🔄 Long Cycle (Clean & Jerk) Rules

Long Cycle — No Stopping at Bottom

Compared across 2 organizations. Long Cycle (Clean & Jerk) Rules category.

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Rule Text by Organization

GSU Girevoy Sport Union

In Long Cycle, kettlebells can be held in a position lower than the hands (hang/clean position) but must be between the legs and in motion (clean action). Kettlebells cannot be held motionless in the hang position — the backswing must be continuous. The only positions where the kettlebells may be held motionless are the rack position and overhead fixation position.

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)

IKO International Kettlebell Organization

Kettlebells cannot be stopped at the bottom of the swing in Long Cycle. They can only be held motionless at rack position and top (overhead) fixation position.

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

Comparison Analysis

GSU and IUKL both prohibit stopping the kettlebells at the bottom position between reps in Long Cycle.

What All Organizations Agree On

  • Both prohibit resting or stopping the kettlebells at the bottom between reps
  • The clean must flow continuously from the previous lowering

Athlete Impact: Train continuous Long Cycle flow — don't pause at the bottom between reps under either organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Girevoy Sport Union (GSU) define long cycle — no stopping at bottom?

In Long Cycle, kettlebells can be held in a position lower than the hands (hang/clean position) but must be between the legs and in motion (clean action). Kettlebells cannot be held motionless in the hang position — the backswing must be continuous. The only positions where the kettlebells may be held motionless are the rack position and overhead fixation position.

How does International Kettlebell Organization (IKO) define long cycle — no stopping at bottom?

Kettlebells cannot be stopped at the bottom of the swing in Long Cycle. They can only be held motionless at rack position and top (overhead) fixation position.

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

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