Africa is home to the Comrades Marathon – an ultra distance event which takes place annually, and which is best described in this quote:
“The Comrades Marathon belongs to us all. It is a testimony to human endeavour. It bears witness to the compelling power of the human spirit that grips each one of us from the start to the finish. For one day in each year, we are a nation of winners.”
Almost 20,000 entrants take part in the Comrades Marathon, and every one of them is a winner. Probably the most cheered participant in the entire event, is the person who crosses the finish line seconds before the final gun is fired. The runner who crosses the line first, probably gets less support than the “comrade” who crosses last.
This is the spirit in which we would like to conduct our Kettlebell Sport events.
The AUKL’s primary objective is to encourage healthy participation in a uniquely beneficial sport which is challenging and safe. Kettlebell sport boasts one of the highest levels of effort, yet one of the lowest injury levels of any professional sport.
The structure of AUKL events is not a traditional “competition”. This is not a requirement, but is recommended. The recommendations outlined below are in line with the current attitude of the AUKL – namely non-competitive camaraderie. The overall principles can, however, be applied to any kettlebell sport event.
The fundamental intention is not to out perform another person, but rather to perform at your best. You are your best competitor. This excludes the ego of beating another – and forces each participant to look only at themselves. We utilise a measuring system of grades, much like the martial arts world.
To draw a parallel, it is possible for a yellow belt to beat a black belt occasionally, but normally, this will not happen. To win on a given day can happen through luck – either good luck on your part, or bad luck on the part of your opponent.
To achieve rank requires a lifetime of dedication, and the camaraderie and respect of your fellow participants.
The objective of the union is to promote kettlebell lifting independently of style and/or organisational preference.