RKC-D - New York, NY - September 19th, 2026
The Foundation of the New RKC System
RKC D-Certification — The Foundation of the RKC System
The RKC D-Certification is your gateway to effective and safe kettlebell training for groups. This workshop teaches you not only to improve your own kettlebell practice but how to share this knowledge with others.
Designed for the Open Class format, you'll learn to deliver safe, effective kettlebell training for fitness groups — regardless of participant experience level.
What You'll Learn
The D-Certification covers seven fundamental kettlebell exercises, four key positions, open class methodology, and a complete group programming system — everything you need to bring kettlebells into your fitness classes.
Fundamental Exercises +
Kettlebell Movements You'll Master:
- Deadlifts — The foundational hinge pattern for safe lifting mechanics
- Cheat Cleans — Learning the rack position through an accessible entry point
- Loaded Carries — Farmer Walks, Rack Walks, and Overhead Walks for stability under load
- Press — Push exercises for upper body strength development
- Rowing Movements — Pulling strength and postural balance
- Squats — Lower body strength with proper mechanics
- Lunges — Dynamic leg strength and coordination
Training includes preparatory exercises and variations to accommodate different fitness levels — from beginners to experienced athletes in the same class.
Key Positions +
The Foundation of Proper Technique:
- Farmer Position — Stability and secure stance for loaded carries
- Rack Position — Proper alignment for pressing and pulling movements
- Overhead Position — Mobility and overhead stability for safe lockouts
- Goblet Position — Ideal for squats and holding exercises
These four positions form the framework for every kettlebell exercise you'll teach. Mastering them ensures your clients move safely and effectively regardless of the movement.
Open Class Methodology +
Designing Classes That Work for Everyone:
- Self-contained classes — Structure workouts that don't require continuous group progression
- Exercise selection — Know which exercises suit open fitness groups with mixed ability levels
- Concise coaching cues — Clear, effective instruction that keeps the class moving
- Adaptability — Recognize when and how to modify exercises for different fitness levels
- Maximum safety — Guide participants safely even when they can't assess their own limits
The Open Class format is where most fitness studios need kettlebell instruction — participants drop in at any time, at any level. You'll learn to deliver a great training experience for all of them.
Safety and Individualization +
Trainer Knowledge You'll Develop:
- Critical safety rules — Controlled movement principles for group settings
- Weakness recognition — Spot limitations before they become problems
- Progressive modifications — Scale exercises up for stronger participants
- Regressive modifications — Scale exercises down for those who need support
Group Programming +
Tools for Effective Kettlebell Workouts:
- Movement Matrix — Ensures all fundamental patterns are covered: Push, Pull, Hinge, Squat, and Loaded Carry
- Programming Template — A framework for balanced, varied workout planning
- Practical Application — You'll create and lead your own workout during the certification, with direct instructor feedback
You leave with a complete system for designing effective group kettlebell classes — not just isolated exercises, but a methodology for building balanced programs.
Certification Test: 100m Farmer Walk
Candidates must take two equally weighted kettlebells from the ground using a suitcase lift and complete a 100-meter Farmer Walk. Kettlebell size is determined by your bodyweight according to the official weight table.
Test Requirements +
Technique Criteria (all must be met):
- Both kettlebells lifted with controlled suitcase lift
- 100 meters completed in one continuous stretch — without setting down
- Both kettlebells set down with controlled suitcase lift
- Upper body remains straight throughout
- Head stays neutrally aligned
- Shoulders remain packed throughout the walk
Important Rules:
- Dropping or uncontrollably setting down a kettlebell results in test failure
- Retesting is permitted after a minimum 8-week waiting period
- Controlled test abandonment may be repeated at the workshop leader's discretion
Weight Table +
Kettlebell weight is determined by your bodyweight. The Farmer Walk Test uses identical weights regardless of gender and age.
| Bodyweight (kg, from) | Kettlebell per Hand (kg) |
|---|---|
| 32 | 16 |
| 36 | 18 |
| 40 | 20 |
| 44 | 22 |
| 48 | 24 |
| 52 | 26 |
| 56 | 28 |
| 60 | 30 |
| 64 | 32 |
| 72 | 36 |
| 80 | 40 |
| 88 | 44 |
| 96 | 48 |
| 120 | 60 |
Example: Someone weighing 80+ kg but under 88 kg performs the test with two 40 kg kettlebells.
Alternative Test (Medical) +
Participants with medical limitations may complete a 60-Second Hang with workshop leader approval (minimum 2 weeks advance notice).
Requirements:
- 60 seconds uninterrupted hanging from a fixed bar
- No ground contact, no hand repositioning
- Overhand grip, variable width
This is a compensatory solution for medically justified special cases — not an optional alternative.
Important Information
Workshop price does not include room & board or meals.
A map for the location and a list of convenient hotels/motels will be provided to all registrants.
Note: We will be providing you with kettlebells to practice with at the training, but these kettlebells are not included in the price of the certification.
Workshop Site Cancellation
Workshop sites may be cancelled up to 7 days prior to the beginning of the scheduled workshop session for any reason. When a workshop is cancelled or postponed, candidates will be notified immediately and will receive a complete refund of all workshop fees or be allowed to transfer at no penalty to the new dates or another course of their choosing without penalty.
Refunds for credit card transactions processed online will be refunded back to the credit card within 2 weeks after the cancellation. If workshop registration was not completed online or the refund cannot be processed online, a refund check will be mailed within 4 to 6 weeks after the cancellation.
If cancellation is required, RKC is not responsible for any expenses (travel or lodging) incurred beyond the registration fees. For your protection, we recommend against making non-refundable travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't pass the Farmer Walk test?
If you don't complete the 100m Farmer Walk during the workshop, you can retest after a minimum 8-week waiting period. Controlled test abandonment (setting the kettlebells down safely) may be retried at the workshop leader's discretion — potentially even the same or next day. You can also submit a video test within 90 days of the workshop.
How is the Farmer Walk weight determined?
Kettlebell weight is based on your bodyweight, measured at check-in. The same weight table applies regardless of gender or age. For example, someone weighing 80–88 kg would use two 40 kg kettlebells. The full weight table is available on the certification details page.
Is equipment provided?
Yes, kettlebells will be provided for practice during the workshop. However, these kettlebells are not included in the price of the certification.
What exercises are covered in the D-Certification?
The D-Certification covers seven fundamental kettlebell exercises: Deadlifts, Cheat Cleans, Loaded Carries (Farmer Walks, Rack Walks, Overhead Walks), Presses, Rowing movements, Squats, and Lunges. You'll also master four key positions: Farmer, Rack, Overhead, and Goblet.
What's included with the certification?
The D-Certification includes a 100+ page manual focused on designing safe and effective kettlebell workouts for open classes, hands-on workshop training, the Movement Matrix and Programming Template tools, and your RKC D-Certification upon successful completion.
Is there an alternative to the Farmer Walk for medical reasons?
Yes. Participants with documented medical limitations may complete a 60-Second Hang test instead, with workshop leader approval requested at least 2 weeks in advance. This is a compensatory solution for medically justified cases only — not an optional alternative.
What is the cancellation policy?
Workshop sites may be cancelled up to 7 days prior to the beginning of the scheduled workshop session for any reason. When a workshop is cancelled or postponed, candidates will be notified immediately and will receive a complete refund of all workshop fees or be allowed to transfer at no penalty to the new dates or another course of their choosing. RKC is not responsible for any expenses (travel or lodging) incurred beyond the registration fees.