Rolando Garcia III
RKC II Instructor

Excellent

Rated 9 out of 10

Energetic Dedicated to his students Skilled Excellent Teacher Patient Rolando Garcia is dedicated to his students. He is patient and spends whatever time necessary to make sure his students understand and can practice what he is teaching them. He is an excellent teacher with many attributes and is skillful in teaching them to others. Even if it takes his students, such as myself, a long time to learn something, he takes the time necessary to allow you to succeed in what you are working on. At every class he is always energetic and carries a positive attitude toward all things. He is very good and I would recommend all to train with him and judge for themselves. Matthew - NJ, USA

Category of One

Rated 10 out of 10

There are many good coaches, good friends, teachers, doctors, basketball players, but what makes good GREAT? Speed? power? awareness? the good ones have a fair amount of the attributes mentioned. One of the distinquishing differences between good and great is somthing my friend/training partner/coach/b.a.d brother R. Garcia displays inately, forcefully and with bloody passion-WILL. The will to succeed, accomplish and surpass goals. i filmed the underground youtube classics "surrounding the dragon" and "i forgot the other" and im thinking "ofcourse i'll film your training sessions". Lo and behold 200 snatches and tons of other evil spartanic exercises later, i realized these guys(R. Garcia and Mark Piscope) have more than just iron will, they got iron BALLS, KettleBALLS! GREAT instruction! Marcos Duarte - NJ

Patient, dedicated and genuinely cares.

Rated 10 out of 10

Rolando Garcia is an excellent instructor. He is dedicated in every way to being the best he can be personally and getting the best out of his students as well. I've worked with Rolando for many years on various things and he has always shown tenacity and a willingness to put himself out there for his students. If you are willing to give 100% intensity to what you are doing then he will match you all the way and he will be there to give you that little push when you need it. The main thing with Rolando is that his ego won't get in the way of your training. He could not be happier to see you excel at something he teaches you to the point where you equal or surpass him in skill. He genuinely cares about you being the best you can be, because he loves coaching and teaching. When the chips are down it's guys like Rolando that you want to have in your corner. Truly a great coach and a class act all around. Harvey Meeker - Shelton, CT

Excellent

Rated 10 out of 10

Rolando Garcia RKC has been helping me big time in my kettlebell work and how they apply to combat. He knows how to make everything simple through his scientific and of course humorous explanations of technique/movement. I am proud and honored to have him as my coach. I know that through him and the help of others I will continue improving overall. " Life is "Good." I wish Rolando lots of luck with his new career and may God bless him and let him continue to use his gifts wisely. Osvaldo Rodriguez - Secaucus, NJ USA

Siberian crunches rock!!

Rated 10 out of 10

Rolando has been tremendous in a variety of ways. He provides constant feedback and is very in tune with how hard he can push you. At the same time, he is relaxed and friendly and always makes the workouts enjoyable. Rolando is very good at keeping one interested by switches up exercises often and finding creative ways to make the routine interesting and different. He also is great about providing some historical context to give you an idea of how hard some of the best "kettlebellers" actually work - as if to give you something to shoot for, which I appreciate. I also have to add that he is extremely consistent in his mood and approach. I am always pumped for the next session as they are fun and he achieve results. Thanks Rolando! Will McGrath - New York, NY

Who knew death could feel good?	Rated 10 out of 10
Part teddy bear, part velociraptor, Rolando is inspiring, committed, and relentless. Armed with a vast knowledge of physiology, he teaches not only how the body should move for optimum performance, but why. He is tenacious without being overbearing. He is positive and sincere. He kicks my butt and it is cuter for it! Julie T-G - New York, NY

The Best Coach Ever!

Rated 10 out of 10

A few months ago I was an out of shape 50-something whose typical "work out" was coming up with excuses for not working out. And then I met the amazing Rolando. He immediately identified my strengths and weaknesses, and got me hooked on his unique brand of kettle bell training from day one. In addition to being a superb coach, Rolando is at heart a scientist, a doctor and a shrink (nice combination, there!). He is also incredibly kind and funny. I leave every session feeling strong, energized, centered, and happy. For the first time in my life I actually look forward to going to the gym. Thanks, Rolando! Carol K. - New York, NY

