Back to Upcoming Certified Kettlebell-Functional Movement Specialist Workshop

Participant Praise for the May 2009 Certified Kettlebell-Functional Movement Specialist Workshop

Ryan Toshner, Gym owner and strength & conditioning specialist, Waukesha, WI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC. CSCS. Avid rock climber and getting into Jiu Jitsu. Men's competitive hardball for 12+ years. NCAA Scholar All-American wrestler.

The best decision I've ever made in regards to my education and practice/pursuit of true fitness was to attend the CK-FMS cert. Even better than RKC I (although that base knowledge is definitely a pre-requisite).

You guys rock! Knowledgeable, funny, relaxed yet intense. You both obviously believe and stand behind what you teach. And your astute observations and experiences help to back up everything that you teach.

CK-FMS is a phenomenal course. I had very high expectations coming in and DD and the instructors fulfilled those expectations and then some. Info is very practical whether you work with young athletes, the general population (including the elderly) or elite athletes/professionals/military.

Joe Wagner Owner - Kodiak Kettlebell Conditioning, Wake Forest, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC Level 1, Paramedic x 15yrs. Top ranked competitive swimmer in PA prior to multiple knee injuries/surgeries

Absolutely mind blowing! The expertise and more importantly, the passion which all of the instructor possess regarding both kb training and FMS is incredible. They have provoked a level of excitement in me with respect to both my personal and professional training that I have never had before. Thanks to all. I won't let you down.

Aaron Gonzales, Personal Trainer, Redondo Beach, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACSM CPT, Jiu Jitsu and mixed martial arts practitioner.

I bought the 15-dics series and actually considered not coming, because I thought I could memorize the info on DVD. They are great on disc, but to get to pick their brain and absorb the combined knowledge they've obtained in person, changed my perspective on training, teaching, and life in general. I just may come back for 2nds.

Light years ahead, blew any and everything out of the water. Definitely in a league of its own, I'm honored to be a part of it.

George Samuelson, Personal Trainer/Marketing Consultant, Chesterfield, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Train in Israeli Krav Maga

Hands down, one of the best educational workshops I have ever attended. CK-FMS set the bar higher for how I can and will implement a system to maximize my clients' results. Four days of training with Gray, Brett, "Doc", and Jeff have left me hungry for more knowledge! RKC instructors, if you take you profession seriously and want to provide the best service possible to your clients, sign up today!

I am humbled and honored to learn form two men who I consider at the top of the business. Very informative! Very eye-opening!

Jule Albretsen, Engineer, Colorado Springs, CO

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

None Given

WOW! The price of the workshop was worth the time of Gray, Bret, Jeff and mark helping me with my own dysfunctions and technique. Thank you very much to all of them. The barefoot running was gold nugget among many others.

I took the 3 day CK-FMS last year, this 4 day was much better. The paced of the material and the lab/lecture alternation worked better this year. Huge improvement!

Liz Gilinger, Personal Trainer, Phoenixville, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Over 18 years of Personal Training experience with certifications in RKC Level 1, Pilate's, General Personal Training. Competed for 5 years in Figure Competitions, winning 2 overall and master's titles. Currently I specialize in Kettlebell Training teaching classes and private trainings.

Awesome and eye-opening experience. Witnessing first hand in my own body the results – sold me! Being tested, going through the corrective steps necessary and then re-testing – a great AH HA moment. It doesn't get better then that. The proof is in the results. I am excited to bring this knowledge to my practice. – Thank you.

Since getting involved with the RKC almost 2 years ago – everything has changed from my own workouts and knowledge to that of my clients. I wish I would have done this years ago. The knowledge you gain from everyone is this organization is truly priceless! Worth the money and then some. I hope to continue learning and growing for many years to come.

Carlos Feliz, Educator, Corona, NY

A college level education without the pretense, ceremony and politics. We got the prime cuts of meat without having to deal with all of the fat.

I feel like Gray and Brett are part magicians, comedians, scientists and above all educations with integrity. The time and care they took to answer your questions both during class and out of class is rare.

