RKC UK Kettlebell Fundamentals Workshop
Sat 12 Apr 2025 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
KBHQ @ Sparta Fitness, CV5 6GF
Description
RKC UK Kettlebell Fundamentals:
The bodyweight essentials you must have.
The 3 most important Kettlebell skills you need to master.
The programming magic that brings it all together.
By now we can agree that Kettlebell training has long been a stalwart in fitness, whether you’re aware of its ancient origins, early 2000s renaissance and cult following, or the kettlebell popularity boom of more recent years.
One of its most compelling appeals is the combination of minimalism (it’s frequently referred to as a “handheld gym”), with the (quite frankly) staggering results that come from kettlebell training alone.
What’s missing from the modern kettlebell training picture, however, is a comprehensive education at user level. We need to know how to train with kettlebells in such a way that allows us to safely use enough load and volume to create the potent physical results we want, with basic knowledge of the minimal effective dose to achieve those results.
Without such education, kettlebell training is chronically misunderstood, under-loaded, over-complicated and diluted so much that at best we see barely any results, at worst we see injury.
You can escape those pitfalls and drastically change your approach to fitness at the same time – whilst supercharging the results you get from it - with RKC UK’s Kettlebell Fundamentals workshops.
Created with beginners in mind, this one-day workshop combines back-to-basics bodyweight strength prerequisites with kettlebell-specific understanding of how your body tolerates, projects and absorbs load. We’ll show you how strength and skill work hand-in-glove (please note gloves aren’t allowed 😜), giving your body the fastest pathway to building the muscle, mobility and stamina you deserve from the effort you put in.
The best athletes in the world know that mastery of the basics is key to success, and kettlebell training is no exception. Whatever level of kettlebell experience you have, we guarantee you will take something from this workshop. RKC UK Team Leaders are the most experienced kettlebell teachers in the country, able to tailor instruction accurately within group environments of mixed ability.
The RKC Kettlebell Fundamentals workshop simplifies the complexities that underpin the most well-rounded, versatile and effective training methodology in the world, releasing you back into the gym with the knowledge - and a plan - to get what you need out of kettlebell training.
A team of the UK's most experienced RKC instructors will be guiding you hands-on with high-level technique coaching, golden nuggets of information in a group teaching environment unique to each workshop AND full take-home resources in how to perform and progress in the most impactful kettlebell skills.
You'll go from thinking you know enough from reading articles and copying people on the internet, to knowing more about kettlebell training than your average gym PT!
The curriculum is fully updated for 2025 with the following content structure:
- Bodyweight Essentials
- In this basic first stage of the workshop, we take you through the bodyweight positions and how to hold them strongly enough to absorb and project a moving kettlebell. Be warned: side-effects include major upgrades in your ability to Push-Up, Pull-Up and hold a deep bodyweight Squat. Even if you leave after the first section, you’ve got your money’s worth!
- The Swing
- 99% of most people’s fitness goals could be found most directly through learning to Swing properly, heavily enough and regularly enough. This stage of the workshop is solid gold and we will spend a lot of time getting you Swinging safely and solidly with a range of kettlebell weights. This section of the workshop introduces the accessory movements you need for a fully developed Swing pattern that you can load heavily and do daily.
- Clean and Press
- The amount of strength, mobility and muscular resources your body needs to gather to be able to take a weight from the floor and lift it high over your head in one arm are exceptional. This lift both requires AND builds those resources whilst giving your body the functional strength that comes from unilateral (one-sided) lifts. We teach this as one movement, yet you will be learning power and coordination in the Clean, and full body compound strength in the Press, which can be used as two separate movements. 2for1! Having a strong Press is part of the tapestry of kettlebell training, not least because it allows the shoulder and core strength to be able to move under a load. Which leads us into our next movement.
- Get-Up
- Known as the Turkish Get-Up (TGU) this movement is the ultimate time-machine for your body. With advantages coming at lighter weight ranges than other Kettlebell lifts, this movement is an invaluable tool to have in your training whatever your level. We teach the movement first, loading it with a Kettlebell in stages to allow for gradual exposure to the weight and to highlight the wide variety of training options that stem from the Get-Up. Loaded overhead, this movement strengthens your overhead position, improving your Press strength and creating the necessary shoulder stability for the next movement in the curriculum.
