Testimonials:
"If you've never trained with or even met Ken Blackburn, it would be understandable if you were a little intimidated by this heavily muscled Stone- Cold Steve Austin look alike. However, after a few seconds of talking with him, you'll quickly understand why he's known and loved all throughout the world for his combination of high-level athletic conditioning, movement skills and equally high-level coaching abilities. If you want to talk about Kettlebells, Ken is one of the most accomplished coaches not only in the whole of United States but is also recognized via his colleagues as one of the best in the world. That's easy to see when you start counting dozens of Kettlebell champions that he's coached and developed programs for. That includes his son, Mitch Blackburn, who is a world-class lifter as well.
On top of that, Ken’s personal and practical knowledge of the movement arts is extensive, barring from his own well-rounded training in all ranges of the martial arts (boxing, kicking, grappling, ground fighting). All of those skills put together gives you access to a coach with rare experience.
Not just another strong man, Ken's easy-going and humble approach to everyone makes them feel at ease and comfortable trusting their training to him.
If you are in Fenton Michigan area, you really don't know how lucky you are. If you want to learn about physical training, look no further than Ken Blackburn"
Steve Cotter
IKFF Director
Men's Health 100 Fittest Men All-time
www.ikff.net
There isn't a whole lot I haven't tried in the "fitness world" from powerlifting to traditional weight lifting to step aerobics to running etc. So when I was introduced to much of what we do at Blackburn Fitness which would be considered "non conventional" 7 years ago, I never looked back. Between the variety of movements, change in rotational patterns, different planes of motion, there isn't a muscle untouched. This will and has resulted in long term, all over body strength. The beauty of this type of training is anyone of any age, shape, size or physical condition can do these work outs because the owner and head trainer Ken Blackburn is incredible, with world recognized credentials and certifications and the genuine desire to see people of all levels succeed.
Julie Diller
Owner – Julie Diller Jewelry
Ken is by far the most knowledgeable kettlebell coach I have ever had the opportunity to work with. He has a true passion for kettlebells, a lifelong martial artist and possesses an uncanny ability to break down complex movements in a way that's easily understandable. I have had the pleasure to sit in on a handful of his seminars and I'm always amazed as to how he furthers his knowledge base and adapts to an ever-changing industry. That's a true sign of a great coach.
Reece Killebrew
UFC Gym, Albuquerque – Owner
“Ken Blackburn is a true master at his craft -- Not only in the utilization of the kettlebell, but in the art of teaching. I was fortunate enough to work with Ken, and the foundation of instruction I received will stay with me for the rest of my life. As a testament to the flow of his curriculum, even after hours of listening to him talk and swinging cannonballs with handles, I still couldn't even manage to dislike him!”
Aubrey Marcus
CEO of Onnit
Austin, TX
www.onnit.com
“I had the fantastic opportunity to work with one of the best instructors ever, Ken Blackburn! Coming into my first real experience with kettlebells I had no idea what to expect . . . how hard they would be or how detailed the form is. My initial thought was this looks easy! Ha Ha! Boy was I wrong! This was due to the fact that Ken made it look effortless. As I progressed through the first day of my certification, I was happy to learn from Ken and have his expertise available to me!
After the fantastic warm up of agility, mobility and stretching movements led by Ken, I was excited to see what else I would pick up from his coaching and directing!
Ken has an easy going personality that makes him fun to learn from. .. even as 'Large and in Charge' as he is! He comes across with an ease that anyone could learn from and feel good about themselves! He is very approachable and listens before he answers, which in my book is extremely important!
Even though the KBs were the reason for my attending the course, I thoroughly enjoyed the warm up that Ken led! I wish I could do that everyday with him leading~ I am sure I would have less neck and joint aches!
I highly recommend Ken as an instructor . . .he is one of a kind!”
With that said, I still can't keep the image of him in the splits with the biggest KB overhead! Now, if I could just get him to point his toes... LOL!”
Monica Brant
IFBB Fitness Olympia Champion/IFBB Pro Figure
www.monicabrant.com
“When it comes to combining kettlebell training with other aspects of athleticism, Ken Blackburn one of the best trainers in the world. Ken is a big strong guy and he moves better than most athletes out there regardless of their size. This combination of strength and agility is rare. Ken combines these skills with the ability to teach them to others. I have known Ken for a number of years and I have seen him continue to evolve and refine his teaching style. I think that anyone from beginner to elite athlete would benefit significantly from Ken's unique approach to training. If you train with Ken you will not be disappointed.”
Scott Helsley MD, PhD
Master of Sport
“Ken Blackburn is a first class teacher of both the method and application of strength, conditioning and movement. He leaves you 100% confident that what you have learned can be instantly applied in the real world.
