Girevoy Sport Pt 2

Henry Marshall, Kettlebell champion and Head Trainer of Punch Kettlebell Gym Austin is contributing the first of several articles dealing with Girevoy Sport.  Recently Henry took part in the World Kettlebell Longcycle Championships in New York City and came away with a gold medal.  In this article he explains the origins of the sport he loves so much

Kettlebells have been used for hundreds of years, from units of measurement to a tool for athletic development and health to emerging in a sport of its own, girevoy sport (GS).  The sport evolved from athletic and military circles and turned into the official ethnic sport of Russia (Girevik is a kettlebell lifter).  Around 1948 the first competition took place where the most repetitions made you champion. 

While there were no structured rules or ranking systems established yet, competitions ultimately became more structured and events using 32kg kettlebells prevailed.  Rules were in constant advancement and focused training developed.  In 1985 the first official championship of USSR was held, and coming with it the esteemed title of “Master of Sport” (MS) helping interest and widespread the sport even more and since many nations have entered international competitions.   

Originally the competition lifts were one arm snatch, one arm press and the two arm jerk.  But eventually the one arm press was taken out and presently the biathlon consists of the one arm snatch and the two arm jerk.  A second event was added, longcycle, two arm clean and jerk.  Women typically compete in the one arm snatch only but recently in some organizations this is changing and they are performing a one arm jerk and one arm longcycle. 

Ranking is achieved by weight class and number of repetitions completed in the ten minute set.  Now because the bells cannot be set down coordination and energy efficient strategies are developed to withstand the set.  Special events take place after the competition to enhance the event such as odd lifts, juggling, and kettlebell relay races. 

Food

Looking for the perfect snack or side dish?  Check out this quick and easy recipe for “asparagus aldente”  Simply place asparagus in pan and drizzle with olive oil, grill for 10 minutes and enjoy.

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