The UKKA Historically Introduces the Kettlebell to the Amateur
Boxing Association
The way this chapter in the UKKA’s evolution of the Kettlebell
in the sports arena began in a way that makes us think that things,
no matter how terrible, always happen for a reason. A chance meeting
between Mike Lawson and one Harry Otty, a boxing coach who expressed
to Mike an interest in Kettlebells at a funeral evolved into three
boxing coaches travelling to Lockerbie to meet Stan Pike and Rob Beauchamp
for an introductory seminar. As an aside, we would like to say many
thanks to Sue Pike for her hospitality, which helped the day to finish
in the same gregarious manner as it had been conducted in.
The three coaches were given a brief presentation, a demonstration
and a following teaching/coaching session in order to prepare them
for the highlight of the day – for Stan and I, not them! The
three victims – sorry volunteers, were taught to put five exercises
together in a simple circuit that soon had them blowing! Needless
to say they enjoyed the day and left wholly convinced, after all the
Kettlebell speaks for itself!
The trio went back to their respective boxing gyms spreading the
word through out the Northwest, it was not long before the ABA top
coach, Marty Ventre requested that we put on a similar seminar for
a dozen Liverpudlian coaches and boxers. After our presentation that
often progressed into lengthy discussion, we retired to the gym next
door with both the non-specific and sport specific applications of
the Kettlebell firmly in the minds of our audience, and proceeded
to demonstrate, teach and coach the five basic Kettlebell exercises
to a wholly enthusiastic class. Once again the coaching session ended
with the by now (in) famous circuit, and the day concluded after a
plate or two of ‘scouse’ (nowhere near as good as Sue’s
stew) with the UKKA intimating its stance of being the Kettlebell
consultants for the ABA, which were whole heartedly received. Indeed,
on the strength of their experiences we were given another chance
to introduce the Kettlebell to the wider audience of the ABA Level
1 coaching course – that following Sunday in Warrington.
So, history was made on Sunday 4th March when the UKKA became the
very first to coach Kettlebells to a sporting organisation on an official
course. Several high ranking officials viewed the historic session
and along with Marty will be taking the case of Kettlebells and the
UKKA to the presiding board of the ABA for sanctioning – so
the future’s bright for both the UKKA and the ABA, ‘cause
the future’s Kettlebell shaped!
