Cycling Through the Bells
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009The New WKC Ranking System Explained
article by Mike Stefano
August 29th will change the direction of Kettlebell Sport in America. That’s the date of the AKC Worlds in Chicago, and the first sanctioned competition under the new WKC ranking system. Achieving rank is necessary before being allowed into this World competition. But have no fear, under the new system the kettlebell sport lifter can achieve rank with other than the heaviest kettlebells.
I’ve worked side by side with Valery Fedorenko for over two years now, and I’ve learned one thing-Nothing is ever done without a good reason! His ability to perfect technique, create training protocols, and develop ranking systems is unparalleled. This case is no exception.
Rank can now be achieved with every level kettlebell, from 8 to 32 kilograms. This ingenious system encourages the lifter to work his or her way through the bells, perfecting technique as the first order of business. This doesn’t affect high level kettlebell sport athletes who compete with 16kg and 20kg (women) and 28kg and 32kg (men) kettlebells, and simultaneously maintains the integrity of the sport.
When kettlebell lifting is approached in this manner, certain built-in safetly valves are introduced. The body, most specifically the joints, are allowed to acclimate to the high repetition overload without injury. Light weight means high reps, inherently more practice, better technique, and markedly reduced overuse injuries due to this gradual period of acclimation.
For Snatch and Womens One Arm Jerk and Long Cycle the rules of the game have also changed. No longer is the sum of both arms just simply totaled. To encourage a balanced and healthy approach, the overall rep total is limited by the low repetition hand. In other words, if the lifter performed 44 reps right, and 54 left, their score would be 44.
Top 10 Benefits of the New Ranking System
- Promotes the use of lighter weight and greater technique
- Reduces chance of injury as lifter can progress gradually
- Opens the sport to many more lifters
- Encourages a balanced, healthy approach
- Allows coaches to bring in more clients / students
- Specifically creates a better lockout and rack position
- Promotes adherence to the sport
- Creates competition at lower levels
- Increases potential size of teams
- Opens up the kettlebell community to more age groups
As a kettlebell coach, trainer, or simply a student, you should take advantage of the WKC’s new ranks system, as it throws the door wide open to new lifters who can now rank with lighter weight, but ultimately better technique.
Start preparing now for the AKC Worlds on August 29th in Chicago.
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Mike Stefano, head of the East Coast Kettlebell Club is Master Coach and Master Trainer with the American and World Kettlebell Clubs. Mike also holds the position of Fire / Rescue Advisor and serves as Squad Leader at many of Valery Fedorenko’s Coaches’ Certifications. Mike is conducting a Training Day at IronWorks Fe Gym in Great Neck on Long Island. This unique event will help any lifter prepare for ranking, competition, or to simply develop proficiency in the Fedorenko Method. Visit the East Coast Kettlebell Club Website for more information.