The International Kettlebell Organization LLC (IKO) is a global kettlebell‑sport community and education body founded by Denis Vasilev in June 2017. IKO delivers coach certification and workshops, and runs the Kettlebell Sport World League — an international competition series with official ranking tables and rules.
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COMING Kettlebell Sport Educational Events
July 18, 19th 2026
6:45am - 4:45pm PST
ONLINE via ZOOM
Number of participants is limited: 30 spots only
October 17th 2026
7:45am - 4:30pm PST
ONLINE via ZOOM
Number of participants is limited: 25 spots only
November 14, 15th 2026
Day 1: 7:45am - 3:30pm PST
Day 2: 7:45am - 1:30pm PST
ONLINE via ZOOM
Number of participants is limited: 25 spots only
IKO Certifications will provide you with a complete and balanced understanding of Kettlebell Sport:
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Kettlebell Sport lifting technique: Long Cycle, Jerk, Snatch, and Double Half Snatch
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Kettlebell Sport Training Methodology
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General Physical Preparation (GPP) and Specialized Physical Preparation (SPP)
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Mobility, Stretching, and Recovery Principles
The knowledge shared throughout the IKO Education System is the result of more than 20 years of experience as both a kettlebell sport athlete and coach.
Despite competing, coaching, and teaching internationally for many years, I continue to study, learn, and refine my understanding of the sport. Every certification course provides new insights and opportunities for growth, both for my students and for myself.
The IKO Education System is continuously evolving to reflect the most current knowledge, practical experience, and coaching methods available. My goal is to provide students with clear, effective, and immediately applicable tools that can be used for personal development, athletic performance, and coaching success.
Nothing is more rewarding than watching students progress, achieve their goals, and develop a lifelong appreciation for kettlebell sport.
Respectfully,
Denis Vasilev
Founder, International Kettlebell Organization (IKO)
There are THREE levels of IKO Kettlebell Sport Instructor Certifications:
One day • 8.5 hours
A friendly and welcoming introduction to kettlebell sport designed for beginners, fitness enthusiasts, personal trainers, coaches, and individuals seeking to improve their general health and fitness.
Practical Classes
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Warm Up Routine
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Clean Technique (Single & Double Kettlebells)
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Jerk & Long Cycle Technique (Single & Double Kettlebells)
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Snatch & Double Half Snatch Technique
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Stretching Routine
Theoretical Classes
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Overview of Kettlebell Sport
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Workout Structure & General Physical Preparation (GPP)
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Tactical Planning & Training Program Design
Certification Requirements
Knowledge Test
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Level 1 Knowledge Test
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Minimum passing score: 70%
Practical Test
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Achieve IKO Sport Rank 3 in any exercise listed in the IKO Sport Ranking Tables
LEVEL 2 — Performance & Higher Standards
Two days • 14.5 hours
Designed for instructors and athletes who already possess foundational kettlebell sport skills and wish to develop a deeper understanding of training methodology, competition preparation, technical analysis, and coaching.
Practical Classes
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Double Kettlebell Clean Technique
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Double Kettlebell Jerk Technique
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Double Kettlebell Long Cycle Technique
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Double Half Snatch Technique
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Specialized Physical Preparation (SPP)
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Open Table Discussion & Case Studies
Theoretical Classes
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Training Culture & Workout Structure
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Strategic Planning & Workout Programming
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Competition Rules & Regulations
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IKO Sport Ranking Table
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Video Analysis & Error Correction
Certification Requirements
Knowledge Test
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Level 2 Knowledge Test
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Minimum passing score: 70%
Practical Test
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Achieve IKO Sport Rank 2 in any exercise listed in the IKO Sport Ranking Tables
Recommended Prerequisite
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Successful completion of IKO Level 1 Certification or equivalent practical experience.
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May coach beginner kettlebell sport athletes.
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May conduct kettlebell sport workshops, clinics, and introductory educational events.
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May represent and promote kettlebell sport within their local community.
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May coach beginner and intermediate kettlebell sport athletes.
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May conduct kettlebell sport workshops, clinics, and educational events.
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May teach certify candidates through the IKO Level 1 Certification Course.
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May mentor Level 1 candidates under the IKO Education System.
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Recognized as senior-level coaches within the IKO Education System.
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May coach athletes from beginner through advanced levels.
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May conduct kettlebell sport workshops, clinics, and instructor education programs.
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May teach and certify candidates through the IKO Level 2 Certification Course.
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May serve as mentors within the IKO Education System.
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May be considered for future Master Coach development and educational leadership roles.
LEVEL 3 — Advanced Coaching & Athlete Development
Two days • 16 hours
An advanced professional certification for experienced kettlebell sport instructors seeking mastery in technical refinement, exercise-specific methodology, athlete development, and coaching judgment.
Areas of Study
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Long Cycle Methodology
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Jerk Methodology
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Snatch Methodology
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Exercise-Specific GPP
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Coaching Decision-Making
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Athlete Evaluation
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Long-Term Athlete Development
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Open Table Master Coach Discussion
Certification Requirements
Knowledge Test
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Level 3 Knowledge Test
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Minimum passing score: 70%
Practical Test
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Achieve IKO Sport Rank 1 in any exercise listed in the IKO Sport Ranking Tables
Prerequisite
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IKO Level 2 Certification or equivalent coaching experience approved by the IKO Master Coaches Council.
Certification Validity
IKO Kettlebell Sport Instructor Certifications are valid for three (3) years and may be renewed through continuing education or recertification requirements established by IKO.