“Based on their resumes alone, I was prepared for top notch training, however they both exceeded my expectations. While they each have different teaching styles and perspectives, the combination of the two made for an extremely thorough, enjoyable and ‘high impact’ two days. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of personal attention both Ken and Steve managed to give each of us, as well as their desire to learn more about us as people rather than just as students. Each of them noticed the small things–the details which at this stage in my KB lifting will enhance both my performance and endurance. They stayed true to IKFF Core Values, and made this experience one of a lifetime! I truly cannot say enough about Ken and Steve – they are amazing teachers, athletes and people. Thank you for the incredible experience!”
Turby Wright and Carol Defazio
“We would like to thank you for a great weekend at the NYC kettlebell certification. It was just what we expected; well organized, professional, with a focus on learning the fine points of kettlebell lifting and teaching them to others. What we didn’t expect was the way you made us feel like old friends; it added so much to the weekend. It’s easy to see why you are both so well-respected in the fitness industry. If you are ever at the Jersey Shore, please look us up! Continued success to you both!”
Jason Schroeder
Website: www.fitnessfrequency.com
“Thank you for the opportunity to share in your unsurpassed knowledge in and out of the kettlebell arena. You brought an indestructible humility to the certification. The knowledge I retained was only complimented by the stability of mind and body that washed over me in only two days. Putting your students before yourselves and promoting their success in a step to bring everyone to the top of the mountain; is a core value in human progression and you should be applauded for that!”
Carolyn Vanzlow
CHEK LEVEL IV
NSCA NASM USAW CKT
“In June of 2008 I had the pleasure of being a student of Steve Cotter and his elite team of instructors Ken Blackburn and Jason Dolby. The certification class was exceptional in technique, providing powerful information for participation and teaching techniques. I have observed through my own practice my clients are learning very quickly, able to ascend rapidly to the next level and no injuries! This I attribute to the excellent information provided by Steve and his team. It was clearly obvious that the instructors were driven to make sure all of us finished properly prepared to teach kettle belle training. Thank you, Steve, Ken and Jason for a memorable experience, and increasing my income substantially.”
Stephen Gurtowski
CKT, ACE Certified Personal Trainer
Boston & Walpole, Massachusetts
Website: www.stevegfitness.blogspot.com
“On June 28 and 29, 2008, I attended the two day International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation (IKFF) Certified Kettlebell Teacher course. It was terrific! The IKFF is headed by Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn and they taught the course. Both Steve and Ken brought and shared the depth of their understanding and experience, and I really appreciated that. They spoke to that experience, and at the same time helped me gain a deeper understanding of kettlebell lifting and training. I’ve been training with KB’s for seven years, and I learned nuances of KB lifting that had escaped me in the past. More importantly, I learned and practiced skills necessary to teach KB training to others and corrective strategies. The inclusion of girevoy sport drills, technique, strategies, and method was a terrific aspect of the course. I was unpracticed in the GS method, but I feel I have a good understanding of it from the course. Even though the course is demanding, the atmosphere is conducive to learning and having fun. If you have the opportunity, take the course. I highly recommend it.”
Brad Behle
CKT
“I signed up for the IKFF Kettlebell certification without really knowing what to expect. I did some research and found that Steve and Ken were highly qualified, but was still a little hesitant on whether it’s who I want to be certified through. The seminar exceeded my expectations and was an amazing experience. Not only were Steve and Ken exceptional, they also brought an assistant named Jason who was very energetic about teaching. We also had a visit from Mike Mahler which was nice being I had learned a lot about Kettlebells from his videos. We had a room full of the “Kettlebell Elites”. I had a blast there, we worked hard, learned a lot and had a lot of fun. The instructors have great personalities, had us laughing and made everyone feel comfortable. I would strongly recommend this certification to others, in fact I already have! I’m glad to be a part of IKFF”
Jana and Ron Holland
SWAT Fitness www.swatfitness.com
Kombat Kettlebells www.kombatkettlebells.com
“At SWAT Fitness in Tucson, we have been doing kettlebells classes for over 9 months at our 2 Tucson Arizona personal training and fitness studios. Since starting with kettlebells, our trainers have been trained by various instructors from RKC, which has been both instructional and beneficial to our Kombat Kettlebells classes. When we attended Steve Cotter’s IKFF certification, however, our eyes were opened.
We received much more than kettlebell technique and instructional methods during the IKFF program. Steve and his team provided not only kettlebell foundational instruction, but also valuable programming, progressions and demonstrations which have improved our own technique as trainers, which translate into improved programming for our Kombat Kettlebells program. Steve’s attention to individual form (and his personal traits) makes him a person we greatly respect and value. Steve and his team are an exceptional resource for instruction, programming, methodology and technique.
We are proud to be supporters of IKFF and endorse Steve Cotter and his team as some of the best resources available for kettlebell instruction in the U.S.”
Lisa Balash
Owner of Elite Physiques Kettlebell Studio
Website: www.elitephysiqueslv.com
“The IKFF has to be, by far, the best program out there! I was certified before from Kettlebell Concepts but wanted a more credible certification. It only made sense to consider the IKFF. After seeing and hearing about Steve Cotter, I knew that this was the best choice. Everything was very detail oriented. I learned the proper techniques of each exercise and also learned the proper way to communicate this to my clients. I am a much more confident instructor now that I have completed this program. I recommend this to anyone! Even if you have already been certified, that you consider adding Steve’s program, it can only increase your capability and understanding of kettlebells. Thank you Steve and the IKFF for such a great experience.”
Jude Howe
 IKFF – CKT, ISSA – CPT; Cleveland, Ohio
“I want to thank both Steve and Ken for all of their effort in putting this course together. These guys are consummate professionals and even better teachers. They have a style of teaching that is both gracious and humble, in that, they are the best at what they do without having to tell you they are.
If you are looking to better understand how to train with kettlebells or how to train others on how to use them, do not miss this course. My clients and I were reaping the benefits the very next day. You will walk away from the weekend with a wealth of knowledge and tons of confidence.”
Ian Gillaspie
Tucson, AZ.
“The IKFF strips away the gimmicks of Kettlebell training, focusing on the most effective, tested techniques. Ken’s teaching is straightforward, clear, and borne from experience. Steve offers a wealth of technical insight, demonstrating that the ‘little things’ can make a huge difference in form and efficiency. Why make light bells harder when you can make heavy ones easier! I am most impressed however, with the continuing support of their CKT’s.”