Great Instructor

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been working with Rolando for about six months now and have gone from snatching and pressing a 44 lb. kettlebell with moderate difficulty to the 62 lb.-er. What impresses me most about Rolando is his knowledge about and obvious enthusiasm for the kettlebell sport. He explains the physiology behind the exercises clearly and that helps to improve form, balance, strength and power. His enthusiasm and sense of humor also help you through the pain and torture of an RKC workout. I highly recommend him. Mike - NYC, NY

attention to detail

Rated 10 out of 10

At the 2008 ck-fms certification, Rolando and i were paired up to work together to learn new techniques and then to help fine tune each other's performance of our technique. Rolando's style was easy going, but his eye sharp, and his critique bang on. I got swinging a 32 for the first time, and his reminders about driving the hips were well spotted. We did some moves concurrently as well, and there was just a nice vibe of ya let's get this done, together, ready? i'm with ya. always nice when working hard. What was particularly golden was giving me some guidance, a new tip for an old move, then watching it applied, and providing encouragement, feedback and cheers throughout. Nice attention; focused, supportive, and radiating solid knowledge. Rolando is *keen* to share knowledge, too - having a conversation over lunch, there was an easy back and forthing - not an instructor pounding down tons of information, but an exchange of ideas and quick demos of technique. Litle gems that have since helped pull together more of the larger picture i had from the RKC level 1. That he does a decent version of "I can't help falling in love with you" a la Elvis only adds to the charm. I left the day thinking now that's someone i'd like to workout with - how often does that happen? If you get the chance to train with Rolando, do. I get the sense he knows tons of stuff in the MMA space, too, and no doubt he approaches that with the same generosity of spirit as his kb work. mc, rkc - uk

Strength and Honor

Rated 10 out of 10

First and foremost, we have been friends since Eddie Murphy was still funny, and Bill Clinton appeared faithful. Rolando weighed 145lbs. He was barely able to make it through 3 rounds of heavy bag work without gassing out. People, these are many years ago indeed. He has evolved into a near mutant level of strength and abilities as a martial artist. I am a proud friend of his. I am truly appreciative for his assistance in coaching me through some structural glitches in attaining my (single leg squats) pistols on both legs with the 12k, 16k, & 20k. He was able to quickly assess and integrate his perspective on what would allow me to achieve my result rather than focusing on what prevented my progress. Through his grasp on understanding me, and the laws of biomechanics, Rolando coached me through a full pistol on both legs in our first, workout together. It has been through a sort of synergistic chi- levels- that we have maintained ourselves through many years of friendship. Despite the absence of a regular schedule in training together, we again find the common ground of having experienced the RKC. Several chapters of our own lives have passed, and then we reconnect by chance in NYC. Some things may mean to be as they are. Lorenzo Gregorio is a certified C.H.E.K. Holistic Lifestyle Coach and a High-Performance Exercise Kinesiology practitioner. He is also certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). His Kettlebell (KB) background comes from several years of specific training. First completing the Russian Kettlebell Challenge (RKC), the American Kettlebell Sport, coaching clinic and most recently the International Kettlebell and Fitness Federation IKFF training course. His specialties also include boxing, kickboxing and culinary coaching. He was an award-winning competitor in open martial arts tournaments and served 9 years with the United States Air Force. Lorenzo has 10 years of experience in the culinary field as a souse chef, line cook, personal chef and banquet chef. Today, as a health practitioner, his versatility has become a unique advantage for his family, clients, and himself. Lorenzo Gregorio: ZoBody LLC. - New York, NY

Taught An Old Dog Some New Tricks

Rated 10 out of 10

First I must admit that Roland and I work together. He is probably without a doubt one of the finest trainers I've been around, myself included. His dedication to the sport of kettlebell lifting is unquestioning, to the point, and (like kettlebells ) uncompromising. He knows exactly when to push, when to back off, and always gets 100% from his clients, and always with a smile and a Pavel story or two. I took a kettlebell cert for my gym, and have been steadily increasing my knowledge of them while training my own clients. However, when Rolando came along my knowledge, training, and workouts have shot to levels even I thought impossible. Mind you, I'm 43. I first picked up weights at 14. So called "normal" workouts became stale and boring. The combination of kettlebells and Rolando has given me an excitement about workouts that I thought I'd never have again. The first thing he suggested I do was to get Pavel's "Russian Kettlebell Challenge" then to follow it with "Enter The Kettlebell". I had them both for 4-6 months and I constantly re-read them both. When I don't understand something, Rolando always answers my questions, fixes my technique, and has given me the guidance, support and inspiration that I bought my own set of 16kgs and plan to go for my own RKC next year. With Rolando I feel as if Pavel himself is training me. Nolan McGarrah - Brooklyn, N.Y.

Great Instructor

Rated 10 out of 10

I started training with Rolando a couple of months ago. I was almost a complete beginner and had a lot of work ahead of me. Rolando worked with me and showed me what I needed to do to get started and had, as he always does, a great deal of patience. As I improved, he adjusted his teaching - gradually increasing difficulty levels and teaching me new techniques. He knows just how much to push you and is incredibly motivating. He has massive amounts of energy, and a wealth of knowledge about kettlebells and fitness in general that he is always sharing. It's obvious that he cares about my learning and improvement, and I am very lucky that he works with me as my trainer. If you train with Rolando, you will be in very good hands. Navid - New York, NY

When in doubt swing! Just remember to dodge the Thai Kicks...

