For those who have done it and are contemplating doing it again, it can evoke feelings of dread. For those who have not tried it, it is a curiosity, and perhaps a perceived measure of their kettlebell manliness. What is it? It is the Secret Service Snatch Test.
With its origins in the Secret Service selection process, the rules are simple. You must do as many repetitions of the kettlebell snatch in ten minutes as possible. Using only the 24kg kettlebell (ladies,the 12kg), you may switch hands whenever you’d like and you may even set the bell down so you can toss your cookies. Final count is total sum of snatches, period. The only unspoken rule is that you will not quit. Got a blister, tough, use the other hand for the remaining time. Tear a callous, tough it out. Don’t even think about stopping when the phone rings. You can set it down to rest, but it’d better be moving when the timer sounds.
This is not a test you should do within the first couple months of kettlebell training. When you can do 30-40 repetitions with one hand, feel free to give it a shot. Just remember the aforementioned stipulations: once you start, you'd better finish.
As my SEAL and Ranger friends would say, “Suck it up, candy-a$$.
Jared Savik
David Whitley
Philip Davis
Steve Cotter
Suleiman Al-Sabah
Adam Hook
Shaun Cairns
Dean Jolly
Paul Tucker
Robert Budd
Michael Brown
Mike Stehle
Andy Alexander
Tim Clavette
Randy Hauer
Mike Springer
Jim Milkowski
Got your score? Email me at Jared@fitnessyoucanuse.com
Put "snatch test" in the subject header.
How do I get my scores posted?
SSST is limited to the top 15, the UST & UCJ are limited to the top 10.
any score that will take over a top 5 slot, must be
1) witnessed by RKC/AKC
or
2) videotaped for possible review
or
3) done in a sanctioned competition
4) RKC/AKC instructors are exempt rules 1,2 & 3 for
scores under 250 Your word is your bond.
If in doubt, video.
Jennifer Peters
Michelle Hackett
Yoana Snideman
Kelly Moore
Tracey Reifkind
Brandie Sharpe
Joanne O Shea
Peggy Silveri
Emily Murai
Mary Beth Stehle
Debbie Beckman
Casey Kirk
Sara Luhrie
Catherine Imes
Kjersti Hanneman
Megan Jaffray
Jackie Murphy
Siobhan Ryan
Jes Brock
Comments from participants about the UST!
The 53 is about being efficient and the 70 is just can I handle it for another rep, either grip or power to throw it up again. So I don't really lose my lungs on the 70 vs. the 53 which is really endurance not power. We'll really see when I hit them both again this week. Did notice my the fatigue from the 70 when I went to play tennis today though my grip and shoulders were definitely fatigued that never happens with the 53.
-Mike Springer
Wow! The wife's asleep and I decided to give the 32K test a shot...if you're interested in alternate universes or states of consciousness...then this is the way to go!!!
Oh, and by the way...127 reps in 9:59.00. OK...now I can get going on this one. I put the KB down more than I care to admit. Lots of room for improvement. Thanks again, Jared, for the inspiration!
-Jonathan Schultheis
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Same rules as SSST, but men use the 32kg kettlebell and ladies use the 16kg 'bell. This event takes the original SSST to a whole new level!
rankings limited to top ten scores
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Men's Division Ladies Division
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Catherine Imes 255
Kelly Moore 235
Cori McMenamim 214
Melissa Kelly 181
Megan Jaffray 177
Kerri Wenke 143
Peggy Silveri 140
Robert Budd 196
Philip Davis 183
Shaun Cairns 170
Paul Tucker 170
Jared Savik 167
David Whitley 156
Rob Lawrence 154
Tim Clavette 150
Adam Hook 147
Paul Tucker 145
Andy Alexander 144
Scott Allen 133
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Top 15 Leader Board
Men's Division
Ladies Division
Score
Score
Ultimate Snatch Test
What gireviks are saying about the SSST:
I re-took the SSST on Sunday, 1/29/06, this time emphasizing a quicker pace from the outset. I did this now knowing I could complete the 10 minute cycle thanks to attempting it last week. I must say it's easier to quicken the pace from the outset as opposed to getting to the 6-7 minute mark and realizing you need to speed up. As a result I was able to complete 192 reps, done at 12 rep intervals from hand to hand to save the grip, in the 10 minute allotted time. I have to admit, this test is more a test of willpower and determination than I thought it would be. Having competition and wanting to stay in the top 15 only serves as added motivation for me or maybe I'm just a sick individual who enjoys inflicting pain on myself. Either way, a great idea and certainly fun for DD community as well as everyone else. -Eric Westhoven
Kettlebell Challenges
Ultimate Clean & Jerk
Valery Fedorenko 104
Matt Swarner 103
David Whitley 102
Jared Savik 98
Brad Nelson 76
Donnie Howell 76
Paul Tucker 74
Sean Dickinson 72 (w/96# kb)
Eric Westhoven 68
Randy Hauer 63
Bjorn Friedrich 63
Adam Hook 60
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Catherine Imes 123
Kelly Moore 77
Clean the 88# kettlebell (aka the bulldog) to your shoulder, Jerk it overhead, lockout & hold briefly. Lower to your shoulder, reclean & repeat for 10 minutes. Like the snatch tests, you can switch sides at will and even stop to breathe. Ladies use the 24kg (53#) girya.
Epitaths regarding the Bulldog Clean & Jerk
Jared Savik is trying to kill me! -David Whitley
(Pen)Ultimate Clean & Jerk Challenge
This test is reserved for senior citizens and non-bulldog owners! Same rules as the Ultimate Clean & Jerk, but use the featherweight 72# kettlebell!
With its origins in the Secret Service selection process, the rules are simple. You must do as many repetitions of the kettlebell snatch in ten minutes as possible. Using only the 24kg kettlebell (ladies,the 12kg), you may switch hands whenever you’d like and you may even set the bell down so you can toss your cookies. Final count is total sum of snatches, period. The only unspoken rule is that you will not quit. Got a blister, tough, use the other hand for the remaining time. Tear a callous, tough it out. Don’t even think about stopping when the phone rings. You can set it down to rest, but it’d better be moving when the timer sounds.
