Found this question in our Facebook mailbox from Rino Lagacé:
“Hello M.Kanygin.
I was wondering if you could do a video or talk to me about the difference between Hard style and fluid style.I very much like and follow what you , M.Cotter and M.fedorenko are doing but I also see good stuff in the RKC and hard style…Whether it’s the biomechanic , the breathing or even the execution of a lift…
So I would really appreciate if you could give your opinion on the subject. The pros and cons or whatever your inspired to talk about on the diffence between the different styles……Did it change over the course of time ? Why is there so many style ? who has the right one ?Is there a right one ?
Thanks you M.Kanygin”
The question is an interesting one. I will share my opinion and you are more than welcome to jump with your opinions. Feel free to post it on your own blog or comment below.
I’d like to first say how grateful I am to Pavel Tsatsouline for introducing kettlebell training to United States.
The technique that Pavel and RKC organization is teaching is not wrong.
I’d like to stress this. What Pavel is teachingIt is not wrong.
It is simply incomplete.
Think of original Russian Kettlebell Training Technique and Methodology as a complete Jigsaw Puzzle.
Hardstyle technique is only a partially completed Jigsaw Puzzle of complete original kettlebell technique.
In a nutshell that’s the difference. Hardstyle is a stripped down version of original kettlebell technique. By original Russian kettlebell technique I’m referring to what is known as GS, Kettlebell Sport or fluid style of lifting.
Which one is right and which style is wrong?
In my opinion it is a personal preference.
Some are satisfied and ecstatic about their progress with Hardsyle, others want to learn more and explore a more complete picture of Kettlebell Training by seeking out more information about original Russian Kettlebell Technique. This is why “Science of Kettlebell Sport” DVD series were created. And yet others (like many of my students) start with original technique right away and get results that they desire.
For those practicing Hardstyle of training this is very good news.
It is good news because if they choose to explore and learn more, they don’t have to unlearn much. It’s more like adding to the picture and filling in some empty spaces. It’s like building on top of excellent foundation and taking it further to a new level.
I’m also finding out that there are many misunderstanding about what original Russian Kettlebell Technique and Methodology is. I think that topic deserves a whole series of posts on it’s own.
Would love to hear from you and get your take on it.
I use both hardstyle and GS when teaching. it depends on the need of the client. Some folks really need hardstyle to get strong. Others need to learn how to relax with the bells so i give them GS. Both are tools in the toolbox.
I started out with RKC, then switched to GS a year later.
With RKC, it was mostly brute force manipulating the kettlebell’s movement. I had to have strong muscles to complete the lifts. I guess its this feeling of power that appeals to so many people. But my lack of upper body strength, and low back problems kept me from progressing and I quickly became discouraged.
With GS, I’ve learned to work with the physics of the kettlebell’s movement. This becomes important when working with heavier ‘bells. They are not easily bullied. I’ve also had to learn to incorporate my entire body to generate the power needed to lift the kettlebell for minutes at a time. And, since the work is shared throughout the body, my back is much happier.
I train the GS way because well it’s the correct way of doing it. Pavel’s way as you said is incomplete and you have a bigger chance of getting injured.
The way I see it is, do it right or just don’t do it at all.
[...] Different Styles of Kettlebell Training [...]
Both styles can be used when appropriate according to goals and needs. Let’s not get into religious debates as you can never “win” these. I usually start my newbies (especially women) with hard-style as so many cannot control even minimal forces traveling north to south or vice versa. At some point a person’s own intuition will help guide them as to what is best for their own bodies (don’t play god as things ALWAYS change). Personally I prefer GS techniques most of the time, more fluid and fun to practice, but then I did come from a competitive cycling background so I don’t mind extended sets of pain,lol!
Well explained Dennis!
The base of things for me is that many RKC types I know personally just end up just getting injured. With brute strength at some point something has to give, and usually its your body.
GS allows you to grow much more powerfully over time, as seen by the number of older people still at it in Russia etc.
Whether its our planet, or our bodies, its got to be sustainable, or it aint gonna work!
Cheers
Both Hard Style and Girevoy Sport has their place. One is right and one is well… another way of doing things.
If one would do things hard style for years and ongoing years they would not be able to maintain that practice; however with G.S. a practitioner can maintain that from cradle to the grave.
Kettlebell Sport style training just flows much better with human mechanics so that the body gets stronger naturally instead of brutally placing unnecessary force upon joints, the spine, and soft tissue.
[...] Training Created Equal To learn more about different kettlebell training styles read “Different Styles of Kettlebell Training“. August 27th, 2010 | Category: [...]
[...] Not All Kettlebell Training Created Equal To learn more about different kettlebell training styles read “Different Styles of Kettlebell Training“. [...]
dennis,
look forward to meeting you when you come to houston.