11/17/2025
The Kettlebell is Superior to Every Other Strength Training "Tool"
I hear coaches and "trainers" say things like "the kettlebell is just a tool."
The statement is rooted in an aversion to dogma; or being dogmatic. I get it.
However, after 24+ years on the mat training Jiu-Jitsu with some of the best in the world... I can say "I've tried everything"––from a strength training perspective to gain an unfair advantage over my training partners.
And nothing comes close to delivering what I need in less time; something which doesn't take time away from Jiu-Jitsu, my family, and personal study.
A few months ago, I wrote a 4-part series on a concept I call "Upstream Strength Strategies" and the downstream effects of Upstream Thinking.
I'd like to close this post with a brief reflection on the effect of using kettlebells to build a strong, healthy, and more flexible body (at ANY age).
"In the first post of this series... I told you that I mentioned, twice, a problem which would keep you from seeing progress –– and leaving you trapped in a cumulative injury cycle.
I also mentioned the upstream decision which would solve the problem BEFORE it had a chance to present itself.
And that problem is living in a flexed environment.
The upstream solution is to create an environment of extension.
The very nature of using kettlebells places you in an extended environment. With the downstream effects being a stronger, leaner, and more capable body... in LESS time (BEFORE exercise even begins).
And not only that...
.. the sub-maximal nature of kettlebell ballistics are great for people who have 'mileage.'
Jumping and sprinting are not for everyone. However, everyone can benefit from the effects of sub-maximal plyometric training––the very nature of load the kettlebell provides.
You reap all the benefits of power training, without leaving the ground––or the wear and tear.
And this is why, IMO, the kettlebell is superior to ALL training 'tools.'
The kettlebell is not a 'tool,' and it drives me nuts when I hear coaches/trainers refer to it as such.
The kettlebell, by its nature, is an Upstream Strength Strategy––which is responsible for providing results, and avoiding problems, we would never even be aware of.
And the planning of your training requires upstream thinking so you can train for the long haul."
I don't say the kettlebell is "superior" because I use it––and my entire business is based on it.
I use it, and my entire coaching career is based on it, BECAUSE it is superior––in my humble, and professional, opinion.
Thanks for reading.
🛡️hec "the kettlebell coach" g.
Btw...
The closing of this post may sound dogmatic, but dogma is dogma for a reason.
Dogma is an infallible statement about a doctrine; it's a statement about a truth.
And the results which the kettlebell yield, not only for myself but also for the students we have been serving for over 14 years, are undisputed.
P.S. If you'd like to read the full series on Upstream Strength Strategies, I'll drop the first post in the comments.
