Compete from anywhere in the world

The IKU competition team connects kettlebell sport athletes worldwide. IKU uses IKSFA for rankings. Remote and in-person competitions. All skill levels welcome.

What is kettlebell sport?

Kettlebell sport (girevoy sport) is a competitive strength-endurance discipline. Athletes perform kettlebell exercises for timed sets — typically 10 minutes — aiming for maximum repetitions with prescribed technique.

The three main competition disciplines are:

  • Biathlon — jerk and snatch, scored separately
  • Long cycle — clean and jerk for 10 minutes unbroken
  • Snatch — one-arm snatch with one hand switch, 10 minutes

Competitions are ranked by weight class, age group, and kettlebell weight. Athletes are judged on both repetition count and technique — lifts that don't meet the standard are not counted.

IKU Competition Team

The IKU competition team allows athletes to compete in kettlebell sport regardless of location. Submit your competition sets online, receive judging and feedback, and get ranked through the IKSFA system.

Whether you're training for your first competition or chasing a Master of Sport ranking, the IKU team provides the structure, coaching, and community to help you progress.

IKSFA Rankings

IKU uses the International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy (IKSFA) ranking system. Competition results from IKU team members are submitted for IKSFA ranking — meaning your results count on the international stage.

Competition Disciplines

Biathlon — Jerk + Snatch
Long Cycle — Clean & Jerk (10 min)
Snatch — One-arm snatch (10 min)

How It Works

1. Join the IKU competition team
2. Train with sport-specific programming
3. Film your competition sets
4. Submit for judging and feedback
5. Results submitted for IKSFA ranking

Who Can Join

All skill levels — from first-time competitors to experienced athletes. You need a kettlebell and a camera. Location doesn't matter.

Kettlebell Sport Trainer Certification

The IKU Kettlebell Sport Trainer L3 certification covers sport-style technique, competition prep, athlete coaching, and long-cycle programming. You must complete 10-minute unbroken competition sets as part of the assessment.

View Certification — $399 → Ask a Question

Ready to compete?

Join the IKU competition team and start your kettlebell sport journey. All skill levels welcome.

Join the Team → Train on KETTLEBELL MONSTER