Get Involved
Get Involved
Whether you are a beginner, a club or a coach: here's how to find training near you and become part of the kettlebell community in Germany.
Support the association
Shop and donate at the same time
Start your online shopping via Bildungsspender: many shops then donate part of the purchase value to the BVDKS. The price stays the same for you.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Do I have to be a member to take part in a competition?
No. Non-members can also take part in BVDKS competitions but pay a higher entry fee – at the German Championships from 2027, for example, €40 instead of €30 for adults. BVDKS membership is required for official German records. A good place to start is My First Competition.
What exactly do I get from membership?
You can use the qualification pathways to international championships, appear in the national ranking and set official records. On top of that, you get lower entry fees and member rates for education and training courses, where provided for in the respective offer. And you support the development of kettlebell sport in Germany. More at Your benefits as a member.
How much does membership cost?
From 1 January 2027: €50 per year for adults, €25 for pupils, students and apprentices aged 18 and over as well as para athletes, €10 for young people up to 18. If you join in the second half of the year, you pay half in the first year. You can find all fees, including for clubs, on the membership page.
Do I need a club to become a member?
No. With individual membership, you can join the BVDKS even without a club. If you train as a club, department or group, club membership with lower fees per person is worthwhile.
Which kettlebell weight should I start with?
In competition, female beginners start with 12 kg and male beginners with 16 kg. For your first training sessions, it makes sense to learn the technique with a coach or in a training group and only then increase the weight. The weight classes are explained on Performance Classes & Ranking System, the colours and dimensions on Competition Kettlebells.
How do I find training near me?
On the map Clubs & Training Groups you will find offers all over Germany. Under Find a Coach you will find coaches for on-site and online training.
What do I need for my first competition?
Sturdy shoes (barefoot is not allowed), clothing that gives you freedom of movement, chalk and a towel. The competition kettlebells are usually provided by the organiser; the competition announcement is binding. Everything else under Equipment and My First Competition.
How do I become a member?
The quickest way is the online membership application (fee by SEPA direct debit). Alternatively, you can find the application as a PDF on the page Membership ; clubs and training groups use the PDF club application. If you have any questions, you can reach us via the contact page.
