IGX

Tom Corrigan and Misha Marshak presented in 2 workshops on Sunday after the IKFF Nationals. The materials they presented were based on Misha's experience as an MS in kettlebell lifting in Russia and the materials learned at the St. Petersberg Kettlebell sport camp that the IKSFA put on this past summer.

The big difference between this and other workshops I attended was that everyone here knew how to lift a kettlebell in the competitive style so basics did not have to be covered and the focus was optimizing any given lifter's technique, not forcing a lifter into a style that may not be appropriate for them.

It was fairly informal, with plenty of hands on instruction and coaching. Both Misha and Tom have a great eye for technique and draw on a lot of experience for correction and suggestion. The workshop was engaging and entertaining. There were handouts detailing key points, and this was important since a tremendous amount of detail was covered.

An example:

In the Swing/Snatch workshop:

Start, back swing, 'bell trajectory up, hand insertion, lockout, drop, 'bell trajectory down were all finely tuned both the a lifters preference and body type. This was literally 2 hours of explaining how the small details work to improve the numbers, and how to adapt these suggestions to your body and lifting type. Assistance drills for specific issues were recommended and demoed.

Tom and Misha both emphasized that a significant amount of practice will have to be done with these techniques with lighter 'bells to cement the technique. They also emphasized that there are different "styles" for different lifters, and had photo sequences of how different high level lifters look during the movements.

Overall the instruction and presentation was excellent. The materials presented were unique and very specific for kettlebell sport. It was a great learning environment.

Good write up, can't wait to train with these guys next month with the Sergeys.