Online Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification
The Most Comprehensive Online Training Ever
We're proud to share the Online Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification Course of Dutch Flow Academy. This course will bring the Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification directly into your daily life and will help you integrate this practice into your routine while you learn the skills to teach it to others.
Next Certifications:
- Lvl 1 Online: Nov 2025 - Jan 2025
Upcoming Certifications
October 2025
November 2025
April 2026
May 2026
History
The mace has its roots in the oldest strength training traditions known to mankind, fighting and wrestling. As far back as we know civilisation has always known and used some kind of throwing, beating, chopping or slicing tool to use in battle or in the household. And in more recent history specific wooden tools were used with techniques to strengthen warriors and wrestlers. These traditions are still found alive in India and Persia. 15 years ago the mace made of steel was reinvented by the inspiration of the Gada found in India. This has propelled the use and innovation of this tool in a rapid pace and has created a completely new movement in the world. You’re about to set foot in this new revolution of movement with the most advanced training method for the tool.
Dutch Flow Method
Dutch Flow Academy is proud to be part of this revolution. Harbert has been flying all over the world to meet and learn from the best teachers out there and document the history of this amazing tool. Through this process he has been able to create a unique approach to the mace which blends the more traditional style of swinging and going up in weight with the more martial arts style of training also known as mace flow or steel mace flow. This process is the result of years of experimenting, coaching, and learning. The Dutch Flow Method adds a unique blend to how you can approach the mace and in combination with spectacularly detailed coaching cues this instructor training is the the most effective and comprehensive mace instructor training ever.
Our mission
As you might know from experience learning the mace is not as easy as it seems and teaching it is a whole other level of complexity. The possibilities of training with a mace are endless and this creates a lot of confusion to the uninitiated mind. Starting from scratch can be a process of trial and error that may take years to master. Dutch Flow Academy is on a journey to spread the awareness and quality of mace training instruction all over the world. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of education to provide flow in your training and in your life. We’re dedicated to empowering our students to become expert instructors, raising the bar of quality coaching in the vast ocean of fitness and health. This will benefit many in their ability to coordinate, move and coach and create a ripple effect that will affect countless individuals.
"Flow is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz."
Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Why Online?
This is an important question. Most online formats for certifications where created during the corona period which involved sitting in front of a computer for three days straight. This is something we, at Dutch Flow Academy, are not supporting. The idea of the Online Certification started because we had taught over eight live certifications, our experience creating more than 20 online courses, and having a passionate group of instructors willing to cooperate creating this course.
The intention was to bring the experience of the live certification as close as possible to your own space and routine. This has led to three important decisions for this course:
- Have eight actual mace instructors participate and set the standard.
- You can only follow this course at the same time with others with set dates creating the same community feeling as the live certification.
- The online course is supported with live online video calls with the other upcoming instructors.
Benefits of the Online Format
We’ve explained why this online certification is not just any online certification, it’s an experience that you can experience from anywhere in the world. You have the opportunity to bring this incredible certification to your own life and routine.
So let’s talk about some of the benefits of following the online mace instructor certification:
- The videos are made with a movie like production featuring two camera’s that give a zoomed-in and zoomed-out perspective.
- There are always a minimum of three mace instructors giving an example of the exercise in the background. This gives you a clear and precise image of the exercise.
- You can stop, pause, repeat, and rewind the video to make sure you grasp the exercise to the highest degree.
- There is a lot more time to practice and embody each movement because of the extended time that is takes to complete this certification.
What's included?
The Online Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification will give you a lot. These are the key building blocks for the three months of training:
- The course includes 100 professionally shot videos at its core. These videos feature the original level 1 format with all the details and exercises that are present in the live certification. The course is spread out over a period of two months and includes a lot of self-practice connected to each video.
- You’ll receive access to Mace Flow 101 and Gada Flow 101, two online beginner courses that are part of the first month of the certification.
- 5-6 Live online video calls with Harbert and other instructors to check in with the progress and with space for Q&A.
- An official Level 1 Mace Instructor T-Shirt & Certificate.
- Access to the Level 1 Mace Instructor Community of Dutch Flow Academy
What is Required?
This online certification process is a 100% virtual experience can be done from anywhere in the world. All that is required is internet connection, a mace and the motivation to become an instructor.
You’re required to have at least one 4/5kg mace and one 6kg mace at your disposal.
The program is extensive and will include self-practice and a testing system similar to the live version.
Itenerary - Phase 1
The initial phase of the Online Mace Instructor Certification involves completing two online courses, Mace Flow 101 and Gada Flow 101. You’ll be required to finish both courses before the start of phase 2 and send us two videos that will show the effort you’ve put into completing the courses. This is a mandatory step in the process and if not successfully completed you will not be able to join phase 2.
