THE SPORT

SPORT &
FORMATS

Strongman is a specialised speed-power all-around sport. Eight standard disciplines form the foundation of all competition formats — from the Relay to Para-Strongman, Ethnosport and Battles.

STANDARD DISCIPLINESDIVISIONSRELAY FORMATETHNOSPORT & STICK PULLINGPARA-STRONGMANBATTLES & SPECIAL EVENTSCLASSIC STRONGMAN ↗EDUCATION ↗
THE FOUNDATION

8 STANDARD DISCIPLINES

FULL DETAILS ON WSM ↗

Eight core disciplines govern all ASF competition formats. They are divided into two groups — Lift disciplines and Carry disciplines — and are used across Relay, Battles, Para-Strongman and other formats.

01
STONE FLIP
Athlete lifts and flips the stone over a 110 cm bar. No assistants between attempts.
LIFT
02
DUMBBELL LIFT
Athlete lifts the dumbbell, sets it on the shoulder, and presses overhead with one hand.
LIFT
03
AXLE DEADLIFT
Athlete lifts the axle until fully upright. Knees straight, shoulders pulled back at lockout.
LIFT
04
LOG LIFT
Athlete cleans the log and presses it overhead. Full lockout required.
LIFT
05
FRAME CARRY
Athlete carries a loaded frame across a set distance. Grip and total body strength event.
CARRY
06
SANDBAG CARRY
Athlete carries a heavy sandbag across a set distance for time.
CARRY
07
KEG CARRY
Athlete carries a series of kegs and loads them onto a platform.
CARRY
08
DUCK WALK
Athlete carries a weight between the legs in a walking squat across a set distance.
CARRY
CATEGORIES

DIVISIONS

MEN
CATEGORYLIMIT
FeatherweightUp to 70 kg
LightweightUp to 80 kg
MiddleweightUp to 95 kg
HeavyweightUp to 110 kg
Super HeavyweightOver 110 kg
WOMEN
CATEGORYLIMIT
FeatherweightUp to 55 kg
LightweightUp to 65 kg
MiddleweightUp to 75 kg
HeavyweightUp to 85 kg
Super HeavyweightOver 85 kg
AGE GROUPS
CATEGORYAGE
JuniorUp to 23 years
SeniorOpen category
Masters 40+40–49 years
Masters 50+50 years and above
COMPETITION FORMATS

ASF FORMATS

MAIN FORMAT
RELAY
The primary competitive format of ASF. Athletes complete all 8 standard disciplines in two relay sequences — Lift Relay and Carry Relay. Each relay is performed for time with a 180-second limit. The athlete completing all stages in the shortest time wins.
LIFT RELAY
Stages 01–04 · 3 repetitions each
CARRY RELAY
Stages 05–08 · set distance each
TIME LIMIT
180 seconds per relay
SCORING
Fastest time wins
INCLUSIVE FORMAT
PARA-STRONGMAN
Adaptive division open to athletes with physical impairments across all classification categories. Uses adapted versions of the standard disciplines. Conducted in partnership with the Asian Paralympic Committee.
CLASSIFICATION
APC-aligned system
DISCIPLINES
Adapted standard disciplines
PARTNER
Asian Paralympic Committee
STATUS
Full WSM recognition
SPECIAL FORMAT
BATTLES & SPECIAL EVENTS
Show competitions, invitational battles, and the Asian Strongman League (ASL). These formats operate under the Special & Exhibition Events framework — using classic strongman disciplines, flexible rules, and independent prize structures. Designed for entertainment, promotion, and market expansion.
ASIAN LEAGUE (ASL)
Team-based regional format
INVITATIONAL BATTLES
Elite invitation-only events
RANKING STATUS
Outside official ranking
ANTI-DOPING
Discretionary per event
CULTURAL HERITAGE FORMAT

ETHNOSPORT

Ethnosport is a culturally integrated competition format based on the institutionalisation of traditional strength games within a structured governance framework. Developed in cooperation with the World Ethnosport Society — a UNESCO-accredited NGO — it bridges ancient heritage and modern professional sport.

PRIMARY ETHNOSPORT DISCIPLINE · ASF
STICK PULLING

A traditional Indigenous strength game focused on grip strength and upper body pulling power. Two athletes sit face-to-face, gripping a wooden stick with both hands. Upon the start signal, each athlete attempts to pull the opponent across a designated boundary line or force the opponent to release the stick.

Stick Pulling is the central Ethnosport discipline in the ASF competition calendar, taking a primary role as a test of explosive power and grip endurance. Widely recognised and regularly contested across the Asian continent.

FORMATHead-to-head duel
FIELDOutdoors — grass or sand
SCORINGPull opponent across boundary line
TIE-BREAKAdditional discipline
IMPLEMENTSWooden stick — traditional
STATUSWSM Ethnosport — official
ETHNOSPORT ON WSM ↗
WSM CERTIFIED

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

Coaches and referees across Asia can obtain internationally recognised WSM certification. Courses from Level 1 to Level 4 — for coaches and referees.

BROWSE COURSES ↗