Instructor CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
RKC™ is a highly demanding course, mentally and physically. 25-30% failure rate is typical. Don’t take your preparation lightly.
You will have to meet the following criteria in order to earn your diploma:
- Exhibit safe and efficient technique in the foundation exercises.
- Demonstrate good judgment, especially concerning safety.
- Demonstrate effective teaching skills.
- Pass the Kettlebell Snatch Test.
- Pass the Grad Workout.
- Abide by the RKC Code of Conduct.
Your instructor diploma will be awarded to you only after you have passed the specified requirements. If you fail any of the above you may retake the course for $500 and be retested within one year of the conclusion of the certification you attended. If you were close to meeting the requirements your team leader has the discretion to make alternative retesting arrangements that do not require retaking the course.
If you are NOT planning on teaching others, you may choose to forego the testing. You will be issued a certificate of attendance, instead of an instructor certificate.
Kettlebell Snatch Test Rules
The girevik picks up the kettlebell, swings it back between the legs, and snatches it overhead in one uninterrupted movement to a straight-arm lockout. If you have a medical restriction that prevents you from fully locking out your elbow you must notify your team leader in the beginning of the course. Poor flexibility does NOT qualify as a medical restriction.
After fixing the kettlebell in the top position until the kettlebell and the student are visibly motionless, the girevik lowers the kettlebell between the legs in one uninterrupted motion without touching the chest or shoulder.
The snatch may be performed with or without a knee dip at the overhead lockout. The girevik is allowed to place the free hand on the hip or waist (but not on the thigh) and move the feet. However, the student must stop all movement when fixing the weight in the top position.
On each attempt, the judge will announce the repetition number or "No count." A repetition is not registered if the student has failed to lock out his elbow, pressed out the kettlebell to the finish, or touched the platform with a knee or free hand.
You will be given 5min to complete the test.
You are allowed to make as many hand switches as you wish. The sum of both arms is scored.
You are allowed to set the kettlebell down and rest. If you have let go of the kettlebell before it has touched the ground (dropped it rather than set it down), your attempt will be disqualified. This applies to the last repetition as well.
You are allowed to make multiple back swings.
Chalk is allowed; belts, gloves, wrist wraps and other supportive equipment are not.
Kettlebell Snatch Test Requirements
An RKC candidate is required to put up the number of reps matching his or her weight in kilograms, up to 100 repetitions.
Students heavier than 100kg are still required to do only 100 reps. For instance, an 60kg student needs to perform 60 snatches, an 82kg student 82 snatches, a 100kg student 100 snatches, a 122kg student 100 snatches.
| Men Open Class | 24kg |
| Men Masters (50 and Older) | 20kg |
| Women Open Class | 16kg* |
| Women Masters (50 and Older) | 12kg |
* Women under 50kg /110 pounds in the open class may opt to perform 80 repetitions with a 12kg kettlebell instead.
One kilogram equals 2.2046 pounds.
Here is a sample conversion of 53kg:
53x2.2046=116.84.
To make a quick kilos to pounds conversion multiply the kilos by two, then add ten percent. For instance, 53x2=106. 106+10=116. Thus a 53kg comrade weighs approximately 116 pounds.
There are no private weigh-in facilities; you will be required to wear a T-shirt and training pants or shorts. There is no disputing the official scale; be overprepared in case it is not consistent with your home scale.
If you do not pass the Snatch test at the Certification, your Team Leader will clarify upon conclusion of the course your requirements for passing the test. There are three possible options:
- You may be allowed to videotape your re-take and either mail a copy of the video to your Team Leader and/or you will be allowed to post the video online for your Team Leader to view and judge.
- You may be allowed to re-take the test in person with a Master, Senior or Team Leader in your area.
- You may be required to re-take the RKC course at the cost of $500; this re-take must be accomplished within one year upon completion of the Certification you attended.
Power to you!
