The New Amended RKC Snatch Test

The RKC Snatch test is one of several tests that RKC instructor candidates must pass at the three-day certification. This test is the minimum physical requirement that proves candidates have put in considerable time working with the kettlebell before arriving at the certification course.

RKC Chief Instructor Pavel Tsatsouline has recently changed the rules for the RKC Snatch Test making it considerably easier to administer and much tougher for women.

Overview of Amended Snatch Test:

• A 5-minute time limit has been implemented.
• Participants must complete 1 repetition per Kilogram of body weight, not exceeding 100 reps. Someone weighing in excess of 100 kgs will still "only" need to perform 100 reps.
• Women must now use a 35lb kettlebell replacing the 26 and 18lb kettlebell from the old test. Women under 100 lbs have the option of using a lighter Kettlebell.
• Multiple hands switches are now allowed.
• Participants can set the Kettlebell down as often as necessary.
• The kettlebell can not be dropped.

This is essentially a 5-minute version of the Secret Service Snatch Test.
The full Secret Service Snatch test is a ten-minute test where men must perform at least 200 snatches with a 24kg kettlebell and women must perform 200 snatches with a lighter kettlebell.

I like the fact that women now must use a heavier kettlebell making much more difficult for them. This is a good thing in my opinion since most women could pass the old test with very little preparation while the same was not true for the men. The new test seems to make the test equally hard for women and men.

Finally the new test allows for setting the Kettlebell down so that the examiners can enforce Hardstyle technique which is much more demanding on the grip. Hardstyle technique as taught at the RKC certification requires actively pulling and accelerating the Kettlebell on the downswing making the event a whole different animal. I will be curious to see how the test is implemented as future certifications.

The RKC snatch test is the standard I judge all of my kettlebell students by. To date only one student has passed.
Passing it the first time will be difficult. After that it will only get easier... it's as much a mental thing as a physical thing.

The first time I passed the old RKC snatch test in training it was very difficult. Now it's a cinch. The new test is much easier for me... I completed 72 reps in under 3-minutes, but then again I should expect it to be easier for RKCs.

If you are looking a challenge within reason, a fun way to spike to your heart rate and hack up lung in the process... then the RKC Snatch test will help you find out what you are made of.

From: Pavel Tsatsouline
Subject: Fitness
Date/Time 2008-10-23 14:38:40

Message
Comrades, thank you for your feedback!

Below is the amended test. The language regarding dropping the kettlebell has been clarified; Com. Tom Corrigan's suggestion to match the reps to the student's weight in kilos, which makes the test simpler and fairer, has been implemented.

Kettlebell Snatch Test Rules

The girevik picks up the kettlebell, swings it back between the legs, and snatches it overhead in one uninterrupted movement to a straight-arm lockout. If you have a medical restriction that prevents you from fully locking out your elbow you must notify your team leader in the beginning of the course. Poor flexibility does NOT qualify as a medical restriction.
After fixing the kettlebell in the top position until the kettlebell and the student are visibly motionless, the girevik lowers the kettlebell between the legs in one uninterrupted motion without touching the chest or shoulder.
The snatch may be performed with or without a knee dip at the overhead lockout. The girevik is allowed to place the free hand on the hip or waist (but not on the thigh) and move the feet. However, the student must stop all movement when fixing the weight in the top position.

On each attempt, the judge will announce the repetition number or “No count.” A repetition is not registered if the student has failed to lock out his elbow, pressed out the kettlebell to the finish, or touched the platform with a knee or free hand.

You will be given 5min to complete the test.

You are allowed to make as many hand switches as you wish. The sum of both arms is scored.

You are allowed to set the kettlebell down and rest. If you have let go of the kettlebell before it has touched the ground (dropped it rather than set it down), your attempt will be disqualified. This applies to the last repetition as well.

You are allowed to make multiple back swings.

Chalk is allowed; belts, gloves, wrist wraps and other supportive equipment are not.

Kettlebell Snatch Test Requirements

An RKC candidate is required to put up the number of reps matching his or her weight in kilograms, up to 100 repetitions.

Students heavier than 100kg are still required to do only 100 reps. For instance, an 60kg student needs to perform 60 snatches, an 82kg student 82 snatches, a 100kg student 100 snatches, a 122kg student 100 snatches.

Kettlebell Sizes

Men Open Class 24kg
Men Masters (50 and Older) 20kg
Women Open Class 16kg *
Women Masters (50 and Older) 12kg

* Women under 50kg /110 pounds in the open class may opt to perform 80 repetitions with a 12kg kettlebell instead.

How to Convert Kilograms to Pounds

One kilogram equals 2.2046 pounds.

Here is a sample conversion of 53kg:

53x2.2046=116.84.

To make a quick kilos to pounds conversion multiply the kilos by two, then add ten percent. For instance, 53x2=106. 106+10=116. Thus a 53kg comrade weighs approximately 116 pounds.

There are no private weigh-in facilities; you will be required to wear a T-shirt and training pants or shorts. There is no disputing the official scale; be overprepared in case it is not consistent with your home scale.

Power to you!