The prerequisite online courses will teach you the fundamental movements and ways to approach the mace. The courses and their completion are mandatory because we are looking for dedicated students who will be able to soak in all the information during phase 2 and 3. We believe that your own skill and understanding should be proficient enough before starting to coach others through the process. Having gone through a process of learning yourself will greatly benefit your ability to move through the certification material.
Itenerary - Phase 2
In the second phase of the Online Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification you’ll be put to the test. This is the training month. There will be rigorous training practice where you will be introduced to all the separate exercises of the certification and you’re required to complete a certain amount of reps for each of them.
In this second phase you’ll dive deep into the practice of swinging a mace. Through professionally shot videos that include eight Dutch Flow Academy instructors you’ll be introduced to a new section of swings every week. This phase will include two of the tests of this certification that you’ll be required to complete before the start of phase 3.
Itenerary - Phase 3
The third phase of the online certification is about connecting the dots and applying them. You’ve practiced and mastered all of the individual movements, and now it’s time to learn how to transition and how to flow. You’ll learn extensive flows that are all shown through the same professional videos with instructors as in phase two.
After having completed the flows you’ll learn how to apply the Dutch Flow Group Training Format. You’re guided in the process of creating a group training session for your potential clients. All the details will be covered with the support of online videos.
In the last part of phase 3 you’ll go through the final test where you’ll be able to successfully complete the certification.
Behind the Scenes
This is the Behind the Scenes video that we made during the filming of the Online Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification.
Your Instructor
Harberts life changed dramatically when he reached the age of 21. After a tough breakup he was forced to look deeply at himself for the first time. This altered his state of consciousness as he now shifted from a mindset of scarcity and victimhood to an empowered human being that was able to transform himself through action and discipline. He decided to not pursue his laid out university career and follow his passion instead: personal development, fitness and philosophy. This led him to start Dutch Flow Academy in 2017 and teach people how to move and use unconventional tools for that job. Around that time he discovered the mace and started to train and coach with it. Soon enough he traveled to India and the USA to learn more about this amazing tool and its history. This propelled him on a journey of teaching workshops all around the world, creating online courses, travel to India four more times, and now teach the Mace Instructor Certification of Dutch Flow Academy. He's a well known and respected coach in the swinging arts. The journey is still unfolding and he can't wait to have you on board and help spread the art of the mace.
What Others Say
Reviews (Client Testimonials)
What an honour it was to learn, in grave detail about the beautiful macebell/gada, from a man who has clearly put in tremendous time and effort into learning about its history, mechanical properties and usage to build elite upper body and core strength and mobility, especially across the transverse plane. I owe Harbert so much for having peaked my interest in the art of swinging everything from macebells to clubbells, all weights, sizes and dimensions, to then systematically teaching me how to effectively swing, push and pull them. I didn't know how versatile and effective this one piece of equipment would be but the Online Lvl 1 certification course has been a game changer. Not only is Harbert a brilliant coach but he draws amazing people to him and I've made some beautiful friends along the journey of honing such a powerful art.
One of the best experience of my life, Harbert is a very competent instructor and also a very special person that can connect people from all over the world and make them feel a family in seconds. I can't wait to attend another workshop and certification with him.
If you want to learn about the practice of swinging tools, the Dutch Flow Academy is where you have to be.
I started my journey with a long distance on-line course. Well, that was the beginning, now I have done many of them 🙂
The courses are awesome, well planned and beautifully recorded. The platform is very clear, and all the information is there. If you are a complete beginner as I was at first, you’ll have everything you need to start and get better. Pretty quickly, I have to say!
And if you want to go all the way, there’s advanced options too! I had the chance to go to a live event with others mace enthusiasts and it was life-changing. Harbert’s energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of his art is contagious. If you got the chance, don’t doubt. You won’t regret it..
I was honored to recently attend a 3 day Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification in Zevenaar. The quality of instruction and structure of the overall program were excellent. I am glad I made the decision to fly from Australia in order to attend. I have attended multiple mace related training programs in different parts of the world and the Dutch Flow Academy program is without a doubt the best to date!
An experience that can change your life. Not only is the training with the Mace taught here in a depth that is otherwise hard to achieve, the entire certification course is an enriching experience. Harbert is a very competent trainer and his knowledge of the Mace is unique. He is also an exceptional person who brought the group together in such a short time. A bond was created that can last a lifetime. I look forward to further events with him.
FAQs
Mace training is a niche that is quickly gaining momentum in the world. Maces are sold out all the time and there is a massive shortage of quality coaching and knowledge. In a fitness world where machines and isolation exercises have gotten the best of us, the mace is a radical tool which requires you to be able to coordinate every part of the body in a synchronised manner to create beautifully effective movement. This video dives deeper into the benefits behind the mace.
