👥 Athlete Classification

Male Weight Classes

Compared across 5 organizations. Athlete Classification category.

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Rule Text by Organization

IKO International Kettlebell Organization

Male weight classes use boxing-style names: Strawweight (52kg/115lb), Flyweight (57kg/125lb), Bantamweight (61kg/135lb), Featherweight (66kg/145lb), Lightweight (70kg/155lb), Super Lightweight (74kg/165lb), Welterweight (80kg/175lb), Super Welterweight (80+kg/175+lb), Middleweight (84kg/185lb), Super Middleweight (89kg/195lb), Cruiserweight (93kg/205lb), Heavyweight (102kg/225lb), Super Heavyweight (102+kg/225+lb). 13 classes total.

13 classes
Source: IKO Competition Rules & Ranking Tables (2019 2nd Edition, DHS added 2024)

IKMF International Kettlebell Marathon Federation

IKMF male weight classes: under 75kg, 75-85kg, over 85kg. Only 3 weight classes, significantly fewer than most other kettlebell sport organizations.

3 classes
Source: IKMF Competition Rules, Ranking Tables (2020/2023/2025), IKMF Rules 2015, AKSI Marathon Rules, IKMF Ultimate Girevik Cup Rules

GSU Girevoy Sport Union

GSU male weight classes: 73kg, 78kg, 85kg, 95kg, 95+kg. Five weight classes total. This is a condensed set compared to the full IUKL system (which has up to 13 classes including lighter categories).

5 classes
Source: GSU Competition Rules (Rules Pack images), GSU Ranking Tables (JPG images + PDF), GSU Website, IUKL Rules and Regulations (2013/2017 — GSU's parent system)

IKSFA International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy

IKSFA male weight classes (8 classes): up to 60kg, up to 64kg, up to 69kg, up to 75kg, up to 82kg, up to 90kg, up to 100kg, over 100kg.

60,64,69,75,82,90,100,100+ kg
Source: IKFF/IKSFA Kettlebell Competitions Rankings, Policies, Rules and FAQ (PDF, 21 pages). Developed by IKSFA President Sergey Rachinskiy & Master Coach Sergey Rudnev.

IKLF International Kettlebell Lifting Federation

BOLT male weight classes: 63kg, 68kg, 73kg, 78kg, 85kg, 95kg, 95+kg. Seven weight classes total.

7 classes
Source: IKLF BOLT Competition Rules & Ranking System (compiled from IKLF website, KB Fit Britt analysis, Legendary Strength, Sweat RX, and research documents)

Comparison Analysis

Male weight classes range from 3 (IKMF) to 13 (IUKL). IUKL has the most granular system while IKMF uses only 3 broad divisions.

Number of classes

IUKL: up to 13 classes (55-105+kg). IKO: 8 classes (73-105+kg, boxing-style names). IKSFA: 7 classes (56-95+kg). IKLF: 7 classes (63-95+kg). GSU: 5 classes (73-95+kg). IKMF: 3 classes (<75/75-85/>85kg).

Lightest class

IUKL starts at 55kg. IKSFA at 56kg. IKLF at 63kg. GSU/IKO at 73kg. IKMF at 75kg.

Naming convention

IKO uses boxing names (Featherweight through Super Heavyweight). IKLF uses descriptive names (Lightweight through Unlimited). Others use numeric.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • All organizations have a heaviest open/unlimited class
  • All include classes in the 80-95kg range
Most Strict: IUKLMost granular system with up to 13 classes
Most Lenient: IKMFOnly 3 very broad classes — less weight-cutting pressure

Athlete Impact: An 80kg male athlete falls in different classes: 80kg (IUKL/IKSFA), Welterweight 80kg (IKO), 85kg (IKLF), 85kg (GSU), 75-85kg (IKMF). The class boundaries materially affect competition placement.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) define male weight classes?

Male weight classes use boxing-style names: Strawweight (52kg/115lb), Flyweight (57kg/125lb), Bantamweight (61kg/135lb), Featherweight (66kg/145lb), Lightweight (70kg/155lb), Super Lightweight (74kg/165lb), Welterweight (80kg/175lb), Super Welterweight (80+kg/175+lb), Middleweight (84kg/185lb), Super Middleweight (89kg/195lb), Cruiserweight (93kg/205lb), Heavyweight (102kg/225lb), Super Heavyweight (102+kg/225+lb). 13 classes total.

How does International Kettlebell Marathon Federation (IKMF) define male weight classes?

IKMF male weight classes: under 75kg, 75-85kg, over 85kg. Only 3 weight classes, significantly fewer than most other kettlebell sport organizations.

How does Girevoy Sport Union (GSU) define male weight classes?

GSU male weight classes: 73kg, 78kg, 85kg, 95kg, 95+kg. Five weight classes total. This is a condensed set compared to the full IUKL system (which has up to 13 classes including lighter categories).

How does International Kettlebell Sport & Fitness Academy (IKSFA) define male weight classes?

IKSFA male weight classes (8 classes): up to 60kg, up to 64kg, up to 69kg, up to 75kg, up to 82kg, up to 90kg, up to 100kg, over 100kg.

How does International Kettlebell Lifting Federation (IKLF) define male weight classes?

BOLT male weight classes: 63kg, 68kg, 73kg, 78kg, 85kg, 95kg, 95+kg. Seven weight classes total.

See the interactive comparison on KETTLEBELL MONSTER™ for filterable views and more detail.

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