- Snatch
- The reputation of the Kettlebell Snatch precedes it, and this lift can be the most difficult to master. Combining the highest level of force you can create with a tightly coordinated level of control and relaxation, PLUS the overhead stability needed to land a moving load safely overhead, the Snatch is the Wild Child of the kettlebell fundamentals. We teach this lift based on your ability to Single Arm Swing and Clean and Press to a level we deem safe. During the workshop, you’ll be selected to have the option to train in a breakout “Snatch” group, or to take part in “Open Practice”, with a Team Leader to hone your Swings, Clean & Presses and Get-Ups.
- Programming
- This is the section of the workshop where we give you the blueprint for “what do I do next?”. Knowing how to do a movement is one thing, but results are limited without knowing when, how many and how often. You’ll be provided with take-home resources covering the rep, set and rest structures of how to reach a variety of outcomes from kettlebell training. Even better, you’ll be introduced to our app-based training programme which shows you this information in action and lets you practice what a real kettlebell training programme looks like (warning: you’ll likely see yourself make progress within the free trial week, so prepare to be converted).
So this is your chance to receive world-class kettlebell coaching in the heart of the UK, joining previous participants in unlocking multiple, and until this workshop inaccessible, levels of strength, mobility, power and conditioning.
Previous participants are invited to attend this workshop, which is upgraded and updated annually, as often as needed to maintain kettlebell skills and overcome plateaus. Previous participant discounts are sent via email at the start of the year.
RKC UK wants to build a community of great kettlebell athletes across the country, and you are no exception!
Testimonials:
“This was, honestly, some of the better training of any sort that I’ve ever received. The quality of delivery and coaching was very high. I not only got some ‘quick fix’ stuff that massively improved my TGU, but also some very nuanced insights into tension, movement and arousal that cut across all of my work with kettlebells (and probably wider).
Wonderful to just work hard, learn lots, and be part of what is obviously an incredibly positive and inclusive community at their gym” Mark
"I thought I knew how to use kettlebells until I attended this course. I left with unmatched education and skills that I can now put to use across all of my training not just kettlebells. Since attending the workshop, I achieved an RKC certification as well as unimaginable gains and strength. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND" Dina
“Great knowledge and support. Very well executed, well-detailed and great team work. You won’t regret it!” Saba
“I gained an appreciation for the intricate elements that make up each movement, coupled with the ability to train/practice them to build progress. Don’t hesitate to sign up” Andy
"Absolutely loved the Fundamentals workshop.
I've always enjoyed training with kettlebells but this gave me a massive insight into how amazing they are as tools for fitness.
I've implemented the knowledge I learned from that weekend into my everyday client training programmes and it has enabled me to become a unique trainer in my area.
I've since gone on to achieve RKC qualification...big things from the Fundamentals workshop!" Joolz
“The fundamentals was fab, after training with kettlebells for the past few years it really helped cement my knowledge and also build my confidence for working towards my RKC cert. I came hope recharge and full of excitement and knowledge that i was able to pass on to my clients. One of the best weekends for me of 2022. Highly recommended!” Toni-Ann
‘"I went along last year for my own personal development and got loads from RKC Fundamentals. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about kettlebells. Craig and Shell are great instructors" Sean
“A great course well worth the money, delivered by down to earth coaches in a great gym. The units covered give you a great starting point to build a solid kettlebell routine" Tim
"Really enjoyed & took a lot from today - nice atmosphere, loads of tips & cues & excellent instruction - thanks" anon
"The instructors were very friendly and welcoming. I really enjoyed today. Also I realised I feel more confident to go away and progress on each movement. Each movement was explained and demonstrated very well, in a way I could understand" Aysha
"Really enjoyable and worthwhile...very approachable and knowledgeable; great instructors" anon
"Really enjoyed it, looking forward to processing different takeaways as it is a lot of such valuable information. Thanks guys for a great day!" Brendan
Following discussions on social media with a representative from one of the UK's leading fitness industry training providers, we invited him to observe and give feedback on our workshop and this is what he had to say:
"Solid details and teaching points. Good step-by-step drills to build skills. Very supportive and open to questions. Everyone [of the instructors] was great and conducted themselves with the highest possible standards. All are a credit to RKC UK. This course shows what proper kettlebell training looks like." Ross Mitchell
FAQs:
Where is it?
Kettlebell HQ, Westwood House, Westwood Road, Earlsdon, Coventry CV5 6GF
What's the date and times?
Saturday 12th April 2025
8am-6pm
Is this suitable for absolute beginners to fitness?
Yes, we love it if you don’t have any experience so that we can teach you the right techniques from the outset!
How hard is the workshop?