Adam Glass, RKC II

The most valuable training course a trainer can take. There are very deep waters to explore and it will positively impact your training, business and your clients quality of life.

Gray is an amazing presenter. Staggering amounts of info has been presented cleanly and clearly. This has been a highlight to participate in. Brett is as always a shining example of who an RKC should be – energetic, caring knowledge, and helpful. Well done sir.

CK-FMS – without equal. Period. You have out done yourselves gentlemen! Awesome workshop.

Jon Engum, Senior RKC, Brainerd, MN

Excellent. I attended for a second time and my understanding of the information was much deeper. The instructors were great and I feel the whole flow at the weekend was very smooth.

Eddie D'Almeida, Fitness Instructor, Decatur, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

school rugby team; military, police and security experience (member of International Bodyguard Association); currently participate in Sambo, Systema, Brazilian Jiu-jitso, Shenkendo; certified RKC (June 2008), certified personal fitness trainer by American Muscle and Fitness, certified TRX Suspension Training (Fitness Anywhere, Inc.)

Eye-opening experience: the instructors are walking encyclopedias of knowledge of the human body and its movement. They make it easier to understand very complex principles.

It is like a spiritual man going to a place of worship everyday, but one day he understands why he is there.

Exceptionally powerful team! Best in the business.

Quality – exceptional! Worth the money.

Scope of material – vast but focused as appropriate.

Practical use – totally practical and more! I am working with some returning vets who have suffered injuries. Now I have more to offer them!

Matt Schinabeck, Physician (Infectious Diseases); Shaker Heights, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

College Football

The CK-FMS is an extremely helpful course that will help me identify and correct dysfunctional movement patterns in order to prevent injuries and enhance the performance of my clients and myself.

Best course I have taken outside the RKC.

Derek Toshner, Gym Owner and Trainer; Fond du Lac, WI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

2X NCAA D3 Champion 4x400m Relay (National Record). 3X NCAA D3 Champion 400m Hurdles. '03/'05 USA World Trials Competitor. '04 Olympic Trials Competitor. 2nd in State Wrestling. Rock Climber

An excellent program to help facilitate proper mechanics down to the smallest of details.

Incredible in-depth information. I haven't thought this much about anatomy and mechanics in a long time. To gain years of their knowledge and practice rolled into a concise program is priceless.

I would compare this program to the level of knowledge I gained in the whole semester or maybe even year of college study in exercise science.

Andrew Lyons, Physical Therapist, Columbus, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC II

An eye opening experience allowing me to see what true strength really is and providing me with the necessary tools and understanding to achieve that strength.

All I can say is that the material delivered by these gentlemen is unlike anything they are currently teaching in physical therapy programs and definitely filled in some gaps in knowledge and clinical application that I was left with upon graduation. It has pointed me in the direction of the SFMA and I think I will be a better therapist faster because of it.

The scope of material was immense, but the quality did not suffer under a 4 day time constraint. Both Gray and Brett have presented the material in a manner that will make it easy to apply to myself and others immediately upon returning home. This is such an important strength of this workshop. I have attended PT CEU courses many times to find a total disconnect between the science and application.

Carl Sipes, Personal Trainer; Washington, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

-Personal Trainer for 7 years. -Work closely with a group of chiropractors. RKC level 1 certified

This was an excellent experience that I would recommend to anyone interested in raising the durability of their clients. This course showed me how to make sure my clients are ready and able to train.

Out standing! They find a problem, tell you why a certain strategy will fix it, and then actually fix it in front of you. I will be recommending a lot of people I work with to sign up to hear these two talk.

It's top quality info, that covers the whole body and can be put to use right when I get back to work. I'd say it's beyond comparison.

Renee' Spriggs, Pilates Director, Personal Trainer, Houston, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Ms Fitness USA finalist 2001. ACSM HFI, RKC level 1, Stott Pilates all apparatus, Master Instructor for Spinning, Resistaball and Pilates

CK-FMS was a week filled with a deeper knowledge base than any conference I have ever attended. The Senior RKCs and Gray Cook were awe inspiring with their wealth of knowledge and ability to deliver it to attendees in a way that we could understand and apply.