Good question. Many coaches just start coaching the mace right off the bat, in fact Harbert has done this himself when he started many years ago. There was little education around and little was known about the mace, its movements, and coaching cues. After one year of coaching and trial and error Harbert did go to the US to learn from the best in the business: Leo Savage, Rik Brown and Onnit. He realised quickly that learning from others can rapidly increase your growth as a practitioner and coach. This was the starting point for him to structure and dissect his own findings with his exploration of mace movements. A few years later the Dutch Flow Method was born and we believe that this method is the essence of the mace. Learning and applying the principles and the foundations will give you a framework to directly apply to your own training and your clients. It will help you understand the movement mechanics, the endless possibilities and will be the opening for you to start applying and creating with the mace. Understanding this method, applying it to your own training and perfecting your technique are just the first steps. Actually coaching someone through the material and knowing when to cue and what cue to use is a whole different animal. This certification is designed to teach you exactly that. With a minimal time period of a month you can internalise and apply the Dutch Flow Method on your clients making sure they move in a technically correct and safe way. You’ll be amazed how quickly you can recognise mistakes and correct them after going through this certification. Harbert has seen it all and is convinced there is nothing like what you can experience during this certification course. This certification is an investment in yourself that will quickly pay itself back through the immense growth you’ll experience as a coach and mover. Simply put: you need this certification.
We believe that this instructor certification course is the most comprehensive and in-depth training that is available for the mace in the entire world. The cutting edge movement science, coaching cues, training methods, and mace foundations delivers something that has not been done before.
The amount of expert instruction and information inside this Level 1 Mace Instructor Certification is simply second to none. We’re deeply passionate and skilled in what we teach, and cannot wait to pass on the torch to you. We’re sure it will impact your life and the life of your clients in a deeply positive way. This is your chance to become part of the first Dutch Flow Academy Level 1 Mace Instructors.
We aim to give the best experience and education possible. Both the in person training and the online training have the same tests, movements, syllabus etc. So it’s the same course. Here are some of the differences:
In Person: what you’ll get is a full immersion experience with a group of like minded people away from the daily routine. We’ll do more than training, we’ll eat, sleep, and travel together. This experience has been transformational for many.
Online: what you’ll get is the best online course ever produced for the mace, dare we say for any training tool. Together with eight instructors we put together a course that comes as close to a live experience as possible. The details in the course can be viewed again, and the amount of repetitions can time with the material is much more than with the weekend. In two months you’ll go over through what we discuss in a full weekend with the in person version. There will be online sessions were you’ll meet the other students.
The certification course includes two previously shot online courses including Mace Flow 101 and Gada Flow. Both of these courses need to be completed before the start of phase 2. To make sure you’ve understood the online material there will be a few additional tasks that you’ll need to complete, which we will reveal once you’ve signed up for the certification. How much time this will take will depend on your current skill level and how much time you can spend on them in one time. It’s important for us that you’ve invested time with the mace before the start of the weekend. This will rapidly increase your ability to soak up knowledge during the weekend.
For the online training we will have the same phase 1 as for the weekend. However, there will be a lot more home study in this version. You’ll be required to dive deep into the material and spend a lot of time with the mace. Phase 2 has more of this than phase 3. Luckily most of the study will be physical and you’ll see a lot of physical and mental benefits coming from this.
You can sign up directly through the website through the links provided on this page. Once payed, the process will start. Paying in instalments can be done in consultation and once successfully arranged this will also start the process immediately.
In Person: You’ll receive your certificate at the end of the certification weekend. To be able to receive the certificate you’ll need to have completed the online courses and submissions before the weekend and the assessments during the weekend. When all is in order you will be given your certificate and you can call yourself a certified mace instructor.
Online: After having completed the tests and the course successfully you’ll be send personal certificate to your home.
Yes, this is a possibility. If you’d be interested in this make sure to either book in a 15 min call or send an email to info@dutchflowacademy.com to discuss the possibilities.
Accommodation and food will be arranged for the entire weekend. The exact location will de communicated with you later on after applying to join the certification. Do take into account that there will be two person bedrooms and that you most likely will have to share a bedroom with another guest. If there are any special requests do consider to email us or book a 15 minute call with Harbert.
Yes, we actually recommend this. There have been quite a few instructors who have gone through both already and found it to be unique and adding to their experience even though the material was familiar. You’ll receive a big discount: 75% for the online certification after the live certification, and an opportunity to help out during the live certification once you’re an official DFA instructor (online or live). The Online Certification is also a prerequisite (and included) for the Level 2 Mace Instructor Certification.
Intrigued but not sure?
Instructor maillist
Interested, but not sure? You can subscribe to the instructor mailinglist to stay updated on the certification and future certifications. This list is for everyone who is thinking about becoming a certified mace coach, now or in the future. You can also book in a 15 min discovery call with Harbert to see if this certification is a match for you. At last you can download the Course Syllabus, which includes a lot of information about the certification.
