Chess Boxing is a sport that combines speed chess and boxing. A match typically consists of eleven alternating rounds between boxing and chess. The cycle is as follows: four minutes of chess, 1 minute break, 2 minutes of boxing, 1 minute break, etc.

From the pages of a Dutch graphic novel, comes chess boxing - the unlikely combination of chess and boxing. Consisting of alternating rounds of chess and boxing, chess boxing requires participants to be highly skilled in both sports.

Defeat an opponent in both chess and boxing.

Matches consist of eleven alternating rounds of chess and boxing, with chess always featured in the opening round. Rounds of chess last four minutes, while rounds of boxing last three minutes. Between rounds, there is a one-minute break for resting and equipment change. Matches are won by: 1) checkmate 2) exceeding time limit in chess 3) forfeiture 4) knockout 5) technical knockout.

Chess boxing was created in 1992 by a Dutch cartoonist, who used it as a plot line in a graphic novel. In 2001, a Dutch artist decided to bring the sport to life as an art exhibition. The first world championship was held in 2003, organized by the newly formed World Chess Boxing Organization (WCBO). Today, chess boxing is growing more popular and gaining newfound recognition, as evidenced by the World Chess Federation's president recently playing a goodwill match.

Chess Set
Gloves
Helmet
Ring
Tape

Chess is not a dangerous game, and rarely causes any sort of injury. Boxing though, is an extremely dangerous and violent sport. It can cause severe and permanent damage to several different parts of the body. As such, extreme caution should be taken at all times.

Because participants must be highly skilled at both boxing and chess, workouts are quite varied. Weight training and cardiovascular exercises are key in developing the strength, agility and endurance needed in boxing. Hours, days, months, etc. of studying chess strategy are essential in become proficient.

Checkmate - when the opponent's king has no way of avoiding an attack

Cross - powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand

Hook - semi-circular punch to the side of the opponent's head, thrown with the lead hand to the

Knockout - when a boxer is knocked down and unable to rise before the referee reaches a count of ten

Jab - quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand, and accompanied by a small rotation of the torso and hips

Opening - recognized sequence of moves that begin a chess game;

Technical Knockout (TKO) - when a boxer is deemed by the referee to be unable to continue

Uppercut - vertical, rising punch thrown with the rear hand

http://site.wcbo.org/content/e14/index_en.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_boxing