What I liked was they worked well together as a team. Gray blows me away with his knowledge and is a light hearted presenter. Brett is smart firm with approach and brings laughter to the team.

Scope of material was like taking a semester of graduate work in Human movement. Practical use I believe will be excellent. Quality – top notch.

I leave with a great job ahead of me, to move better and help my clients, friends, and family move and feel better. Nice job I have, huh?:)

Martin Hinton, Personal Trainer; Las Vegas, NV

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Personal Trainer, RKC-1

My experience of the CK-FMS training was the missing link to intelligent, safe and measurable exercise. I have a completely different view of how I approach movement, exercise and evaluation.

This was an amazing experience that has shifted my understanding of training. I feel like I finally have an intelligent informed view of myself and my clients. Gray and Brett are examples we all should strive for. Brilliant work guys! No question brilliant, educated, measurable and scientific. As close to perfect as I have seen.

Your passion and demand for excellence doesn't go unnoticed. I appreciate your hard work, quality professionals and genuine desire for our success.

Sheila Cooper, Anesthesiologist; Las Vegas, NV

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC 1

A requisite for any kettlebell instructor who wants to go beyond the basics and in fact I think it should e a requirement to call yourself a "certified" instructor. By not being able to recognize dysfunctional movement patterns and having the knowledge to implement corrective exercises, you are training your clients in continued dysfunction which will eventually out picture as injury.

Jonathan Barber, Personal Trainer; Nottingham UK

Both Gray Cook and Brett Jones demonstrated excellent knowledge and were able to present it brilliantly. They're able to keep us entertained and absorbing information for 4 days.

As usual with Dragon Door an excellent course with quality presentation; practical application of material. Reached the high quality that I have now grown to expect from Dragon Door.

Bob Ucuccioni, Golf Course Superintendent/Healthland Fitness Trainer, Colrain, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, NCAA Div III KS. Hockey and Golf. BA Biology and Chemistry, 5 years karate training at J.R. Roy. ISSA Fitness Trainer, Strength and Conditioning trainer, golf trainer certified.

Both men are beyond qualified. Both men have earned their knowledge in the trenches. They have coupled brilliant minds and intuition with hard work and a love for what they do. Their tape series are called "secrets" but they share them with anyone that wishes to learn.

I am leaving with information to help me and all my clients from 14 to 88.

Scope of material is vast but connected at every stage. Very systematic.

Jay Armstrong, Trainer; League City, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

6th Degree Black Belt TKD. Owner - The Kettlebell Club

I came to the CK-FMS because my students are getting injured. In spite of mobility training, exercise variation, and cyclic loading they are getting injured. My mission is to help clients be more mobile, have increased strength and improved cardiovascular capabilities. Injuries in no way help my clients.

Brett Jones – this is the first time I have observed Brett as a Chief Presenter. I am pleased to find him engaging, entertaining, enthusiastic and extremely knowledgeable on the subject matter. I look forward to the next time.

Gray Cook – WOW! Where did this amazing guy come from? I know many people with multiple PhDs who do not possess the integrated understanding of systems. Terrific personality combined with total dedication to helping others enjoy life with a functioning and pain free body – quite an honor to say I know Gray Cook.

Josh Wiedow, Personal Trainer; Chicago, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

National Personal Training Institute. RKC Instructor. FMS Certified

If I can retain ½ of what I learned the last 4 days I will be light years ahead of most people. This is a mental equivalent to RKC.

Knowing how smart these guys are it would be easy for them to speak "above" my knowledge bases, but they both make things simple to comprehend and apply. They both have a great way of not over-complicating things.

There is never a comparison when coming to anything Dragon Door. When you're the top in the game and keep getting better that speaks for itself. Always the best.

Nathan Senter, Personal Trainer, Chicago, IL

My brain feels the way my body did after completing RKC II. Which tells me I have a lot to practice when I get home if I am going to be elite.

Their quality of training and knowledge is spoken for by the fact that I chose to spend 4 days learning from them and still wanted more.

