There are two traveling team in Philadelphia, The Independence Dolls and the seventh nationally ranked Liberty Belles.
The derby of yesterday is nothing like the sport it is today.
When most think of the roller derby, the club of the 70's is usually what comes to mind, but now there's a new generation of Roller Girls.
"It's a full contact sport. I'm a mom," said Joselyn Janik. "I get frustrated so this is a nice place to come and bang into people."
"Everyone out there is fighting to win and trying as hard as they can so it is definitely not for show like old school scripted derby," said Jessica Howe.
Made up of woman of all ages with occupations that include executives, teachers, lawyers and even doctors, the strong pack of women prove that the derby is one fierce competition.
"I have broken my ankle and my shoulder during the course of training and shrimages," said Joselyn.
And that is because the game is played pretty much like a combination of football and hockey but on skates and without the ball.
"Some people describe our jammer as being the ball; that is the person who scores the points."
The objective is to get that jammer through a line of blockers, and that is not an easy task.
"They have a target on their back," said Joselyn.
A recent bout in University City brought out a few hundred spectators of all ages who say it's the best kept secret in the city.
"I think it's fantastic, and I hope that the rest of Philadelphia wakes up and learns what is going on here," Lana Teplick from Mobile, Alabama.
And for those fans who may want to try roller derby one day, but aren't quite ready to take the training wheels off just yet, you can get down and skate with Master Jay.
The roller skating exercise class in J's Center City dance studio promises to burn lots of calories and shape you up just like the roller girls!
"It gets you pumped it keeps you tight and it keeps your balance on," says Master Jay.
Expect lunges on skates as you groove to the music.
"What we are working is the lower body," says Master Jay. "We are talking legs, calves, and quads."
For the novice who is a bit skeptical about lacing up, it's like riding an old bike.
"Everyone is going to feel an instant something!" said Master Jay.
The roller skating workout class is $10 a session at J's Center City Studio.
The Philly Roller Girls are holding double header on Saturday, June 11th as they compete for the Warrior Cup Championship.
http://www.masterjmoves.com/index.htmlhttp://www.phillyrollerderby.com/