It’s not easy to teach mobility and agility especially to a group but Ken breaks down movements and drills into manageable chunks before piecing it back together. Ken is as humble as he is talented, his style is relaxed but efficient and this is essential for learning. Ken's kettlebell coaching is also excellent and his programming advice puts it all into place.
His own movement abilities are impressive: smooth, precise and controlled. His agility on the ground and in standing blows away the myth that guys with muscle mass can't be mobile.
All in all I can not recommend taking the opportunity to learn from Ken Blackburn highly enough.”
Jonathan Lewis
Balance Performance Physiotherapy – Director & Strength and Conditioning Coach
Industrial Strength London – Director
http://www.islondon.co.uk
http://www.balancephysio.com
“Do not miss the opportunity to train with IKFF's Ken Blackburn. I have been lucky enough to train under Ken on a couple of occasions and the breadth and scope of his mobility and dynamic warm-up drills is second to none. What's more, Ken provides a seamless crossover into kettlebell training with a focus on resilient, consistent practice. Oh, and he moves pretty damn fast for a big guy!”
Rannoch Donald
Founder/Director – Kettlebells Scotland
http://www.kettlebellsscotland.com/
I joined a gym when I was 45. I had finally realized being slim did not mean being healthy. My first class was run by a man who had skills in boxing, judo, circuit training, conditioning, nutrition, and programming. He was a great guy, always running class in a calm, relaxed, educational, and fun manner. We were having a ball and working our butts off--literally. Ken was so awesome, when he brought kettlebells in the class we never asked a question. We just picked them up and swung them per his instruction. We juggled them, used them in exercises, swung them, snatched them, pressed them--you get the idea. Every other mace, Bulgarian bag, fitball, newfangled, strange looking apparatus that Ken introduced us to, he told us the whys and the hows, and we went with it. He made us all healthy and competitive; strong and driven; we were all addicted to this wonderful way of being fit. I am 60, and I am still with Ken. I became a runner due to my excellent conditioning. I am doing a mini triathlon for the first time. These are not things people my age do unless they have the confidence, the skill, and the experience of trying new things and knowing you will be capable and even excel at whatever you choose. That is what Ken Blackburn has done for me.
Ellie Sevik
Teacher
There are several reasons why many athletes and general fitness enthusiasts around the world are turning to kettlebells as part of their training and conditioning programs; one of those reasons is because of the professional instruction from Strength Coaches like Ken Blackburn.
As a competitive martial artist, I have attended many seminars and training camps over the years, and I have to say, I was thoroughly impressed with Ken’s unique and detailed instruction methods and as a result have incorporated numerous aspects of Ken’s cutting-edge training philosophies and drills into my current training regime, as well as with my teammates and martial arts students.
On top of his amazing kettlebell knowledge and instruction, Ken’s joint mobility and flexibility training can certainly help any individual or athlete, in any sport, move to the next top level of their game or fitness journey.
It is well worth the investment to attend one of Ken’s courses….you will not be disappointed! I look forward to training and learning from Ken for years to come.”
Tammy Bernardo
12 time World Champion
Bernardo Karate
London, Ontario, Canada
http://www.bernardokarate.com/
I have trained with Ken for many years and he has been an extraordinary Kettlebell sport coach. He is encouraging and passionate which has helped many of his students become excellent lifters. Ken is an extremely agile athlete and his agility/mobility drills have brought me great results as a lifter.
Angela Long
Personal Trainer
My name is Joby Sanchez and I am a Flyweight Fighter in the UFC. I train at Jacksons Gym out of Albuquerque NM and I am on Ken Blackburn's kettle bell Strength and conditioning program. On this program I have seen improvements on strength and muscle endurance while training and preparing for my fights. I highly recommend working with him”
Joby Sanchez
Fighter – Jackson Wink MMA
Ken Blackburn is a good and pleasant guy, and simply the best all around teacher of physical fitness. I'm 68 years old and have never been an athlete, but I'm participating in my hobbies and want to keep at it as long as possible. Ken hooked me on Kettlebells with an emphasis on physical mobility leading to injury free work and sound technique. That's Ken's formula: a combination of physical mobility, mental agility, concentration on technique, physical work and post work recovery for all ages. Ken uses his expertise in complementary skills to enhance the pattern. He's studied, trained and instructed since a youngster. It's fun and includes: Martial Arts, Indian Clubs, Bulgarian Bag, Kettlebells and more. I'm nearly ready to "compete" in Kettlebell Sport–just for the fun of it–another hobby–no injuries. Guaranteed to change your life (any life) and keep your mind and body on the move.
John Bremer