There is training that you filter and there is training that filters you. The CK-FMS, like the RKC has left an indelible mark on my approach from this day forward.

This workshop is a testament to what I expect from the RKC. We only work with the best and premier leaders in our field.

Every RKC who trains others should take this workshop. You owe it to them, yourself, and the RKC to pass on knowledge in the most safe and wise way possible.

Darrell Banning, Personnel Trainer, Tucson, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Competitive Powerlifter and Strongman. Former U.S. NAVY Sea Air Rescue Swimmer (SAR)

I just became superman with the ability to help people!

Outstanding! Not only are these men very knowledgeable, but they teach it in a way I can understand! The passion they have for what they have done, are doing, and future work shows I how hard they are on us!

To be honest the knowledge I have received from Dragon Door keeps working over, over, and over—I'm not looking to anything else.

Taikei Matsushita, System Engineer, Trainer; Tokyo Japan

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

American Football player/coach. Krav Maga Blue Belt. RKC II

This is both a course with lots of information and principle based course. It had both simplicity and complexity in same package. I still can't believe this is going to put me on top of the industry given I work hard. But given Gray and Brett's accomplishments trial and error for decade based, and application to professional athletes, I have to believe it.

Andy Alexander, Personal Trainer, Computer Programmer; Parker, CO

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Martial arts (30+ years). Military (Army 10 years). RKC2. Crossfit. Personal trainer

Some of the most deeply useful training I have had. Showing me better how the body works as a unit.

These two are excellent teachers and presenters. They really are giving us the keys to the kingdom. Their experience is wonderful and I appreciate their sharing.

As usual DD has done a great job of organizing, assembling and presenting some of the best training available.

Tony Tokman, Business Owner; Pepper Pike, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Krav Maga, RKC

Way above anything else I've experienced from the position of material and use of kb training.

Christopher Lindquist, Veterinarian, East Fallowfield, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Academic All-American in Football. Patriot League Scholar Athlete in Track. Practice Krav Maga

The CK-FMS was an eye-opening experience. Brett Jones and Gray Cook have established a workshop which should be mandatory for all RKCs that intend to train anyone (themselves included). It was enjoyable and valuable.

Gray is a fantastic speaker with seemingly endless knowledge of anatomy and exercise physiology. He made the workshop incredibly valuable.

Brett Jones displays the experience and knowledge expected of a Master RKC. He is a great leader and he made the workshop an enjoyable experience.

Tremendous quality
Enormous scope
The most practical and meaningful workshop ever attended.

Dustin Rippetoe, Kettlebell and Martial Arts Instructor; Guthrie, Oklahoma

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

13+ years of Martial Arts experience. Kettlebell Instructor since 2006

The CK-FMS is the high-tech scope to the RKC school of strength's High Caliber Rifle.

They are the best at what they do.

When you surround yourself with the best organization, experts and ready-to-learn students a career/life changing experience is bound to happen.

Brad Nelson, Personal Trainer, Owner Kinetic EdgeAthletic, Woodbury, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

B.A. Exercise Science, CSCS (NSCA), Sr. RKC, Z Health Performance Level 4, 3rd Degree Black Belt Nae Gong Do

This is the yin within the yang of the RKC System.

Useful screen to predict risk of injury -> understand concepts.
Will be able to implement Monday morning.

David White, Personal Trainer, Venice, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, NSCA –CPT, JKD – Trained.

A total positive experience. Instructors were patient and helpful and I believe my added knowledge will help my clients to better movement and improves health.

Training and knowledge by Gray and Brett were amazing they are both great teachers showing patience, knowledge and at time pure genius.

CK-FMS was as challenging to me mentally as RKC was physically. Combining the 2, I believe has set me further apart from everyone practicing that has not taken both courses.

Cecilia Tom, The Boss, San Francisco, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, Z Health Levels 1-3, Certified Pilates Instructor, Certified Yoga Instructor, Dance, Taiko, Tai Chi, Qigong, Shaolin Kung Fu

The program was laid out in a logical manner. The first lecture was the best as it explains the "whys" of the screen so I understand the importance of it and also its limitations. They were both engaging and knowledgeable and it's a pleasure to learn from these two great teachers.

