Guide to Becoming a Master-Generalist

This post will be an ever-updating thread on current requirements for passing technique and general physical tests as part of the Strong ON! certification, as well as our Strong ON! programs and challenges. (Be sure to save/archive this post.)

A little background: As part of the Strong ON! community (Pat Flynn’s Secret Group), we decided there should be some level of assessment for those who take part in our challenges and programs, and also leading up to certification. I’m a fan of this. Standards are important. Now, we can argue about what the standards should be, but a world without standards is subject to barbarism.

We promote generalism, or being better than most people, at most things. Forget specialization. That’s where injury and madness lie. Become generally prepared and capable of anything. That’s our motto.

The generalist, in other words, is lean, strong, flexible, mobile, and sufficiently (but not absurdly) muscled. They won’t beat a specialist in their specialization–won’t beat a powerlifter at powerfliter, nor a gymnast at gymnastics–but they’ll get close, and then whoop them in everything else.

Generalist Philosophy Explained

This episode of The Pat Flynn Show makes the case for generalism, and explains why we do things the way we do. Have a listen. Everything will make a lot more sense after this.

 

Rankings and Achievement

So far, there are three rankings that can be held as part of our Strong ON! community.

Generalist – You earn the rank of Generalist when you complete any one set of the testing standards along with the challenge/program that goes along with it. This opens up the availability of your first colored T-shirt, as well.

Expert-Generalist – You earn the rank of Expert-Generalist when you complete any THREE sets of testing standards.

Master-Generalist – The ultimate achievement. You’ve completed every challenge. All T-shirts (but the coveted Black Shirt) are now available to you. The next step from here is to become a coach within the community and help spread the enlightenment.

There are also a few ranks/achievements related to non-physical tests.

Coach – Coaches are ordained by Pat and therefore entitled to pass on the teachings of Generalism within the community. You must have worked with Pat 1-on-1 and/or completed our Strong ON! certification (see below) to be eligible for coaching consideration. Becoming a coach is what gets you your Black Shirt.

Super-Duper-Amazing-Helper-Person – This award and T-shirt are given at random to those who assume supportive and encouraging roles within the community. We look at those most active in the Secret Group, who invite new members, provide helpful comments and feedback, and make everyone feel at home.

Physical Challenges and Tests

This section will cover the range of all current challenges. In order to test for rank, you must first complete the challenge or program associated with it.

All of these challenges/programs are featured within Strong ON! Becoming a member gets you access to all of them.

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Extreme 21 Day Challenge

Our EXTREME 21 Day Kettlebell Challenge is the ultimate “Generalist” program utilizing the power of kettlebell complexes, combos, circuits, and integrating “intelligent intensity” for faster fat loss, strength, and conditioning gains.

Test: Kettlebell Inferno

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2 reps of each.

Two hand swing
One hand swing
Snatch
Thruster
Row
Push up

Completed in 20 minutes or less with 16kg (men); 8kg (women.)

Focus: Fat loss, strength, and conditioning through circuits, complexes, combos, and chains.

Shirt Color: Blue

==> CLICK HERE to join Strong ON! – our membership site that includes ALL of our kettlebell challenges, including the EXTREME 21 Day Kettlebell Challenge

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Kettlebell Maximum

Kettlebell Maximum is a muscle and mobility challenge. Gone forever are the days of adding muscle but losing flexibility. Muscle and mobility are not mutually exclusive; they’re mutually compatible. More/better mobility sets the stage for more/better muscle growth.

Kettlebell Maximum gives you that plan.

Test: Functional Foundations

Single arm sots press x 3 reps each arm 16kg men; 8kg women.

5 minute crawl test

No hands get up (from standing to lying and back up without using your arms or momentum)

Focus: Mobility, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.

Shirt Color: Orange

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Kettlebell Super

Kettlebell Super is our 14 day conditioning and endurnace based kettlebell challenge. Gassing out a little too soon? Kettlebell Super is the fix for that: Build iron long capacity, unyielding mental toughness, and arms and legs that refuse to quit.

Test: “The Gauntlet”

The Great Destroyer x 1 round

Armor Building x 4 rounds

5 Minute Snatch Test

Focus: Power and work capacity through kettlebell contrast training.

Shirt Color: Yellow

Weight Guidelines:

GREAT DESTROYER

Women: 2 x 8kg

Men: 2 x 16kg,

ARMOR BUILDING

Women: 2 x snatch-weight

Men: 2 x 28kg

SNATCH TEST

Women:

Up to 120 pounds  –>  12kg

Men:

Up to 135 pounds  –> 18kg

136-150 pounds  –> 20kg

151-165 pounds  –> 22kg

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Kettlebell Ultimate

Kettlebell Ultimate is the counterpart to Kettlebell Super, a 14 Day Challenge based on increasing absolute strength and power.

Focus: Strength and power through kettlebell ladders, chains, accumulation sets, and “flash-finisher.”

Test: The Grinder

Front Squat x 5 reps @ 2 x 36kg men; 2 x 20kg women.

Pull Ups x 10 reps men; 3 reps women.

Double Clean and Push Press EMOM: 5 reps for 8 minutes @ 2 x 24kg (men); 2 x 16kg (women).

60 second hollow hold + 60 second plank.

Shirt Color: Red

How to Test

1. First, you must join AND complete whatever program/challenge is associated with the test. Meaning, if you want to test “The Gauntlet” you must first complete Kettlebell Super. Again, all these programs are found within Strong ON!
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2. Once you’re ready, you must film your test, upload it to my Secret Group on Facebook and tag any of the designated coaches for review. (Coaches are specified in the sticky thread.)
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3. Once the coach reviews your test, you’ll be given either a pass or fail, while also being provided with feedback on how or what to improve. If given a pass, you’ll be be granted access to purchase the T-shirt associated with passing the challenge, and your name cemented on our board of Generalists, Expert-Generalists, and Master-Generalists. If given a fail, then work on the feedback provided, and try again. Very few will pass on their first try. Let this motivate you. Our standards are high. Passing any one of these tests is a true accomplishment. That’s what makes them worth working toward.

Technical Requirements

Please be aware that for every test you are not only assessed on your ability to complete the challenge itself, but also on the quality of your technique. We do not allow quantity at the cost of consistency–ever. Getting through a test with junk reps is a hard fail. Nor do we follow anything like a three strike rule.  One bad rep and you’re out. The bar is that high.

Below is a starting list of SOME of the technical aspects we look at when evaluating a pass/fail on the challenges above, broken down by exercise. I’ll provide three quick points of reference for each, and a link to a video tutorial for deeper demonstration. That said, if you are unsure any technical standards, please ask in the Secret Group before submitting your test.

Kettlebell Swing

– Back flat, hips back, heels planted.

Kettlebell Clean

– Tame arc, no banging of forearm, vertical forearm in the rack

Kettlebell Snatch

– Tame arc, no banging of forearm, full lockout

Kettlebell Press

– Full ROM from rack to lockout, neutral spine, packed shoulder

Kettlebell Squat

– Back flat, heels planted, knees in line with toes

Push Up

– Neutral spine, elbows in, triceps to parallel

How to Get Your Black Shirt

If you’re interested in taking your training to the next level by becoming a coach, learning the concepts of generalism, program design, etc, you can apply to work directly with Pat through online coaching HERE or sign up for our Strong ON! certification (coming soon.)

*Note there is often a 2 – 4 week wait list for online coaching applicants.