The score
An American high-school torture turned competitive sport, the rules of Mashup’s dodgeball league are pretty simple. Teams of six (both sides must include two women) face off on an indoor court, each player getting the chance to hurl a – surprisingly painful – ball at the opposition. The player it hits is out; or, if caught, the thrower pays for their heinous crime by hitting the bench. Repeat until it technically becomes bullying!
Why try?
Adam Guli, captain of current Mashup Dodgeball League champions White Out, says: ‘Dodgeball is a great sport to sign up for because it’s extremely active and very athletic. It’s also great to play a high-impact sport in a co-ed environment; it makes you feel like you are in elementary school, when throwing balls at girls was acceptable. And even for those who aren’t very agile, you can still enjoy dodging balls being thrown at you.’
Signing up
The league takes place every Tuesday (from Tue 28) until April 24 from 7-9pm. Location tbc. Teams are limited to a maximum of 12 players and should sign up at www.mashupasia.com by Fri 24. However, should you miss that date, you can still join as an individual and be assigned to a team.
The score
Surely Beijing’s favourite Irish sport – aside from downing Guinness at Paddy’s! Gaelic football is a mutt-like cross between rugby, basketball and soccer, except that you can control the ‘round’ ball with your feet or hands. The aim is to propel it between the goalposts of the opposition, either under the crossbar (past the goalie gets you three points) or over (for one point). Beijing GAA, the city’s only Gaelic football club, have both men’s (full contact; well, shoulder to shoulder) and women’s nine-a-side teams. All-comers are welcome, we’re told.
Why try?
Colin Dixon, chairperson of Beijing GAA, says: ‘Beijing doesn’t have a big Irish community, so we have around 20 different nationalities playing for us. Mostly these were just people curious about the sport. The Irish have a reputation for their social side, so we also hold monthly nights out. In February, there will be a season relaunch and recruitment party (date tbc). This year is a special one for the club; it’s Beijing GAA’s tenth anniversary, and in June we’ll be competing in the All China Games.’
Signing up
Training takes place indoors every Monday from 7pm at the
Kerry Hotel Fitness Centre. Club membership costs 500RMB. Sessions for first-timers are free; regulars pay 20-40RMB. Email contact@beijinggaa.org to sign up or visit www.beijinggaa.org for details.
The score
Striiiiiiike! Yes, bowling’s not just for the boozy and the morbidly obese. The International Friendship Bowling League (IFBL) has been going since the mid-1990s; it’s pretty international (as the name suggests) and you don’t even need a team to sign up – individuals will simply be assigned a side. You might not break much of a sweat but the atmosphere is laid-back and, yes, there will be booze.
Why try?
Simon Hall, president of the IFBL, says: ‘We’ve got bowlers from many nationalities and professions, and the league is an ideal place to meet new people. It also operates a handicap system, which levels things out when high scorers are pitted against the less accomplished. It’s all about relaxing, trying to improve your scores and having a fun time – plus maybe a few beers too.’
Signing up The IFBL is held at
Gongti 100 Bowlingevery Tuesday at 7.30pm. Individuals and teams (minimum of four people per side) should email simonghall@hotmail.com to sign up. Membership costs 100RMB per person.
The score
It’s not all balls, you know. Popular among the city’s expat community, Beijing Ultimate Frisbee’s (BUF) mixed-gender fling-around bears comparison to basketball – albeit with a Frisbee thrown in (literally). Non-contact and shorn of a referee, you’re on the honour system as teams of seven try to catch the aforementioned disc when over the opposition’s goal line. The only rule: you have to stop and release the Frisbee within three seconds of receiving it. Throughout the winter, pick-up games with an everyone-gets-a-go-type attitude are run weekly.
Why try?
Anthony Tao, organiser of BUF, says: ‘Ultimate is a great sport because it combines a variety of skill-sets, and individual success isn’t defined by who scores the most points or forces the most turnovers. It’s also popular because it’s co-ed: we’re always looking for ladies who are seeking a fun, athletically challenging activity.’
Signing up
Pick-up games and training are held weekly at
Beijing City International School. Email anthonytao13@gmail.com for confirmation of days and times of practice. Training is free for first-timers; regulars pay 35RMB per session.