxercise work-out (bags, pads, footwork)
Chessboxing simulation (alternate rounds of speed chess, workout or light sparring)
Warm-down/ stretching
Chess coaching 

Cost: £15 (£5 for non-wage earners).”

Mike Lee wrote:... the standard of boxing among good chessboxers is not the highest ....

... and I doubt the stand of chess amongst good chessboxers is the highest either. I got chatting with a guy who was a keen chessboxer a while back. He was a very moderate (pre-club standard) player but C-B got him interested in chess and improving his game and is therefore 'a good thing'.

That said, the 'sport' itself is obviously more than a bit silly in that you a moderately hard chap or chapess is always going to win even against the world's greatest chess player.

I mean Raoul Moat against Vishy Anand. Who do you think would win that chess boxing showdown? (That's RM of a month or two ago not how he is currently).

BTW:
I assume you're not the Mike Lee?