No. You must submit a qualifying performance during the relevant calendar year to compete as part of the English team during the calendar year in question
No prior fitness or lifting experience is needed. Training can be scaled to any level, and proper technique is taught from the beginning.
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows a full range of motion. Many athletes wear fitted tops and shorts or leggings. For competitive lifting, there are strict regulations surrounding attire, belts and wrist protectors which your coach can guide you on.
Flat-soled or minimalist shoes are preferred for stability. While weightlifting shoes are not required, some athletes wear them for support. Shoes with added movement or cloud foam are often found more difficult to lift in.
Chalk helps keep hands dry and improves grip on the kettlebell handle, especially during high-repetition sets. The chalk can assist with grip, friction, movement and comfort, but it is used as a preference only and is not mandated. In competitions, specific chalk is permitted and the individual regulations for the competition will stipulate this.
No, most gyms or coaches will provide them. As you progress, you might choose to get your own, especially for home training. Investing in kettlebells might require some research to ensure your equipment meets your requirements for training and supports the equipment you are using generally in your training or gym.
Kettlebell Sport uses standard weights:
Women: typically 8kg, 12kg, 16kg, 20kg, 24kg
Men: typically 16kg, 20kg, 24kg, 28kg, 32kg
Weights vary by experience level and competition category.
Junior (under16): Weights vary from 1kg through to the competition weights of 16kg+
Search online for “Kettlebell Sport gym near me” or visit websites of organizations like:
International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF)
World Kettlebell Club (WKC)
Local fitness centres offering kettlebell classes
You can also find remote coaches and online training programs via google
It is important if you wish to train to compete nationally or internationally, that your chosen gym / coach are qualified in the sport and equipped to support your development.
Yes. Kettlebell Sport focuses on efficiency and endurance over time with standardized lifts and rules, while general classes often mix kettlebells with other fitness methods. There are many variations of the sport, select what you like and always be open to trying the next level.
Yes. Many competitions offer novice or open divisions, and there are online competitions too. You don’t need to be elite to get involved. Search for Grassroots Kettlebell League on Facebook to start your journey.
https://www.facebook.com/GrassrootsKettlebells/
After falling in love with the sport, and progress is swiftly made, you can try to qualify for the England team.
Qualification events are held throughout the year and lifters are required to complete a set without putting them down. This could be a set number of repetitions or a set time. For example, junior lifters are required to lift the bells, consecutively for 5 minutes, without putting them down. Each federation holds differing regulations, it is important to discuss the requirements and levels of ranking with your coach before beginning your competition preparation.
The age range of lifters varies from 4 years old to 70+.
Whilst there is no minimum or maximum age, care should always be taken to ensure proper technique and reduce the risk of injury.
Competitions offer age separation within their categories too!
Speak to one of our affiliated clubs for more information.
Kettlebell Sport is a competitive form of kettlebell lifting involving three main events: snatch, jerk, and long cycle (clean & jerk). Athletes aim to complete as many reps as possible in a set time, usually 10 minutes. There are many variations where you can use one or two arms, and an additional option with snatch to perform military snatch for 12 minutes with multiple hand changes as well as Pentathlon events (one or two arm), half marathon (30 minutes lifting) and marathon (60 minutes lifting)