It Takes a Village

I’ve been noticing significant improvements in everyone’s kettlebell skills recently. I suppose the excitement of the Fall KB Meet is quite energizing, but I sense that the commitment levels go beyond just a desire to do well at the event. My intuition tells me there is a genuine devotion for the improvement of the art by the collective. This social movement is pivotal to say the least.

Because kettlebell lifting is both a sport and an art, the subtleties of good technique are hard to recognize. Power is almost always masked by the beauty of precision, and vice versa. Although many of you may not know this, I gauge your technical progression on fluidity, ease of transitions, and energy conservation. These details, not the weight of the bell, define true progress for anyone lifting the iron ball.

Base on my recent observations, I would like to congratulate everyone on their progress. I’m seeing plenty of beautiful executions lately. Folks like Shari, Amy S., Tracy C., Craig, Nani, Doug, Kristin F., Renee, and John M. (to name a few) have been putting in overtime to make sure their technique is sound. It’s awe-inspiring to see us get closer to higher levels of kettlebell lifting as a community – which is why it’s also the perfect opportunity to express my gratitude to some people that have directly influenced my development and increased my own potential as a teacher and student:

Catherine Imes and Nacona Jodrey.

Catherine is Valery’s best student, the first Master of Sport in the U.S., and my good friend and coach! Her knowledge of kettlebell lifting is second to none.

Cona is the youngest AKC coach in the U.S. His technique is superb and his love for teaching will consume you! Plus, he comes from great stock, the one and only Kevin Jodrey.

With only seven months into the sport, Maya was asked by Valery to demo at an AKC certification. She is not only my partner in crime, but also my inspiration. She is a stickler for proper technique. I learn exponentially more every time I watch her lift. Here, she is shown teaching the eccentric phase of the jerk.

Ms. Bonnie: The youngest Master of Sport in the U.S., the biathlon QUEEN, and the sweetest person to grace the bell. Is she really cleaning the 32kg with a smile (what?!?!)?

Valery is the man, simply stated. As the first 80kg World Champion in the history of the sport, his numbers have not been beaten in 15 years. He is the most technical athlete in the sport, and our head coach. The IC is fortunate to have this lineage.

I feel very grateful to be in the presence of all you wonderful people, from our brilliant students and extraordinary IC competition team to the iconic coaches and athletes who came before us. Thank you for making my job the most fulfilling. You have been my motivation for writing this piece.

I can’t wait until the meet!

Best,
Steven