What is Kettlebell Sport?

A kettlebell (girya) is a traditional Russian cast iron weight that looks like a cannonball with a handle. First used to train Olympians and Eastern European strongmen, its history can be traced as far back as the 1800s. Kettlebells have proven to be a powerful training tool when used for ballistic multi-joint movements requiring full body integration and core stabilization. Kettlebell methods were designed to increase strength, stamina, and coordination by challenging our muscular, cardiovascular and central nervous systems simultaneously.


Until recently however, popularized forms of kettlebell lifting in the United States began to closely resemble a combination of bodybuilding and weight training. Much of the methodologies unique to kettlebell lifting were lost as American coaches were taught to use a stylized version of kettlebells within the context of traditional strength training. Many people in the US are surprised to learn that the popular two-handed swing is not even utilized in the sport of kettlebell lifting.


Girevoy Sport emerged in Europe over 60 years ago out of the original ideas intended for kettlebell lifting. This specialized form of training expands our strength-endurance capacity under a submaximal load over time. It requires athletes to work under tremendous stress while remaining calm and even quiet in order to focus on technical precision, breath control, and energy conservation. Spectators marvel at the sense of relaxation elite kettlebell lifters display while accomplishing seemingly supernatural feats of strength. It’s no wonder kettlebell competitions are quickly gaining steam in the American sports world.


Various organizations like the American Kettlebell Club and the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation host events for athletes to compete in regional and national meets all over the United States and Canada. The World Kettlebell Club is also working in conjunction with European federations towards adding the sport to the Olympic Games someday.


The competition comprises of 2 events:
1) Jerk & Snatch Biathlon
2) Long Cycle Clean & Jerk


For women, regulations mandate holding a kettlebell weighing between 12 - 24 kgs. with one hand, switching to either the right or left side a single time without setting the bell down. Winners are determined by the highest number of repetitions achieved on each side within ten or sometimes twenty minute time limits. Men must carry two kettlebellls weighing between 24kg - 32kgs with the exception of the Snatch event, in which case only one kettlebell is used.


Source: IceChamber






Pics of Kettlebell Sport in action 

 
 
Pics courtesy of American Kettlebell Club & IceChamber




Video Demo 



Valery Fedorenko demonstrates the Double Kettlebell Jerk, known in competition as the Short Cycle Jerk, with Steve Cotter.



At the World Kettlebell Lifting Championships, November 3rd and 4th, 2007, in Miami, Florida, the Men's Professional Division competed in the Jerk using two 70lb. Kettlebells. Featured in this video is the Biathlon winner, Ivan Denisov, as well as Andrew Durniat, Ken Blackburn, Ginko Vasilis, and Roberts Innus. 


At the World Kettlebell Lifting Championships, November 3rd and 4th, 2007, in Miami, Florida, the Men's Professional Division competed in the Jerk using two 70lb. Kettlebells. This video features Marty Farrell in the Snatch Competition. Marty Farrell attained Master of Sport Rank at the World Kettlebell Lifting Championships with 66 Reps. Jerk and 87 Reps. Snatch