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Progressive Calisthenics - The Official Blog for the PCC Community

entry level calisthenics certification

The SCC is Here!

November 10, 2015 By Al Kavadlo 20 Comments

First Ever SCC Workshop Group Photo
Since the launch of the Progressive Calisthenics Certification (PCC) nearly 3 years ago, my brother Danny and I have had the amazing opportunity to teach calisthenics to fitness professionals and enthusiasts all over the world.

The reaction to the PCC has been tremendously positive. Those who attend get better at moving their bodies, but many people are moved emotionally as well. Each person brings their own unique experience to the group and we all leave with new knowledge and inspiration. The only thing stronger than our attendees is the camaraderie formed during the time spent training together and learning from one another.

FirstSCC2
Though the success of the PCC has had a powerful impact on the underground calisthenics scene as well as the mainstream fitness industry, the 3-day course can be intimidating to some. Furthermore, many people who’ve expressed a desire to attend the PCC are simply unable to make a 3-day commitment.

The brand new Strength Calisthenics Certification (SCC) is changing all of that. By providing a 1-day calisthenics experience focused solely on Coach Wade’s “Big 6″–the squat, push-up, pull-up, bridge, hanging leg raise, and handstand–the SCC offers calisthenics fans the chance to test the waters without having to dive in headfirst.

FirstSCC3
Last Saturday the SCC made its debut in New York City. Fitness enthusiasts from all over the world came together in the Big Apple for a fun-filled day of calisthenics and strength coaching. Attendees hailed from Germany, Ireland, and Canada, as well as many of the 50 states.

In addition to Danny and myself, the entire PCC leadership team was on hand for the debut of SCC: Adrienne Harvey, Angelo Gala, Beth Andrews and Logan Christopher were all there helping to coach and inspire our SCC hopefuls.

FirstSCC4
We spent the morning focused on floor calisthenics, including loads of push-up, squat, bridge and handstand variations, then got on the pull-up bar in the afternoon to work on hanging leg raise and pull-up progressions. Everyone was challenged to push themselves and many personal bests were set. We even had one attendee achieve her very first full pull-up!

After the training I lectured on a wide variety of topics including principles of progression, bodyweight programming and the reality of the personal training business.

AlKavadloAtFirstSCC5
The day seemed to fly by in a New York minute and everyone had an amazing experience. When all was said and done, we had a brand new group of freshy-minted calisthenics warriors!

Though the first SCC has come to an end, this is really just the beginning. Look for more SCC workshops to be announced in the weeks and months ahead. I hope to see you at a PCC or SCC in 2016.

We’re Working Out!

-Al

AlKavadlo6

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Al Kavadlo is the lead instructor for Dragon Door’s Progressive Calisthenics Certification. Recognized worldwide for his amazing bodyweight feats of strength as well as his unique coaching style, Al is the author of five books, including Raising The Bar: The Definitive Guide to Pull-up Bar Calisthenics and Pushing The Limits! Total Body Strength With No Equipment. Read more about Al on his website:www.AlKavadlo.com.

Filed Under: Workshop Experiences Tagged With: Al Kavadlo, calisthenics certification, calisthenics workshop, entry level calisthenics certification, PCC, SCC, SCC NYC, Strength Calisthenics Certification

Introducing the SCC

September 8, 2015 By Al Kavadlo 22 Comments

Why SCC? By Al Kavadlo

When my brother Danny and I teamed up with Coach Wade and Dragon Door to unveil the Progressive Calisthenics Certification in 2013, we knew we were on to something big.

Coach Wade’s Convict Conditioning series had already established itself as the #1 calisthenics program in the world, and my book Raising The Bar was doing very well among calisthenics enthusiasts who wanted to, well, raise the bar with regards to their pull-up training.

These books exposed a huge new audience to moves like the human flag, one arm pull-up and muscle-up. The demand for a hands-on, in person experience to better learn these skills (and be able to teach them to others) was coming to a boiling point. In late 2011, Coach Wade, John Du Cane, Danny and myself began planning the PCC curriculum and assembling what would become the 600+ page manual.

When we finally conducted the initial PCC workshop in June of 2013, the reaction was even better than we had anticipated. Over 50 trainers, coaches and enthusiasts showed up for our first event and the positivity was through the roof! A good time was had by all and PRs were continually set throughout the weekend. Connections were formed that have not only persisted, but grown stronger to this day. Everyone came away from the weekend having learned a great deal–myself included.

Dragon Door CEO, John Du Cane, remarked to me after that initial weekend that typically in his experience, most certs take about 2 years to get the kinks ironed out. “But you guys knocked it out of the park this first time!” he added.

PCC has been rocking ever since, but there was something missing…until now!

What is SCC?
SCC stands for Strength Calisthenics Certification. It is Dragon Door’s one-day, entry-level bodyweight certification, based on Coach Wade’s “Big 6” foundational calisthenics movements: push-ups, pull-ups, squats, bridges, leg raises and inversions. Although an adequate level of strength and conditioning is required to get the most out of the course, the testing is far less severe than for the PCC. All you need to do in order to pass is demonstrate a baseline of calisthenics competency by completing the following in less than 3 minutes:

SCC Testing Requirements

Why SCC?
With PCC going full steam ahead, the number one concern we’ve been hearing from potential attendees is that the 3-day PCC curriculum can be a bit intimidating. Not everyone feels ready to embark on advanced modules like the human flag, back lever or muscle-up. The SCC is the perfect choice for anyone who needs more focused attention on the basics. Others simply can’t afford to commit an entire three days to taking the certification, but are still interested in gaining a legit credential in the field of calisthenics.

Al Kavadlo Coaching Squats

Who is SCC for?

  • Fitness professionals who want to improve their knowledge of bodyweight exercises, while earning a new credential.
  • Calisthenics enthusiasts who are looking to grow their personal practice and meet other like-minded practitioners.
  • Those new to bodyweight training who want a crash course in the fundamentals.
  • Anyone who is considering taking the PCC, but isn’t sure they’re ready for the financial/time commitment.
  • YOU!

It’s a No-Brainer
Signing up for the SCC is a no-brainer for anyone who’s seriously considering taking the PCC. It’s also a slam dunk for any fitness professional (or enthusiast) who wants to get in-person instruction from some of the most experienced calisthenics coaches in the world. In addition to Danny and myself, the entire PCC leadership will be on hand for the debut of SCC: Adrienne Harvey, Angelo Gala, Beth Andrews and Logan Christopher will all be there to ensure the best possible experience for all who attend.

The inaugural SCC event will take place this November in my hometown and favorite place in the world, New York City!

It’s going to be epic! I can’t wait to see you there!

Sign up for SCC by September 18th and save $50 on your enrollment! Space is limited – register today!

Strength Calisthenics Certification Workshop

Filed Under: Progressive Calisthenics, Workshop Experiences Tagged With: Al Kavadlo, calisthenics, certification, entry level calisthenics certification, fitness certification, inaugural SCC, New York City, NY, NYC, one day certification, progressive calisthenics, SCC, SCC Workshop, workshop

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