What is the RKC and why all the hype???

The Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC) by Pavel Tsatsouline, Master of Sports, is the gold standard when it comes to kettlebell training and certifications. Pavel is considered to be the father of the modern day kettlebell movement in the west. The Russians have been using kettlebells for over 300 years. Comrades from teenage boys to elite athletes and military personel have been using them to build superhuman strength and endurance.

Pavel and Dragon Door conducted their first RKC certification in 2001 with only a few candidates and has now spread to cities coast to coast in the U.S. as well as internationally. A typical certification will usually host anywhere from 60 – 100+ victims.

There is a ranking structure, or levels, within the RKC community. RKC, RKC II, RKC Team Leader, Sr. RKC, Master RKC and there is the CK-FMS (Certified Functional Movement Specialist) certification by Brett Jones and Gray Cook which is rapidly growing in popularity among the community. Team Leaders and above are by promotions only and Pavel himself has his hand in the decision making process.

Ok, so I know what RKC stands for, but why exactly is it the gold standard? I’m glad you asked! It is the gold standard because everything done at an RKC workshop is hands on. Yup, no pencil and paper, no sitting at a CPU trying to memorize enough material in order to pass. This certification is earned through (in most cases) blood, sweat, and tears. It is most commonly known for its snatch test requirement which entails having to snatch a 24kg (53lbs) kettlebell for males and a 16kg (35lbs) kettlebell for female comrades for 100 reps in 5 min. In addition to that, we are vigorously tested on technique (It is typical for 20-30% failure rate a RKC workshop).

Just because we have to snatch that many times and we sweat a lot doesn’t make the RKC what it is. Nope, it’s the knowledge that Pavel and other RKC’s pass down to us in terms of strength and conditioning, and movement. The RKC is continuously evolving and working towards getting better rather than just going with the flow. The RKC is a system about precision and fine tuning, and can be tailored to your personal goal…whatever it may be.

Pavel calls the kettlebell “A gym in your pocket”, and it truly is. The versatility of the kettlebell lets you work out virtually anywhere! In your living room, your garage, backyard, open field, and beach just to give you an idea. It breaks up the monotony of going to the gym for 1-2 hrs and seeing the SAME results year after year. The kettlebell is also beneficial for people of all walks of life. Teens, athletes, weekend warriors, recreational fitness enthusiasts, high level athletes like martial artists and fighters. Oh…and the military and law enforcement have been making leaps and bounds as well.

The kettlebell isn’t the end all be all, it’s just our tool of choice because it gives you the best bang for your buck. The kettlebell is a great tool and can literally transform you physique, but alone, doesn’t necessarily work the way it should. Why take a chance of getting seriously hurt by using poor technique when you can have the proven and battle tested methodologies of the RKC system?

So that’s it! You can now forge your physique for show AND for go with the help of the kettlebell and RKC philosophies that go along with it. Enjoy the Pain!

When we say ‘strength’ we mean ‘kettlebell.’
When we say ‘kettlebell’ we mean ‘strength.’


Here's a video of my RKC experience...the April 09 RKC in St. Paul, MN



Strength be with you,

Nelson