Disciplines
Sunday, 13 September 2009 18:32 | 
Author: Administrator | 
Kettlebell sport/ GS is the traditional Russian sport of kettlebell lifting. The sport originally evolved from athletic and military circles. A girevik is a kettlebell lifter.
In 1948 the first kettlebell competition took place in Russia where the most repetitions, not 1 rep strength, made you champion. It was attended by 200000 persons, participating in 4 weight categories with 32kg bells.
· 60kg Konavolov 28 snatches, 7 jerks
· 70kg Salomaha 23 snatches, 15 jerks
· 80kg Lavrentev 30 snatches, 13 jerks
· >80kg Bolshakov 33 snatches, 19 jerks
Up to through the 80’s rules have been in constant evolution, and specialized training for kettlebell sport competitions developed.
In 1985 the first official championship of the USSR was held, and with it came the opportunity to win the prestigious and rewarding title of “Master of Sports”. This helped attract new competitors and widespread the sport even more. Since then, many other nations have entered international competitions.
Athletes compete according to weight category, and rules can vary slightly from organization to organization. The IUKL, IGSF, and WKC each have their own ranking table and rules.
Male athletes traditionally compete in: the two arm jerk and 1 arm snatch biathlon and/ or the long cycle. Female athletes traditionally only compete in the snatch event, but the sport is evolving and some participate in the one arm jerk (WKC for example).
Each event is tested for repetitions in a 10 minute time period without setting the kettlebell(s) down. This time limit rule was installed in 1989.
· The two arm jerk requires you to clean the kettlebells to your chest once, and then jerk them as many times overhead as possible.
· The snatch is performed by swinging the kettlebell between your legs and brought up to the overhead position in one uninterrupted motion. Only one hand switch is permitted.
· The long cycle calls for a clean before each jerk.
Men compete with 32kg kettlebells, 24kg for amateurs and over 40s, 16kg for juniors.
Women compete with a 16 or 24kg kettlebell.
Because athletes cannot set the kettlebell(s) down, coordination and energy efficient techniques are used to last the event. Ranking is determined by weight class and the number of repetitions achieved in the 10 minute time frame.
In competitions, kettlebells are color coded. Yellow: 16kg – Green: 24kg – Red: 32kg.
The spirit of competition is enhanced by special feats such as odd lifts, juggling, and kettlebell relay races after the main program has been completed.
Odd lifts:
Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 November 2009 12:36 )