IKFF Certified Kettlebell Trainer Level 1 Certification in The Netherlands and Belgium and Germany
Again in 2026, on various days, the IKFF Certified Kettlebell Trainer Level 1 certification will be held at the Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy. All dates can be found further down this page.
Klik hier voor de pagina in het nederlands.
Click here if you are interested in IKFF CKT Level 2 Certification.
A unique opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized kettlebell trainer certificate at the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation (IKFF). You will learn all the techniques of the classic kettlebell, such as the swing, clean, press, push press, clean & push press, jerk, long cycle (clean & jerk), snatch and squat. The kettlebell course for everyone who truly wants to master kettlebell training, from personal trainers, athletes, CrossFit coaches, HYROX athletes, bootcamp trainers, runners, fitness instructors, strength trainers, martial artists and physiotherapists to private individuals and serious athletes who want to perfect their technique.
This kettlebell trainer certification is taught by Barry Andre, an IKFF Kettlebell Master Trainer Level 4 and currently the only one in the Benelux region with this highly regarded certification, which is reserved for only a select group of kettlebell trainers worldwide. Barry is a former world champion, European champion, and multiple Dutch champion in kettlebell sports, holds several national records, and has been active for over 12 years as a trainer and instructor for athletes, coaches, sportspeople, trainers, and gyms. He masters all the technical and practical ins and outs of kettlebell training at the highest international level.
Kettlebell Sport is “the modern way to use kettlebells”. The kettlebell certification has more technical depth behind the kettlebell movements and why that is so. You will receive, among other things, a lot of guidance, tools and tips on how you can safely teach this to yourself and your customers, members or athletes and thereby also train safely. Programming, stretching and additional exercises are also offered. Includes training schedule and extensive “course manual”.
Kettlebell tips and photos
Barry Andre, Kettlebell Master Trainer Level 4 at the IKFF, gives tips on the kettlebell certification to kettlebell trainer in the following youtube movie: https://youtu.be/KZTW2tEm-hI
He also gives various kettlebell sport tips about the kettlebell swing, clean, snatch, jerk and squat in preparation for the level 1 certification. You can view this via the following youtube playlist: Kettlebell Sport Tips playlist.
Who is the IKFF?
The IKFF is one of the largest kettlebell organizations worldwide and was founded by Steve Cotter. The IKFF gives the well-known Certified Kettlebell Trainer Level 1 & 2 certifications all over the world. Steve is also one of the founders of kettlebell sport training in America and perhaps the best known kettlebell trainer worldwide. Many of the kettlebell sport athletes in America have learned technology from Steve.
Barry Andre, Master Trainer Level 4 at the IKFF, provides the certifications for the IKFF in the Netherlands and Belgium at the Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy.
IKFF CKT Level 1 Certification
The certification is suitable for both beginners, more experienced and advanced kettlebell practitioners. You learn all the techniques of the classic kettlebell lifts in one day.
The level 1 kettlebell course focuses on two high level points:
1) Mastery of the basics
You will learn all the fundamental kettlebell exercises, several variations and most importantly, the key physical training principles underlying and associated with each movement.
2) Coaching skills
In addition to learning how to take your own fitness to higher levels, you will learn how to coach others safely and effectively utilizing a process Steve has refined over several years and thousands of clients.
Kettlebell exercises covered:
– Swing
– Clean
– Rack position
– Hand position
– Overhead position
– Press
– Push Press
– Clean & Push Press
– Jerk (taught but not tested on)
– Long Cycle (Clean + Jerk – taught but not tested on)
– Snatch
– Squat
Assessment test
All CKT Level 1 candidates must pass a stringent assessment test in order to successful complete the requirements and achieve the Level 1 CKT distinction. This consists of the following:
– 100x Hand to hand swing (switching hands after each rep is completed)
– 32x Clean & Push Press/Jerk (2 min per hand – 4 min set total; minimum 8 rpm, 32 reps total, must work for the full 2 minutes on each hand)
– 60x Snatch (only 1 hand switch, can do 30 each hand or any combo that totals 60 reps)
– 30x Front Squat or Goblet Squat (2 min, 15 rpm, must hold KB for entire 2 minutes)
Rules:
– Only one hand switch with the Clean & Push Press/Jerk
– Only one hand switch with the Snatch
– Clean & Push Press/Jerk and the Squat are timed
– No rest or break between exercises
– Kettlebell may not be put down
– Freehand cannot touch the kettlebell
– Official test: Men 20 kg kettlebell and Women 12 kg kettlebell
– Women under 45 kg use 8kg
– Women over 55 years of age use 8kg
– Men under 60kg use 16kg
– Men over 55 years of age use 16kg
An example of this test and how to perform it can be found at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oYAy1TaN54
Note: In this video a 24kg kettlebell is used. This is not necessary during this certification, see rules above.
