Holzhacker Olympics- The Big Saw Off

This Friday the 16th of December Platterform and WTWTW are proud to host the International Holzhacker Olympics- the Big Saw Off.

Originating from the  Bavarian tradition of Holzhacker, or the Woodchopper’s dance, for hundreds of years members of remote Alpine villages would gather together to cheer the bravest and strongest in a ritualised test of wood cutting skills, endurance and nerve. This ancient art was later transported to Calgary in Canada by five courageous young men in the early 1950′s and then spread to Nova Scotia , Vancouver and North California. Soon after the breakdance craze of the early 80′s peaked and the media were on the look out for the next big thing, holzhacking briefly rose to prominence. Though it faded from the public eye, mainly due to Madonnas introduction of Vogueing to the world, Holzhacking managed to take root in many rural communities and fired the imagination of many a young man in lederhosen. Now London will have a chance to witness this exciting dance/sport/possibly even martial art up close and in the flesh.

Competing this year will be the champions and many peoples favourites for the competition, the LumberJocks. Hailing from Vancouver they are still undefeated and many would say  especially since they turned professional in 2005, have pushed Holzhacking to new levels. Having recovered from a shaky start against the LumberDudes of North California in the regionals they grew stronger and stronger, progressing to the Seven to Smoke finals sweeping all those before them. They have not travelled halfway across the world  just to party, although I am sure they will do plenty of that, but are here to win.

By contrast the representatives of Europe are decided in a very different way. In keeping with the old ways they are chosen by a random old drunk man who often sprinkles them with saliva while ranting incoherently. They then spend the next few months in preparation, rolling cigarettes, drinking whiskey and telling rude jokes by the fire. They will be determined that the trophy returns home.

And for the first time in the history of the championship a third team will enter the fray. Following a long drawn out battle in the European Courts of Human Rights the LumberJills have been cleared to participate. They are certainly the surprise package but having taken a sneak peak at a sparring match they held in secret I would say with their raw energy and gamesmanship they are dark horses of the competition and the two other teams would be advised to take them as seriously as they do their beer..

Categories for the final games include:

LOG SAW OFF

NINE INCH NAIL HAMMER

STEINER BEER SWILL

ARM WRESTLING

 

CHECK OUT THE LUMBERJACKS PREPARING FOR BATTLE VIDEO!