Memphis Roller Derby will be hosting a boot camp for both men and women who are interested in learning how to skate.

No experience is required and participants must be over 18 years old. Everything you will need to know will be taught during the six week long boot camp.

“Prepare to work hard and learn to love your sweat,” said Shifty Eyed Mavis, director of training and coaching.

The boot camp will start with a general information session and a chance to watch a Memphis Hustlin’ Rollers bout. After that, the bootcamp will start meeting every Monday and Tuesday.

Sessions will meet at the Pipkin Building at 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard.

Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. – Information Session Free Learn about roller derby, ask questions, and sign a waiver.

Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. – Memphis Hustlin’ Rollers Receive free ticket at info session Watch Memphis Hustlin’ Roller take on Huntsville’s Dixie Derby Girls

Monday and Tuesday until Sept. 27 from 7 to 9 p.m. – Practice $25 total for six weeks Learn the rules, how to skate, and derby strategies to build your skills



For the info session and the first week you should bring tennis shoes and comfortable clothing, along with a water bottle. For week two onward, you will need quad skates, a helmet, mouth guard, elbow pads, wrist guards, and knee pads. Memphis Roller Derby will have some gear to loan, but availability is limited.

The boot camp will start with a series of off-skates workouts and drills. It will then move to the basics of skating and how to safely fall while wearing skates. Once participants get through skating basics, the camp will focus on derby-specific moves and skills. Throughout the camp, participants will learn the rules and game strategies of roller derby.

At the end of the camp there will be a test to determine each participant’s skill level. Trainers will use that to continue to work with skaters so they will be ready to bout in January or February.

“It’s always more fun to go through these types of things in big groups, because you make connections with people who are at the same skill level, and having people who are going through the same thing at the same time helps carry you through when it gets hard,” Shifty Eyed Mavis said.

Outside of practice, Memphis Roller Derby will organize events such as watching the international playoffs, rink nights and skating the Greenline.

For more information follow the event on Facebook here.

Visit Memphis Roller Derby’s website, Facebook , Twitter and Instagram.