Rated 10 out of 10

I remember the first time I trained with Rolando Garcia... (insert whirly flashback effects) "Pop! Pop! POP the hips!!!" As I try to heed Rolando's commands I glance at the clock to see how much time I have left. Ahhhh! I've only been swinging this 53lbs piece of metal for 1 minute. "5 minutes left! Pop the hips! Squeeze the glutes!" All of a sudden a Thai kick, delivered by Mr. Garcia himself, makes its way to my thigh. Does he know I'm still swinging the Kettlebell? Does he not see sweat flying off my head, spit coming out of my mouth, or the agony I'm in?!?! Yes he does. That's why he started kicking me. He then proceeds to slap my stomach every time the kettlebell is at shoulder height. This went on for 6 six minutes. Periodically I had to put the kettlebell down. At this time Rolando instructed me to practice my foot work while using the kettlebell as my "notional" opponent. During these "breaks" Rolando inserted a wealth of information about the reason and purpose for this type of training. He explained the martial arts application as well as the basic fitness and conditioning aspects and how they apply to everyday life. Rolando is great at finding the relations between several different disciplines of training and fusing them together. He throws out what doesn't work and only keeps the simplest, straight to the point most effective functional exercises and routines. He is, in my opinion, the emerging Bruce Lee of Kettlebell training. This is why I am proud to say he is my coach, and even more proud to call him a friend and fitness mentor. Keep Swinging! John D. John D. - Bronx, NY

Educator, Articulate and Well Rounded

Rated 10 out of 10

I am in the fitness business and could train with any of the top trainers in NYC, but I choose Rolando. He inspires me in different ways every day. Every exercise has a reason and every correction has a purpose. When I first started with Rolando, my kettle bell swing was causing me back problems. Now I can do intervallic training with no pain and more results. He never tired of adjusting my workout but rather made me feel like he was deeply interested in finding a solution. As a professional, his bedside manor is welcoming. As a friend, he reminds you how important taking care of your body is... over the day to day stressor that can only bring you down. I recommend Rolando to my most educated clients as well as those who simply need someone to make them feel comfortable in the gym. Thank you for my results! Alexis Pomierski - New York, NY USA

"Chicken is for sissies!"

Rated 10 out of 10

What can I say about training with Rolando? It's a love-hate thang...I've been personal training for 7 years and let's just say I think I'm pretty knowledgeable ;-)...One day I was attempting to do KB Clean and was extremely frustrated because I couldn't quite figure out why it just didn't feel right...that was when the "new kid" approached me and with a couple of cues my clean was fixed and I finally understood why my mechanics were off. That was my "AHA!" moment and as they say "when the student is ready to learn, the coach will appear. "Rolando has been an amazing inspiration to me and has taken me to levels that I never thought I was capable of...he has made me humble again while teaching me to tap into my mental strength instead of just improving my physical strength. For this I am truly grateful. He's great when I'm pumped and great when I'm whiny and does it all with a Pavel joke and a smile. So here's to my evil coach who takes pleasure in my pain (which I totally relate & respect)...Congratulations on your level 2 certification! I'm looking forward to the new levels of torture! Paola, NASM-CPT - New York, NY

Listen to me, you need Rolando now!

Rated 10 out of 10

What can I add that the other reviewers have not already said? I am over 50, and was having a serious balance problem when started training. After only 6 sessions with Rolando I'm able to open heavy doors with one hand (only in my dreams before that), I'm wearing my high heal shoes again, and my balance is back to normal!!!!! Rolando is very knowledgeable, he understands the human body, his attention to details is incredible. He is also a very good listener, and does his job with great sense of humor and effectively. Rolando is the kind of instructor and human being that comes to Earth once in 10.000 years ... and I'm proud to say that he is my KB instructor. Xiomara - Guttenber, New Jersey

