Testimonials

 Tucson, AZ.

“I attended the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation Certified Kettlebell Teacher (CKT) course with Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn in Tucson, AZ., on May 10 and 11th. I found Steve and Ken to be extremely professional and thorough in their ability to demonstrate their knowledge as well as their passion for proper use of the kettlebells. I was very appreciative of the fact that they not only taught us the exercises and coaching of kettlebells but also the skills on business and marketing. They introduced us to timed sets using the kettlebells which is an amazing way to train! I left the certification course confident in my ability to instruct proper form, technique and safety to others who want to learn how to ‘swing the bell’ ! Thanks for a great weekend and I look forward to meeting up with you two sometime again in the future!”

2 time California Muay Thai Champ, BS – Exercise Science SDSU, Pilates Trainer (Romana ‘s Pilates Certification), CNT – Trainer, AKC – Coach, Owner – Core Coach Center, La Jolla, CA

“Thank you IKFF for improving my personal kettlebell lifting technique and teaching ability.”

 AFTA Personal Trainer, AFTA Sports Nutrition Certification and owner/trainer of Abstract Fitness
Website: www.abstractfitness.com

“The IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher course is a professional, organized and very informative course. The instructors provide an atmosphere that makes it easy to train and advance your kettlebell knowledge and teaching abilities. Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn are not only extremely knowledgeable about the art of kettlebell lifting; they also can perform the skills at a high level of expertise. After completing the IKFF certification course, you feel more confident in your skills and more prepared to train others in the art of the kettlebell.

If you want the most reputable certification for training kettlebell lifting, the IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher course is the only one that will truly prepare you to be the best.”

BS, ACE, KBC, AKC, CKT Red Barn Fitness
Website: www.redbarnfitness.com

“The IKFF Certification is one of the best courses I’ve been to. Both Steve and Ken’s level of performance, mastery of skill and knowledge base was impressive. It was inspiring to watch them as they interacted with participants from a place of confidence and integrity, actively engaging us, truly listening and giving valuable feedback. I’ve come away with information and technique to help my business and clients.”

Certified fitness trainer through the International Sports Sciences Association, certificates in Sports Nutrition with the International Fitness Association, Fitness Phone Coaching via NESTA, as well as certificates in Functional Training, Functional Anatomy, and Adult CPR/First Aid/AED via the American Red Cross.
Website: www.joshonefitness.com

“I would like to personally thank Steve, Ken, Dr. Ed, and everyone for making the workshop an enjoyable, and knowledgeable experience. You guys truly over delivered. I look forward to attending more workshops (there is a great chance I will see you guys in the Fall for the FMD cert) in the future, as well as continuing to connect and learn from you guys in other instances as well.

Keep doing what you do, because you guys definitely do it well.”

Certified Fitness Specialist through FitForce and OPOTA (Ohio peace officer training academy), 1st degree black belt, 1998 World Sport Jujitsu Championships Silver Medalist, Women’s Safety Expert
Website: www.teamchitwood.com

“I was a Certified Kettlebell instructor with another organization. The other certification seemed to put the emphasis on the candidate’s own physical endurance and ability to make it through the grueling processes of the day and a little bit on the ability to teach others. In comparison, the IKFF challenges it’s participants to perform, but the true nature of the course is to learn to teach. Each technique is taught in such a manner that you become a better practitioner yourself, of course, but then it’s torn down and trained so comprehensively from every angle to be able to convey the information to others. If your goal in achieving a certification is truly to become the best teacher you can be with kettlebells and beyond, then the IKFF Certified Kettlebell Teacher course is the one for you! The Head Instructors are always willing to answer questions, help with problems and are accessible for assistance not just at the course, but beyond! They are truly interested in your success! I would tell anyone wanting to become a great coach and grow their training business to take this course.”

Certified C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach and a Holistic Exercise Kinesiology practitioner. Additional certifications through NASM and the CHEK Institute.

“Forget what you know. Free your mind and accept. If all you knew was the infamous hard style of KB training, look again. This might very well be an important key to relaxing towards the progressions of your KB training. True form and functions of endurance strength training coupled with the levels of the sport of KB lifting, introduced and helped me understand my own personal KB training. Steve and Ken undoubtedly get the respect of being at the top level as instructors for this apparatus.”

Website: www.rockfordkettlebells.wordpress.com

“Steve Cotter and Ken Blackburn ran an excellent class last weekend in Chicago. Geared toward learning and teaching the kettlebell for fitness applications with the correct technique as well as body awareness and mobility, the class was taught from the ground up. Day 1 started with the swing, to the clean, to the press, push press and jerk. Several timed sets thrown in for good measure. We actually had more hands on with the bells than I can remember ever having over the 2 days. Day 2 was a review of 1 then straight into long cycle and snatches. More timed sets. More practice. More movement drills. Diagnosing, correcting and teaching the exercises. Evaluations by the instructors and Qi Gong. Well run with lots of humor and a good group of people. Not a lot left to figure out for yourself when it was over. If health and fitness using the kettlebell is your goal this is where you should learn. The IKFF is the best certification I’ve been to by a long shot.”

CSCS, NSCA-CPT, CHEK Level II, USMC-captain, owner Phenomenal Fitness personal training, Chicago IL
Website: www.phenomenalfitness.com

“The IKFF entry level certification was an outstanding experience. Steve Cotter is a gifted instructor with world class communication skills. He has extensively studied many disciplines in several countries…kettlebells, martial arts, biomechanics. He has deep insights in both the human body and spirit. A must have certification for anyone seeking excellence in kettlebell training. Ken Blackburn is one of the strongest kettlebell a practitioner that I have seen…more amazing is his passion, humility and knowledge of kettlebell training, strength training etc. Even better, the brother is an incredible instructor with a great sense of humor. I look forward to taking the IKFF again and again.”

Founder & Owner of the Monkey Bar Gymnasium, former NBA Strength Coach
Website: www.monkeybargym.com

“I have been training people for 28 years and have seen many courses and seminars and without question, Steve’s IKFF course was among the best. People want to learn the material from the best, you get that! People want to see what is possible at even higher levels as well, you get that! People want personal attention and refinement of techniques, you get that too! Across the board an excellent course. Steve just does an amazing job and Ken was excellent in assisting as well as quickly answering every question! You want to learn kettlebells and become inspired to go to the next level of KB training then this course is for you.”