Kettlebell Instructor Certification Course

The Kettlebell Instructor Certification from The Association of Tactical Strength and Conditioning Instructors is an in-depth course that provides certified instructors with the coaching skills needed to take trainees to high levels of physical preparedness using kettlebells as the primary tool.

Continuous education credits: NSCA 1.5 - ACE 1.4 - NASM 1.6

At the ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor Certification course we study and tests on:

• Lifting technique
• Ability to teach
• Training planning and training sessions development

ATSCI kettlebell training system comprises a selection of techniques that are used for specific purposes. The overall system acts as a tool box rather than “one” fix solution for all situations. This system utilizes tested and well studied techniques and teaches modifications to accommodate to different individual’s circumstances.

The ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor Certification course teaches advance training concepts based on research and studies done by American universities and experts not just an athlete’s achievements. ATSCI’s Training system utilizes concepts that encompasses other experts’ knowledge not limiting the information to one man’s experience and avoiding the pitfall of “guru” based methods. During this two days seminar the candidate studies this methods in detail with a rich supportive system to facilitate its comprehension and retention.

“I had a great time here at the ATSCI KB Instructor Certification. After being in the fitness industry for over 10 years and taking numerous certifications I was beginning to lose interest in attending anymore “clinics” or “workshops”, as they all seem to say the same thing. I found Nico’s philosophies and ideas on KB training to be very eye opening and gave me a new found motivation to be more innovative with my workouts, both for myself, my staff, and clients,

Thanks Nico!”

Kyle Gillian

B.S. Clinical Exercise Kinesiology & Physiology ; NASM-OPT (Optimal Personal Trainer); NASM-PES (Performance Enhancement Specialist); NASM-CES (Corrective Exercise Specialist); ACE-Certified Personal Trainer; ACE-Clinical Exercise Specialist; NCSF-Certified Personal Trainer; IKFF-Certified Kettlebell Teacher; SPARQ-Certified Testing Administrator; WSI-Certified Swim Instructor; CPR/AED; Fitness Manager/Master Trainer at 24 Hour Fitness

Why ATSCI?

The ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor Certification doesn’t follow a “boot camp” model nor tests candidates on their physical prowess. This course is intended to teach teachers how to be successful at training others. As a result our instructors are able to help their trainees – or themselves - to achieve high levels of performance according to their goals. Although it’s important to “walk the walk” we believe that physical prowess is not a determining factor of the level of expertise of coach. Our instructors are expected to have a deep understanding of the movements and the ability to demonstrate them correctly and accurately.

“I am a former Marine and I’m currently working for the Colorado State Patrol. I have been a trooper for approximately 5 years and I’m currently stationed at the Colorado State Patrol Training Academy as the Lead Drill Instructor and I am a Fitness Coordinator and a Level 2 CrossFit instructor. I have worked with kettlebells in the past with CrossFit, however, in a two day class with Nico I have a much greater concept and skill level of the use of kettlebells. I fully plan on incorporating kettlebells into my workout routine”

Brandon Means
Colorado State Patrol Academy – Lead Drill Instructor and Fitness Coordinator, CrossFit L2 instructor

The ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor Certification includes a written test. This test is not just a check-list of the lifts, and do require active participation and engagement of the student during the seminar to successfully complete it. The seminar is full of information and supportive material to help the candidate pass this test with flying colors. Our instructors do provide much assistance to ensure deep understanding of all of the technique and methods taught.

ATSCI utilizes different lifting methods. Some of these techniques include the Kettlebell Sports lifts, which emphasize strength-endurance and mental fortitude. The Kettlebell Sports techniques are multi-joint movements that involve all three planes: saggital, frontal and transverse. These techniques are also typically used during long sets due to the fluid motions and their promotion of a strong core. ATSCI also believes that as encompassing as these are, they are still a limited set of movements. Therefore, ATSCI also continuously studies other kettlebell lifting techniques, which makes training more complete. These techniques are well organized and each of them has a very specific purpose. The ATSCI kettlebell training method is not limit itself to one training approach due to the understanding that individuals have different needs and levels of skills. Because of this the ATSCI Kettlebell Instructor is trained to apply multiple training strategies and methods according to individual training objective.

“(The) Kettlebell Instructor course was a great experience. I have been working with kettlebells for over 2 years and this course has helped me to improve my technique. (The) Course focuses on each exercise and emphasizes how to instruct others. It was a very well rounded course. There is an emphasis on technique instruction, and biomechanics and also covering kettlebell exercises that can improve all aspects of conditioning, and program development”

Stacey Rose

The ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor Certification course provides multiple study aid tools including the ground breaking title “Essentials of Kettlebell Lifting” by Coach Nico Rithner. This book includes detailed explanations of the exercises and some of the training methods studied during the certification seminar.

The ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor candidate is required to complete:

• The Seminar
• The Technique Test
• The Written Test

After completion of the course, the candidate will become a certified ATSCI – Kettlebell Instructor. After certification, the new instructor will :

• Be able to teach an individual or a group of individuals how to perform the main techniques covered and tested in the course safely and efficiently.
• Possess the ability to stage programs tailored to specific needs of the trainee or group of trainees.
• Have an array of additional exercises at the instructor’s disposal to maintain variety as well as to be able to adapt to different trainees’ demands.
• Demonstrate resourcefulness while developing programs with kettlebells only, or as part of a cross training program.
• Have an understanding of the kettlebell lifts that will support technical adaptations to different circumstances and needs.

Additional benefits once you are certified by ATSCI:

• Equipment discounts
• Logistic support
• A Community of like-minded instructors that you can contact through the forum
• The opportunity to participate on training research
• You information will be posted under the instructors section so clients or potential employers can find you.
• Important discounts other ATSCI courses and equipment.