New sports

     Happy rambles everyone! Only a day and some change till the new year, are you already for '11? With the end of 10 I'm sure we're all reflecting how the last year treated us, and how we're going to treat the new year. So jot down those resolutions, and this time... stick to 'em.

Don't let this be you

     So, one of the CrossFit mantras is "to practice and learn new sport." In keeping with this thought I'm going to talk a little bit about that. I bring you the manly and hardcore sport of... Chessboxing.

and you thought I was kidding

     Yes, Chessboxing... the one sport that TRULY combines brain and brawn. Now, to be fair, this isn't like playing a game of Monopoly, getting pissed off, throwing the board across the roam, and beating the crap out of each other (it's last Christmas all over again). No, there are actual sanctioned rules to this sport.

     Chessboxing first began in 2003, and oddly enough, not by a drunken bar bet (actually, it was first seen in a comic book). It was conceived to test two separate discipline, and who was able to master both... not unlike CrossFit, sounds constantly varied. A Chessboxing match lasts 11 alternating rounds, 6 of chess (4 minute round) and 5 rounds of boxing (3 minute round) with a minute between rounds to change for the different demands. The winner is decided by either KO, checkmate, exceeding chess time limit (12 minutes), throwing in the towel (for either) or referee decision (boxing).

     I know what you're all thinking... how do I get involved in this awesome sport?! Well, it would be the time to do it. Chessboxing currently has ~50 member worldwide. To become able to contend you must have a minimum documented score in both boxing matches and chess matches (got to be good at both). Right, so how do you train for a sport such as this? Well, the boxing is pretty obvious on what training methodologies work. What they actually suggest to train for a chess match like this is run 400 meters on a track and spend one minute playing chess... and repeat (sounds like an interesting AMRAP).

     I'm sure we have a future Cheesboxing champion in the making out there, reading this blog... could it be you? Alright folks, enough funny business, go out and enjoy your day. Train hard, learn new things, and do burpees. Till next time everyone!


chessboxing 30fps from Toby Trackman on Vimeo.

3,2,1 GO!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Yesterday's WOD

Rest Day