Jerk Starting Position

Compared across 3 organizations. Jerk (Short Cycle) Rules category.

Rule Text by Organization

WKSF World Kettlebell Sport Federation

Kettlebells are fixed on a chest, arms are pressed to the trunk, and legs are straightened.

GSU Girevoy Sport Union

Jerk starting position: kettlebells fixed on the chest (rack position), arms pressed to the trunk, legs straightened. The athlete must achieve fixation in this starting position before initiating each repetition. The rack position is the V-position of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist on the torso where the kettlebell rests, with the elbow ideally resting on the top portion of the hip joint.

IUKL International Union of Kettlebell Lifting

Jerk starting position: kettlebells fixed on the chest, arms pressed to the trunk, legs straightened. The athlete must achieve fixation in this starting position before initiating each repetition. The judge confirms the starting position before counting begins.

Comparison Analysis

Jerk starting position is defined very consistently: kettlebells in rack on chest, arms pressed to trunk, legs straight.

Fixation requirement in rack

WKSF specifically mentions arms pressed to trunk and legs straightened. IUKL/GSU add that fixation must be achieved at rack before each rep.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • Kettlebells on chest in rack position
  • Arms pressed to the trunk/body
  • Legs straightened

Athlete Impact: Ensure a clean, settled rack position before each jerk. This is consistent across all organizations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does World Kettlebell Sport Federation (WKSF) define jerk starting position?

Kettlebells are fixed on a chest, arms are pressed to the trunk, and legs are straightened.

How does Girevoy Sport Union (GSU) define jerk starting position?

Jerk starting position: kettlebells fixed on the chest (rack position), arms pressed to the trunk, legs straightened. The athlete must achieve fixation in this starting position before initiating each repetition. The rack position is the V-position of the shoulder, elbow, and wrist on the torso where the kettlebell rests, with the elbow ideally resting on the top portion of the hip joint.

How does International Union of Kettlebell Lifting (IUKL) define jerk starting position?

Jerk starting position: kettlebells fixed on the chest, arms pressed to the trunk, legs straightened. The athlete must achieve fixation in this starting position before initiating each repetition. The judge confirms the starting position before counting begins.

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

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