Jerk vs. Snatch:

1) Why Russian have more jerks than snatches?

Because 100+ jerks more easy than 100+ snatches. If you want to do 100 jerks, you should do one jerk every 6 seconds. If you want to do 100 snatches, you should do one snatch per 3 seconds. Besides, during jerk, you move kettlebells on the length of your arm. During snatch you should move kettlebell on two lengths of your arm!
So obviously, during jerk you may have more slow tempo. This fact lets have a rest in rack position (kettlebells onto the chest).

So let's think about rest during jerk and snatch.

During jerks there are two ways to rest: rack position and overhead position. There are more than 99% of kettlebell lifters who use rack position, and other less than 1% who use overhead position. Because obviously, rest in rack position is more rational. For example, I can hold 2x32kg (my own weight is 65kg) onto the chest more than 10 minutes! And I cannot hold 2x32kg in overhead position so much time....
So obviously, during jerk you may have full rest with kettlebells onto the chest. And you can jerk your kettlebells all 10 minutes.

During snatch there are two ways to rest: overhead position and low position(when kettlebell near your legs).
I'm sure both ways can not be compare with rest onto the chest. Is not it?

So in my opinion obviously, jerk is more easy exercise.

2) Why Americans and comrades from other non-kettlebells country have more snatches than jerks?

Jerk is more technical exercise, so you need more time for achieve good results. Snatch is more easy exercise. So when you are beginner, you have a better results in snacth.
Most Americans have not rest in rack position, so they cannot use general advantage of jerk.
I'm not sure anyone American can hold 2x32kg onto the chest more than 6-7 minutes.
When you will be able to rest with kettlebells onto the chest, you will achieve good results in jerk and your results in jerk will be better than your results in snatch!

I Can hold 2x32kg onto the chest more than 10 minutes and I can do 1037 one arm jerks in 60 minutes without any rest. The World Record for my ages - 1150.

Besides, I'm a Candidate to Master of Sports.

So I know what I say...

Andrey Kuzmin

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