You’ll need to be prepared for a full day of movement. Some of the movement practice can be done without a kettlebell, but a lot of which does require a kettlebell to give the appropriate feedback for you to learn from. We will advise you on whether you need to increase or decrease your kettlebell weight, or take some extra rest. If you’re keen on a hard day’s work, however, there will also be plenty of opportunity to test your new skills and get some PRs – we’ve never run out of heavy weights to practice with and you’re in some of the safest hands in the UK!
What is the difference between RKC UK Kettlebell Fundamentals and RKC Instructor Certification?
RKC Kettlebell Fundamentals is a “user” workshops, based on teaching individuals from the ground-up RKC-based methodology in using kettlebells. It’s an ideal segue into RKC Instructor Certification, but is separate from it. RKC Instructor Certification is internationally recognised as the original, gold standard in Instructor training. Simply put, if you want to be able to teach people how to use kettlebells, you need to be an RKC Instructor. Many previous Kettlebell Fundamentals participants have gone on to qualify as RKC Instructors, both for professional or personal achievement – it’s one of the hardest certifications to pass with 30% failure rate (although we have a 100% pass rate for everyone who attends the Kettlebell Fundamentals weekend and then goes on to certify as an RKC instructor).
Who are the instructors?
Craig and Shell are RKC UK Team Leaders and the founders and co-owners of Kettlebell HQ, multi-disciplined strength and performance coaches and group training leaders. They hold themselves to extremely high teaching standards, passing that integrity and quality on to you.
Craig first became an RKC back in 2008, one of the first RKCs in the UK, and was one of the first people in the country to do RKC II in 2011. He’s been teaching, coaching and training with kettlebells practically every day since his first certification. Shell picked up her first kettlebell after catching the “bug" and being taught by Craig and first certified as an instructor under his tuition in 2016. Shell has since re-certified three times. She has also been teaching, coaching and training with kettlebells practically all day every day since. They are both assistant instructors for annual RKC instructor certification weekends and will be delivering this workshop to you from the original foundation of teaching methodology of RKC and our extensive supplementary background knowledge and experience in how human bodies, from young to old, injured to athletes, beginners to advanced, reach their physical potential.
What do I need to bring?
- RKC UK will be providing lunch, drinks and snacks (a menu will be sent out beforehand and dietary requirements catered for). You are welcome to bring your own lunch instead, and encouraged to bring additional drinks and snacks (fuel is a must!)
- Please bring a water bottle and you’re welcome to bring portable hot drinks mug with lid for our tea and coffee station.
- Appropriate footwear; no running trainers, no cushioned trainers, only barefoot technology shoes like Vibrams or similar or just socks/barefeet, Converse are the most “sporty” shoes we allow. Ugg-style boots also allowed as long as they have a flat sole. We'll explain why during the workshop.
- Layers in case it cools down.
You'll be provided with a manual, notebook and pen and encouraged to make your own notes to aid your learning.
What's the outline of the day?
You'll arrive on Saturday morning at 7:45am, grab a coffee/tea, we'll get everyone introduced and settled in. There will be a combination of explanations and demonstrations from the instructors, lasting for a few minutes at a time followed by chances to for you to follow along, practice what you've been shown and be coached individually on your technique.
We'll continue this throughout the day, in a logical order, allowing you to build a solid system of understanding and ability of how to do each exercise in detail.
The day will end at around 6pm.
We usually book a table at a local tavern immediately following the workshop for debriefing and socialising - you're warmly invited to join us and we’ll email you to confirm numbers.
How much is it?
£189 until 31st March 2025 (with concessions for previous participants or recommendations from previous participants)
£225 late booking (1st-9th April 2025)
Cancellation policy: full refunds until March 31st 2025. April 1st-11th, 50% refund and priority booking on next workshop.
You KNOW there's more to kettlebell training than what you're doing now. We're here to show you how right you are and to change the path of your training forever. We'll teach your body everything it can't learn from social media, or in fact anywhere other than RKC-rooted techniques, in-person, from experts who spend 90% of their time thinking about kettlebells.
(Joking)
(But seriously)
We only have 15 spaces available, so if you want to come, get moving quickly. Following your booking, we'll keep in touch with you via email as we get closer to the workshop.
You can email us at rkcintheuk@gmail.com and ask any further questions, and we look forward to meeting you in April!
RKC UK
Craig and Shell Gilkes (pronounced like “Jilkes”, otherwise Craig gets annoyed)
Location
KBHQ @ Sparta Fitness, CV5 6GF