PACK IS HERE: Members of the Rickshaw Rollers team demonstrate the rules of roller derby before their skate-a-thon fundraiser in Beijing in June (COURTNEY MAZZONE)

Picking up pace

Having multiplied from just 135 U.S. teams in late 2006 to more than 1,250 around the world today, roller derby is even under consideration by the International Olympic Committee to be added to the year 2020 Summer Games.

But what kind of person signs up for this sport, knowing what's involved? For many, a long-held desire to play becomes a reality while in Beijing, despite the high-intensity workout, breaks, bruises, and black eyes.

"I had had derby on my mind for about six years. During the first few practices I was so timid and scared, but by the end I was out there wrecking myself and loving it every practice," said Kelsey Dekker, a student at Beijing's Capital Normal University, who has since graduated and returned to Canada. "Derby helped me get over any kind of embarrassment or fear of falling, and really just helped me find some like-minded friends in Beijing when I needed them most," Dekker said.

"It completely changed my last six months there."

For Sarah Ostrach, an English professor at Beijing Normal University, the sport had piqued her interest since the release of 2009's Whip It!, a movie based on derby's rebirth in Texas. "After spending nearly a year in Beijing with little to do outside of work, I decided it was time to find some sort of extracurricular activity," said Ostrach, "and by chance I Googled 'Beijing roller derby.'" After Ostrach's first practice in February this year, she said, "I was already asking how and when I could buy gear."

This presents another difficulty for new players, as the vast majority of all pads, skates, and even wheels have to be ordered in from outside China. Commitment to the sport leads many to bring back kits from trips home, or to relocate here with skates and equipment in tow. Thus, for those who relocate to Beijing from overseas teams, the sport is a way to foster a sense of community and continue learning new skills.

"Hooten Annie" first got involved with Texas' San Angelo Soul Sisters back in 2009. Upon moving to the Northern Capital for work in 2011, she said, "I couldn't imagine spending four years in Beijing without derby, so we started the league." According to Annie, the sport's not just putting on skates and wearing a cute outfit; playing it takes "passion, persistence, dedication, and openness."

DIY culture

Having formed a solid team with two-hour practices twice a week, created a logo, and even held a skate-a-thon fundraiser—Over 4,500 laps were skated on June 7 to raise more than 12,770 yuan ($2,044)—it would seem that Beijing Roller Derby is here to stay. All this, despite the obstacles: namely, an outdoor rink exposed to the elements and air pollution, and a lack of familiarity with the sport in Asia.

"Watching a solid community of derby forming in a country that has traditionally been seen as being so out of reach" is the most fulfilling result of her efforts, said Latarche. "There's a DIY culture forming here, and so far derby hasn't been shut out." With two leagues established on the Chinese mainland and one in Hong Kong, according to Latarche, it won't be long before more pop up.

As for why expats and Beijingers alike should get involved, Hooten Annie simply said, "It's the best sport they've never played."

The author is an editorial consultant for Beijing Review and a skater with the Rickshaw Rollers

Email us at: yanwei@bjreview.com