After registration and payment of the certification you will receive a special kettlebell training schedule by e-mail to prepare you for this test. There is both a kettlebell training schedule for women and men.
You will also receive the extensive “course manual” in which all subjects of the kettlebell certification are treated extensively.
In the event that you are unable to correctly perform the kettlebell exercises or do not pass the assessment test, you will receive a participation certificate. Then you have 3 months to demonstrate the correct techniques or to take the physical test again to still obtain the certification. There are plenty of opportunities to achieve this, such as testing in person with an IKFF representative, by sending a video of the corrected techniques or the physical test, or during another (review) certification.
Preparing for the kettlebell course
In preparation for the kettlebell certification and the assessment test, you can attend kettlebell workshops at the Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy. You can register for the workshops via:
https://kettlebellrotterdam.nl/kettlebell-workshop-rotterdam/
Personal Training (online personline training)
In addition to the workshops or regular training sessions, personal training is a perfect way to prepare for the certification.
Do you not live nearby or are you not always able to train with us? But you want to use our professional knowledge and skills in training with kettlebells? Then online personal training is an option. We see each other once or twice a month to work on technic or do this online. You get a training program to get started at home yourself. Regularly we exchange short video’s for technique assessment.
If there are any questions, please feel free to contact us at:
info@kettlebellrotterdam.nl / +31 (0)6 22 46 51 55
Kettlebell certification reviews
If, like me, you love the kettlebell as a training tool and you see its immense benefits then this certification is a “must have”. Read more…
Peter Slits, European Obstacle Course Racing Champion
“The day was super educational. Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy is the place you need to be to learn it.” Read more…
Rivalino Sint Hill, Athlete and strongman
“Very simple! The advice is: do it! Very educational and interesting. Not only for yourself, but also to train others.” Read more…
Michel Visser
“It was an extremely educational day! Enjoyed it very much and the day was over before I realized it. It is also nice to meet others with the same passion.” Read more…
Martijn Rademaker
Kettlebell Trainers
This certification is given by Barry Andre, IKFF Master Trainer Level 4, former world champion, the highest certified kettlebell trainer in the Benelux and 12+ years trainer for athletes, coaches, sportsmen, trainers and gyms.
List of IKFF CKT Kettlebell Trainers in the Netherlands
On the next page you will find a list of all IKFF Certified Kettlebell Trainers (CKTs) in Europe that have successfully completed their certification at the Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy::
https://kettlebellrotterdam.nl/ikff-international-kettlebell-and-fitness-federation/
More info and registration for the kettlebell certification
Dates:
– Saturday January 31, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday February 28, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday March 21, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday April 11, 2026 (Location Huizen)
– Saturday May 30, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday June 20, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday September 12, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday October 3, 2026 (Location Huizen)
– Saturday November 14, 2026 (Location Rotterdam)
– Saturday December 12, 2026 (Location Huizen)
Price: € 600,- incl. VAT
Duration: 1 day
Time: 09:00 – 17:00
Limited number of places available
Food: Bring your own
Language: Dutch & English & German
Register: info@kettlebellrotterdam.nl / +31 (0)6 22 46 51 55
Online registration: Use the form at the bottom of this page
Location Rotterdam:
Rotterdam Kettlebell Academy
Christa Ehrlichhof 19
Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Location Huizen:
Centrum voor Kennis in Kracht
Havenstraat 80E
Huizen, The Netherlands
Join the kettlebell certification – Step-by-step plan:
- 👉 Complete the form below.
- 👉 You will be redirected to the payment page (Mollie).
- 👉 Select your payment method (iDEAL, PayPal, Apple Pay, Creditcard, Bancontact, etc.).
- 👉 After payment, you will receive an email confirmation.
- 👉 You will receive the training schedule and course manual by email.
- 👉 You have a 14-day cooling-off period after payment confirmation (right of withdrawal).
- 👉 You will receive an invoice by email.
(Prefer to pay/register differently? Send an email to info@kettlebellrotterdam.nl)
