Hello from Los Angeles, everyone! Our group of trainers are working very hard, and learning so much at this world renowned Russian Kettlebell training, RKC. We have completed the first 2 days, and the worst is over, I think. Tomorrow is the shortest training day, at only 7 hours
Friday morning we got right to work. One of our first tasks was to attempt to pass our snatch challenge. Requirements are based on the individual’s sex, weight class, and sometimes age (at least for the Master… Mr. Ron Holland). A master he certainly is, passing his test on the first attempt!
Many of us passed on our first attempts, including myself. Those who did not, had a chance to do so today, and will have another attempt tomorrow.
The course has been very in depth. We have focused on only 3 movements per day, covering every little detail of each move. We have now covered all 6 fundamental movements taught here. Each move has been broken down into 1 or 2 techniques at a time, giving us a chance to focus on learning and teaching just a few cues at once. Each move is taught, practiced, and critiqued over and over, one technique at a time, until every part of the move is covered.
Tomorrow we will be required to train volunteers of varying fitness levels and conditions. Our completion of the course certification depends on our competency in this, and completing the Grad Workout. During the Grad workout we will alternate 20 seconds of walking see-saw presses with two kettlebells, 10 seconds of rest, 20 seconds of swings with 1 kettlebell, 10 seconds of rest/setting up for see-saw presses again, etc., for the length of a football field. The required weight of the kettlebells for each individual will depend on their weight class. I am glad to say I was lucky enough to get into the lower weight class, YAY! As some of you know I was right on the border of two weight classes, hoping to make it in the lower class. This means I can do the Grad Workout with an 8kg (18 lb.) kettlebell, instead of the 12kg (26 pounder.)
We can’t wait to get back to all of you and make use of all these phenomenal teaching skills we are learning!
Thank you all for the wonderful support you have shown us in this crazy endeavor! We appreciate you all so much.
It has been a grueling weekend, but we’ve had some fun, and learned so much!