Lena Caroselli, R. EEG T., RKC; Collegeville, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC level I Cert.

The course provided extensive information for evaluating and corrective screening of FMS with emphasis on being able to apply the information in a hands on practice. Thus making the course great for understanding the concepts and seeing the results.

Both great presenters, never boring and very informative.

Lulin Tsai, Personal Trainer; Los Angeles, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Bachelor's Science Degree Psychobiology UCLA. RKC October 2007. Certificates in massage therapy: Institute of Psycho-Structural Balancing. Shiastu Massage School of California. Certified personal trainer with: American Council on Exercise. American College of Sports Medicine. UCLA Extension Program in Fitness Instruction. Exercise training background in Yoga, Mat Pilates, TRX Suspension Training, Muay Thai and Kung Fu

Superior instruction provided in a friendly and enjoyable environment. Most of the staff, instructors and participants were personable and helpful.

Gray and Brett are very knowledgeable and experienced in their fields. It's refreshing to have two brilliant instructors that can teach without ego. Gray and Brett fostered an optimal learning environment by allowing questions and discussion without bias and made learning fun by adding humor.

Adriana G. Mireles, Personal Trainer; San Mateo, Ca.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC Challenge, NASM certified. Medical Exercise Specialist. Re-posturing Dynamics Licensee. BS Chemistry and Biology. Masters in Pharmacology

They are knowledgeable, experienced, personable, approachable, helpful, and I really think they are have because they want to help, not only make money. I like the fact that they provide scientific data and references. So, what they say is credible as opposed to some sort of magic they own. They are credible because they support what they state on the experience and data, oh and also they are not afraid to admit it's okay to make mistakes as long as one learns from it.

The Ck-FMS training was comprehensive. Great relationship between theory, and practice. I like the applications with the kettlebells.

Norm Schilder, Contractor, Ottawa ON, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC

I received an absolutely overwhelming amount of information that over the four days coalesced into an effective straight forward method to apply with my clients and be confident that I can train them safely to reach their goals without injury.

Gray so obviously knows his information so deeply and is so passionate about it that I suspect it has seeped into his very cells and every contract you have with him imparts new knowledge entwined in a creative thought process.

Although Brett tries to hide it, his passion for sharing with his students and clients promotes a similar desire in oneself. How could something so beneficial not be shared.

Thank you to both Gray and Brett.

AJ Oliva, Bartender, Tinton Falls, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, blue belt in brazilian jiu jitsu

Lots of information, brain spasm, and tons of light bulbs going off the CK-FMS unlocked movement and took my limits off of unlocking that movement.

I think the knowledge provide was top notch and quality of training was awesome. Gray and Brett are respectable professionals and individual and I am thankful to have learned from them.

It doesn't compare, there is nothing like it.

Bashir Ali Ismail, Optometrist/Personal Trainer; Sandnes, Norway.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Bsc in Optom. Vis Sci. Personal Trainer, ISSA CFT, SPN and 4,5 year service in the military.

Overwhelming info but at the same time ready usable. It made me reconsider my training regime to make the CK-FMS as baseline for other activities. This is also the way I want to preach to any other client. We are all after the results, and this is the way to fix them and then get better results.

These guys are the smartest and at the same time most humble instructors around. Knowing that it is a lot of info covered – they tell us that we will surely get there.

It goes unsaid that the principals/theory and the experience from the instructors are like nothing else. We also manage to use a lot of it in our practice/lab work which helps my understanding even more.

Edward Leonard, Personal Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA). Candidate for M. Ed. in Kinesiology, University of Minnesota. Former Elite level Road Cyclist

The experience was information overload but without a doubt a presentation of a new way of thinking that, through the evidence and experience of the workshop, the case is made that this works and it is worth your time to continue the study and practice of the info presented.

This was the most satisfying to me as a trainer and athlete since it is a lot easier to exercise hard then to exercise hard without injury.