The Agatsu Level One Cert
As I’m sure you’re aware, kettlebells are hardly new to the fitness world. They have been used in Russia and Eastern Europe for over a hundred years, and some suggest they may have earlier roots that can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. It’s no wonder they’ve survived the ages: they are extremely versatile and effective for strength, size, endurance, explosive power, flexibility, balance and overall conditioning. Now that they’ve made a comeback, many trainers are choosing to get certified as kettlebell instructors.
This past weekend, the StrengthBox hosted an Agatsu Kettlebell Certification course in Toronto. Agatsu is the company that first brought kettlebells to Canada, and their certification program is known as one of the top in the world. Agatsu founder Shawn Mozen taught the course, and it was a pleasure to watch him combine his passion for training with his knowledge of the business. Shawn’s courses are intensive and physically demanding, but his charisma and sense of humour leave his students wanting even more.
Lots of focus on the basics
One of several endurance tests
Why take an Agatsu certification? Whether you’re coaching other people, or looking to improve your own skills, I can think of several reasons:
- There are standards. This is not a pay-for-certifcation event, it’s a pass-or-fail course. Students take a written test, are graded on their ability to perform the basic moves, and must successfully complete a kettlebell workout and endurance circuit.
- There is a focus on coaching. Shawn has developed a great system for teaching the basics, and shows students how to analyze and break down each move for others.
- While the focus is on hard-style kettlebell training, the Agatsu cert also introduces the basics of kettlebell sport (also called girevoy sport or GS). Shawn brought along competitive athletes Eric St-Onge and Boris Terzic to help demonstrate sport techniques. Kettlebell sport combines strength with sheer endurance, and the focus is quite different from what we normally see done. Even if a coach has no interest in this type of training, possessing a knowledge of what it’s all about is a huge advantage.
- Shawn believes in fitness as “being fit for a task” — or fitness that is actually useful. He’s not someone who is overly focused on body composition or who preaches how kettlebells will give a person a certain look. Rather, he is interested in movement – a huge plus in my books. Too many of us (including trainers) neglect movement as a fundamental when in fact it should be the basis of any training program. To this end, the Agatsu cert includes some great joint-mobility work, and Shawn has promised there is more to come.
Kettlebell Sport demonstration by Eric (left) and Boris
Shawn Mozen's (left) passion for coaching was infectious.
This was the second time I had attended the Level One course, and I have to say that I learned a ton. Not only did I reinforce many of the basics that I learned back in 2009, but I was introduced to a lot of new material. And the group was just fantastic! Some great energy and some really motivated people.
If you’re thinking about taking your kettlebell training to new heights, I can’t recommend an Agatsu course enough. For more information, see the Agatsu website.
Tags: Agatsu, certification, kettlebells, Shawn Mozen, StrengthBox
I’m taking this certification course this weekend. I’m currently a certified personal trainer and have only been exposed to Kettlebell training for about two months, but I really like it and want to teach it, so I signed up. Now I’m hoping I’m not out of my league here. Would you say that someone who is familiar with the basics but doesn’t have a ton of experience can survive this course? *nervous laughter* Well, there’s no backing out now anyway, might as well make the most of it!
I’d say it’s going to be great. There’s a lot of time spent on basic moves like the swing. In fact, some people who have worked with bells longer have only had more time to develop bad habits. I also think it’s great that you’re a bit nervous about it because it’s good to go outside of your comfort zone every now and then. You’ll come out the other side wondering what you were worried about in the first place! Have fun.