Pebble in a Pond

Shawn Mozen

A pebble cast into a pond causes ripples that spread in all directions. On the weekend of August 13th, 2005 the first ever Canadian Kettlebell Certification was held in Montreal and the ripples from that event have created this online magazine and much more.

The idea of a Canadian Kettlebell Certification is something I have been considering for some time now but only recently moved forward with. A certification program is no small matter and if it is to be a meaningful one, it is a tremendously challenging undertaking. For the last few years I have been working on spreading Kettlebell training across Canada, holding seminars, creating the only Canadian Instructional DVD’s on the subject, authoring the first Canadian Kettlebell Workbook and training everyone from couch potatoes, law enforcement officers and professional athletes. The results Kettlebells have given my clients have been unlike anything I had previously experienced. My personal training with these unique weights has unlocked levels of strength and endurance that I still find hard to believe. With all of these positive experiences it is only natural to want to share them with others. For this reason I decided to create an online magazine devoted to the art of Kettlebell training.

In order for Kettlebell training to truly grow in this country we need qualified coaches that can share their enthusiasm for this unique training tool. Kettlebell training is as much a practiced skill as it is a workout and as such it requires diligent study and proper instruction. To this end, I created the certification program in the hopes of offering Canadians access to qualified instructors. I was overjoyed when I met the first certification candidates.

Each participant at the first Canadian Kettlebell

Certification was not only skilled with Kettlebells but were established trainers with a wide variety of skills and approaches to coaching. Their backgrounds ranged from Kinesiology, martial arts, and a host of personal trainer certifications. All of the participants were in excellent shape and were fine examples of people who practice what they preach. Their dedication to their craft and to their continuing education was inspiring and on more than one occasion I was in awe of their insights and physical abilities. To train with such people is an amazing experience and to have them interested in representing you is truly an honor. A certification is only as good as the people who represent it and as such I would say the this one is pure gold. The first group of Canadian Kettlebell coaches have set the bar very high for those who follow and I will see to it that future participants meet this standard.

Just one day after certification weekend two coaches picked up new clients and the other coaches began introducing Kettlebell training to their existing client base. Their success, training approaches and insights will be shared with the Canadian Kettlebell community and those around the world through this online magazine. Canadian Kettlebell Magazine is a result of the inspiration that I received from the certification attendees and another fine result of how they are all working to help spread Kettlebell training across the country. In the months to come there will be more certifications, more instructors and more content on this site. I encourage anyone with questions about Kettlebell training to contact me or one of the Canadian Kettlebell coaches.

Shawn Mozen is the owner of Agatsu Inc. and editor of Canadian Kettlebell Magazine. As a full time coach Shawn offers training in a wide variety of areas of self-improvement, including strength & conditioning, self defense training and martial arts. Shawn can be contacted through this site or www.agatsu.com