19/01/2025
I am sad to have learned that one of the most wonderful people I have ever met, the legendary Steve Cotter, is no longer with us. I still vividly remember the times Steve came to Athens Greece where he gave kettlebell workshops, we had a fantastic time having dinner and drinks afterwards the grueling tests for the IKFF certifications that I had prepared for. We had stayed connected over the years and had discussed him coming back to Athens for a workshop, but alas it was not to be. I will try to give as condensed a tribute as I can to this great human being.
A man of incredible physical talent, well-spirited, a top-notch instructor, probably the best kettlebell instructor in the world and that's saying a lot considering the amazing kettlebell community and the sheer passion, dedication, and talent of instructors out there with whom I've had the honor to train under a few.
Very educated, a great sense of humor, well-spirited, we had very deep conversations and an instant connection that made a lasting impression on me. It was not just for the quality, eloquence and manner in which he expressed himself, but also for the profound level of respect that emanated from him towards the person he conversed with, truly listening with a non-existent need to interrupt or display any kind of authority or judgement but at the same time held his ground where core values were concerned, a mastery over any sense of an ego that we might have had, a diamond of a soul, and a peaceful warrior.
He was an elite martial artist, with an impressive array of skills and extensive history and experience in the martial arts from a very young age. He was a lineage holder in the Shen Lung Tang Shou Tao School line. His first sifu was Mike Patterson, Grand teacher was Xu Hong-ji and great grand teacher was Hong Yi-Xiang (Hung I-Hsiang). The last few years he took upon Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and ultimately won the gold medal in his category! That speaks volumes for his love of learning, experimenting, constantly bettering his mind and body.
An exemplary teacher who promoted holistic well-being with martial arts as his guide.
I cannot stress enough, A TEACHER, an inspiration, an amaltheia of generosity, with a crystal clear methodology and calm instruction, a true kung fu master. He had often tried to make martial arts practitioners get acquainted with the notion of training stuff that were outside their modalities, which was not an easy task as many systems and minds are not that eager to accept this kind of interaction. He decided to pivot towards the fitness world and enriched it with his knowledge, mainly through kettlebell training which embodies many principles of martial arts.
I am always keen on bridging the gap and uniting Taijiquan with kettlebell training. Steve was the renaissance man for these kind of connections.
He has influenced many people from many countries as he traveled extensively and touched thousands of souls. His teachings will continue to reverberate into the future.
Steve loved life and it showed. Even though it was cut way too short, he lived it to the fullest.
It was a privilege and an honor to have met you and learned from you and will keep learning from you from the abundance of your material I have collected over the years.
My condolences to his loved ones, I will Honor you with every kettlebell workout that I do from now on
R.I.P. Sensei, may your soul soar high Brother
