The kettlebell strongman/woman competition is a brand new, and very exciting, addition to competitive kettlebell lifting.   We would like to invite everyone from around the world who has a passion for kettlebells to participate in this virtual competition that we're organising.

Most of you have probably seen Valery Fedorenko's impressive work with heavy bells, now it's your turn to give it a shot!

Ok, so what is the strongman comp?

Here's what I can tell you about the new sport so far:

-NO Weight-Classes!
-ONE Kettlebell contest!
-TWO lifts, Jerk followed by Clean!
-FOUR minute "fast" sets, only one switch of hands!
-HEAVY Pro-Grade Kettlebells used!
-STRICT Judging for maximum safety and fairness!
-RANK SYSTEM Worldwide with online video submission!

Some words from the Champ...

"Kettlebell StrongMan (and StrongWoman) Sport has the potential to outgrow traditional Kettlebell Sport and I'll tell you why. First, it's more tolerant of a wide variety of body-types because the lifter uses only one bell. No more excuses from guys about not being able to reach the hip! Second, it's using a heavier bell range, which leans things towards the STRENGTH side of Strength-Endurance. Third, it's a shorter set of 4 minutes, not 10. This moves things along faster, allowing more competitors and more excitement for the spectators. Of course I will always have love for my Sport [Kettlebell Sport] but I created StrongMan (and Woman) Sport to open the floodgates on the Worlds greatest Fitness tool. I hope you have found your new Sport!" -Valery Fedorenko

What are the ranks?

STRONGMAN RANKS:

S-32 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 32kg/70 pounds
S-36 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 36kg/79 pounds
S-40 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 40kg/88 pounds
S-44 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 44kg/97 pounds
S-48 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 48kg/106 pounds

STRONGWOMAN RANKS:

S-20 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 20kg/44 pounds
S-24 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 24kg/53 pounds
S-28 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 28kg/62 pounds
S-32 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 32kg/70 pounds
S-36 = 24+24 reps (Jerk & Clean) with 36kg/79 pounds

*At least 30 minutes rest between exercises (Jerk followed by Clean)

So to clarify, the Lifter gets 1 switch of hands within 4 minutes (for each exercise Jerk and Clean). The required number of reps must be completed for EACH HAND, so for Rank the Lifter must achieve 24 reps with each hand. 23 reps with one hand, followed by 25 reps with the other will not pass. For the Arnold KB StrongMan/Woman Challenge the Contest is MAX reps within 4 minutes with 48kg (Men) and 36kg (Women), BUT only the lowest hand score is considered for the win. You MUST be strategic and balance your set!

When is the virtual comp?

The virtual comp will run over a week starting Easter - 2nd - 11th April 2010.  This means you can complete your comp set whenever you like during that time.

How to get involved in the virtual comp?

1. You will need to get an official rank through the WKC to participate.  You will need to rank with the weight below the weight you intend to compete with, for example if you intend to compete with the 36kg you will need to rank with the 32kg.

Now there are some exceptions.  If you plan to compete with the lowest weight (20kg for women and 32kg for men) you don't need to rank.  If you live in a country like Australia where 44kg bells don't exist and want to compete with the 48kg you will need to get an official rank through the WKC with the 40kg.  You then have the option of sending a modified rank with the 48kg to me if you want technique etc with the heavier weight checked.  The modified rank is: 12 jerks each side (4 min time limit) and 12 cleans each side (4 min time limit).  You can post the modified rank video on youtube and send the link to [email protected] or you can send a dvd to Emily Friedel c/- Iron Edge, 13 Newton St, Richmond, Vic, 3121, Australia.  Note that the modified rank is completely optional, to compete with the 48kg if you don't have 44kgs in your country you only need to officially rank with the 40kg.

NOTE: For those who cannot get hold of pro-grade bells to rank with you can still participate and submit a comp set, but those who do have access to pro-grade bells are expected to rank before competing.

2. Once you have ranked, email the confirmation through to [email protected] and let me know you'd like to compete.  Include your full name, country, age, weight and the weight you will be competing with.

3. Complete your comp set between 2nd and 11th April.  Video your set and either post it on youtube and send the link to [email protected] or send a dvd to Emily Friedel c/- Iron Edge, 13 Newton St, Richmond, Vic, 3121, Australi.  These sets will be judged so make sure you fixate properly etc!

How to rank with the WKC?

WKC RANK VIDEO PROCESS

NOTE: To rank with the WKC you need to use their colour coding system for bells - you can spray paint your bell if need be!

We now have a new, quicker, easier way for you to submit your Rank Video!

Here's how it works:

STEP 1: Go to: http://www.transferbigfiles.com/

STEP 2: Select your rank video on line 1.

STEP 3: On line 2 put in [email protected] as the email address:

STEP 4: Click the "Advanced Options", check the box marked "Include a message to recipient", and include the following in your message:

a. Name
b. Rank you have attempted in the video(s) you will submit
c. Weight Class
d. Email address to send your results

STEP 5: Click the "Send" button. That's it!

After the WKC Staff reviews your video, you will be issued WKC Rank or a reason for the rejection. Videos will be Judged in accordance with the World Kettlebell Sport Rules and Rank System.

****If you have trouble with this process you can upload to YouTube, make it private viewing and invite the WKC to view.

ATTENTION: All Videos become the property of WKC and can be used by WKC.

All Video Submissions for Rank must follow these Rules:

* There should be no music playing or distracting noise in the background.

* There should be a verbal rep count

* The Lifter should be shown upright (no side shots please!)

* The full body must be shown on the video, preferably feet to hand(s) while in lockout/overhead position.

* Please submit in .wmv, .avi or .mov format

* Videos should be under 1GB in size

For regular mail submissions please follow these additional guidelines:

* The video(s) should be in DVD format only.

* If more than 1 person is attempting rank on the same DVD, 1 person at a time should be doing reps.

* If more than 1 person is attempting rank on the same video, Jerk and Snatch should be grouped together for the same person.

NOTICE: Videos will not be returned.

Videos should be mailed to :

World Kettlebell Club
6488 Liberty Knoll Drive
Hamilton, Ohio 45011

 

More questions?

Email [email protected]

So...

Start training!