"Ken, your training skills are superb and I notice marked improvement in your clients every time I see them. It was great doing a kettlebell workshop with you in Michigan because you brought all those people and all I had to do was show up and teach. There was almost 30 people, and every single person was thoroughly prepared, so teaching them was easy and efficient.
It is obvious the students in your kettlebell classes have a great deal of respect for you and work very hard to make you look good. Your program is run very much like the best martial arts schools, in which everyone is disciplined, respectful and focused. I know you are very humble, and that is a testament to your extensive training background, but you should really give yourself a pat on the back.
I think every kettlebell trainer in the country should observe your teaching style and how your run your classes. They would get a lot of great ideas and success from modeling your approach."
--Steve Cotter, author of the Encyclopedia of Kettlebell Lifting and Full KOntact Kettlebells DVD series.
Full Kontact Kettlebells
"Ken Blackburn is one of only a handful of great kettlebell training experts in the US. If you have the opportunity to work with Ken, jump on it."
-- Anthony DiLuglio, Founder Punch Kettlebell Gym and Art of Strength
Kettlebell training videos by Art of Strength
"Ken Blackburn is an amazing athlete and one of, if not the strongest people I have ever had the opportunity to train with.At 6' tall and 250lbs. he has the athletisism and flexibility that most people can only dream of.Over the past 5 years I have been fortunate to train with Ken.His innovative and creative training ideas have helped make me a several time national champion in Brazillian Jiu Jitsu and a mixed martial arts champion.I would recommend Ken to anyone looking to get the most out of their strength and conditioning training."
--Don Richard
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Champion
MMA Champion
"I am 50 years old, and I have never felt more fit in my life. I have run in the 10 mile Crim road race for the past couple of years--a feat I would have never taken on before training with Ken. I wouldn't have run one mile, but because of the training I recieved from him, I have participated in many activities I would not have attempted before. As far as health and fitness go, Ken's instruction and classes are the best thing that has happened to me." --Ellie Sevick, Fenton, Mi
"I am thankful that I found my way to Ken’s class. His dedication to his students and to his profession as a fitness trainer and instructor are evident. His quest for continuing education proves that he is committed to excellence and helping others achieve a fitness level that they never thought possible. As a trainer and coach, he is without question, the best!”
--Margaret Shooshanian, Fenton, Mi
"It has become obvious to me that I lucked out when I discovered Ken’s class. His training tools and methods are phenomenal, which are accompanied by his respectable fitness knowledge. Through his teaching methods and role modeling I have become a better-conditioned athlete. Ken has shown me a whole new aspect of training that I never knew was possible. I highly recommend taking advantage of an opportunity to work with Ken and the Kettlebells!"
--Sara Lieber
Physical and Health Education
ACE – CPT
Strength and Conditioning Coach
"Ken Blackburn is one of the biggest reasons why I keep going back to the gym. He keeps your attention, supports you and cheers you on, and is very knowledgeable about the overall body and what it takes to condition it and to get it into kick ass shape! Also, his knowledge about K-bells is something i've never experienced before and it's just an overall tiring,difficult, but fun class."
--Danielle Bollinger
National Recording Artist
"If you ever wondered if the drive of 2 hours to train with an RKC would be worth the instruction, take it from me, it is."
--Robert Drewry, Battle Creek, Mi
"Ken Backburn is a great teacher with in-depth instructions. I have had plenty of experiences with Ken and have had phenominal results. He has a great way of breaking everything down for beginners and also has intense workouts for the more advanced. Anyone who is interested in getting in shape and having fun should learn from Ken Blackburn."
--Myles Jury,
MMA Competitor
Fenton, Mi
“Since using Kettlebell training I have never felt stronger. Ken Blackburn’s teaching abilities and athletic skills are second to anyone I have personally worked with over the last 15 years. He has a way of always improving on your weaknesses, yet still point out and utilize my strengths.”
--Dr Ryan Long, Fenton, Mi
"Ken Blackburn's training program has helped me bust through a plateau that I could have never done on my own. The kettlebell techniques I've learned, coupled with his positive and encouraging teaching methods, have improved my strength, stamina, responsiveness and overall conditioning, which have benefited my martial arts training. At 35, I'm in better shape now than I've ever been."
--John P. Ribner, Flint Mi
“Kettlebells provide a much more effective workout than traditional dumbbells and barbells because, due to their shape and heft, they permit a much greater range of exercises. Plus, Ken is constantly learning and inventing new techniques to share with the class, which keeps the routines fresh.”
--Mike Vizard, Fenton, Mi
"I have worked out with Ken on several occasions and everytime I come away feeling like I had a great workout not to mention a notebook full of new exercises and ideas."
--Rob Eickoff, Flint, Mi
"I had a one on one with Ken on Sunday. Right from the start from e-mails until the last minute details and future goals, Ken made me feel like he completely understood where I was at. I never felt rushed or like I was just getting put through some pre-arranged routine. I was given tons of feedback and great instruction. Before you buy another book or video I think everyone should get with Ken. You have no idea how much it will open your eyes to kettlebells. I drove about 2 hours each way to train with him and pay for 1 session and feel like it was the best time and money I spent on training to date.
--Troy Pestun
Ken Blackburn did it again. In his level 2 workshop last Saturday, he opened up his toolbox of pain. In respect to kettlebells, I feel I have seen my share of videos, books, and like most, a lot of web time on the subject too. Heck I have even trained with Ken for a while, and been to a Steve Cotter workshop to boot. What could Ken really show us that would be that different? Well Ken packed three hours plus full of NEW ways to self inflict pain. I’M STILL TENDER. Ken knows how to expose what muscles you have been neglecting. He is a great instructor. If you feel you know a little about KBs, think again. No matter what your level, I promise you this, if you seek this guy out. It will be worth the drive, the time, and money!! Thanks Ken for the new stuff, and the motivation!
--Jon Range
On Ken’s website (http://extremeathletictraining.com) is a statement by Steve Cotter praising him as an instructor. Knowing Steve is not one given to hyperbole, my wife and I attended a Kettlebell Workshop on Saturday in Fenton, MI. If you are anywhere near Fenton you owe it to yourself to go train with Ken. If you have never trained with an RKC you have not really received the full kettlebell experience. Being trained in person allows you to immediately apply the principles and receive constructive feedback. I have a 24 kg KB and a half hour into the workshop I told my wife that I’m going to need a heavier bell. She had been using a 12kg for swings and now plans on using a 16kg. In addition to Pavel’s principles, Ken taught us some things from his personal bag of tricks along with a taste of Steve Cotter, Mike Mahler, JeffMartone, and Rob Lawrence. Again if you are serious about your training you need to seek out an RKC. Ken told me he could see that I had been training with kettlebells for awhile, but there were still many little tweaks that he gave us to lift withmore power and safety. I have read many of Pavel’s books and viewed many ofhis tapes, but to get the full experience you need to seek out an RKC. If you are anywhere near Michigan, Ken Blackburn in Fenton should be your first choice. Thanks Ken for four great hours of instruction.
--Bill Redd