This January, Master Devon Waldron headed out to San Diego with 3rd dan blackbelt Mr Mason Rud to complete the SFG 1 Instructor Certification. SFG stands for StrongFirst Girya, and is the #1 kettlebell proficiency certification in the world. The training consisted of nine hours of instruction and practice two days in a row, followed by a final day of review and examination. After approximately eight months of dedicated preparation and hard work, both Master Devon and Mr Mason passed their certification test, demonstrating the correct mechanics for all the tested skills and completing the snatch test – 100 snatches in 5 minutes. Earning the certification is an achievement itself, especially considering that a 30% failure rate is common among well prepared candidates.
Master Devon has been using kettlebells in his own training for years and has used them to augment the bodyweight strength training intrinsic to the martial arts in training programs for his students. After a major surgery, it made sense to set this certification as a goal to rebuild his strength and deepen his understanding of a valued training method and tool. Now with a more thorough comprehension of the most advanced fundamental kettlebell training and teaching techniques, Master Devon can bring a better quality of strength training to his students and his programs.