squeeze the glute's

Rated 10 out of 10

Here's the thing. I can say all sorts of wonderful things about Rolando. It would all be true. But here is my REAL experience with him. I joined a gym to get in shape and lose some weight. In a chance meeting I started talking to Rolando. (When the grasshopper is ready, they will find the master)I was an absolute beginner and knew NOTHING about the gym and working out. I NEEDED to make sure I was with a trainer who could help give me a good foundation for working out for the rest of my life. Rolando is the whole package. He took the time in the beginning to know who I was and what my goals were. I know that is a simple sentence, but very powerful. I was not a number to him, or just another person to train. I was Gail to him. He made SURE I knew what kind of REAL results we could achieve by working together with no bull. He was meticulous in his evaluation of me. He LISTENED to me and was able to set REAL goals and expectations. I did not want someone who would blow smoke and tell me what I wanted to hear. The fact is he GETS it. He knows his job. He knows what I can do and is able to push in a positive way! When I started with him I could barely do 4 min on an elliptical. As we have started working out, he adjusts my sessions to my ability week after week. He knows what I can and can't do. But he ALWAYS challenges me and has me do things I didn't think were possible. I never know what kind of pain and torture he has planned, but I look forward to it. Honestly, Rolando is a great trainer. He always has a joke and a smile. He is a great communicator. He takes GREAT delight in the torture and pain he inflicts and loves to remind you at the beginning of every session! But I have learned a great deal and have grown a great deal. I am starting to see results and it's because of Rolando. Gail F. - New York, NY

The great communicator

Rated 10 out of 10

Here's the thing. I can say all sorts of wonderful things about Rolando. It would all be true. But here is my REAL experience with him. I joined a gym to get in shape and lose some weight. In a chance meeting I started talking to Rolando. As I have read before, when the grasshopper is ready, they will find the master. I was an absolute beginner and knew NOTHING about the gym and working out. I NEEDED to make sure I was with a trainer who could help give me a good foundation for working out for the rest of my life. Rolando is the whole package. He took the time in the beginning to know who I was and what my goals were. I know that is a simple sentence, but very powerful. I was not a number to him, or just another person to train. I was Gail to him. He made SURE I knew what kind of REAL results we could achieve by working together with no bull. He was meticulous in his evaluation of me. He LISTENED to me and was able to set REAL goals and expectations. I did not want someone who would blow smoke and tell me what I wanted to hear. The fact is he GETS it. He knows his job. He knows what I can do and is able to push in a positive way! When I started with him I could barely do 4 min on an elliptical. As we have started working out he adjusts my sessions to my ability. He knows what I can and can't do. But he ALWAYS challenges me and has me do things I didn't think were possible. I never know what kind of pain and torture he has planned, but I look forward to it. Honestly, Rolando is a great trainer. He always has a joke and a smile. He is a great communicator. He takes GREAT delight in the torture and pain he inflicts and loves to remind you at the beginning of every session! But I have learned a great deal and have grown a great deal. I am starting to see results and it's because of Rolando. Gail F - New York, NY

Fantastic Trainer

Rated 10 out of 10

I have been training with Rolando for half a year now, and could not be more satisfied with the experience. He is excellent at what he does - he listens carefully to your goals, and designs personalized exercise routines to achieve them. Rolando pushes you to work out intensely and properly, and is generous in his motivation and praise. In the past six months, I've seen discernible differences in my endurance, athleticism and body. I would not hesitate to recommend Rolando to anyone looking for a talented and knowledgable personal trainer. Roxanne Tingir - New York, New York

Wonderful Trainer--But Tough!

Rated 10 out of 10

Rolando is a tough, thorough, and delightful trainer. He listened carefully to my goals and works me hard every time to reach them. He frequently pushes me much farther than I think I can go, but he is always right. I feel fitter and healthier since we began working together. Our sessions are varied in intensity and activity so it never feels like hard work. He is a delightful person and I always look forward to our sessions. If you are serious about improving your body and overall health, he is the best! Sandra Kornblit - New York, New York USA

WHO ELSE WOULD I GET UP AT 6AM TO WORK OUT WITH.

Rated 9 out of 10

I started working out with Roland in early 2009. I have had several personal trainers before who all have their own style. What I love about Rolando is he knows how to push you but also make sure you understand why and what you are doing. He makes sure never to overtrain you to prevent injury and is adamant about recovery. He is an expert in regards to Kettle bells as well as the human anatomy and physiology. He actually knows how to motivate me in his own way. Not with a iron fist but with a slightly suttle, yet effective way. He is always professional and takes his work seriously. He is always trying to improve his knowledge by course work, reading, and his own intense training. I had lost approximately 100lbs over 15 years ago and as you can imagine have had areas that just seemed impossible to tone. In the last three months in training with Rolando, I am starting to see those impossible areas beginning to transform. Always make sure if you train with him in the morning he has his coffee or you will be in for more torture and pain then you can imagine. Rolando is a great trainer and knowledgeable professional. I never thought I would ever know what a Turkish get up is but you should try it. It works and so does he! Natalie Leone - New York City

THE BEST

Rated 10 out of 10

We have been training with Rolando for two months now, and every session just gets even better and better. Rolando knows so much about the body that really makes your goals come true. We are very very impress!!! Besides being a fantastic trainer, Roalndo its a great human being, he keeps us motivated and is always willing to clear every single question we have about our trainig program. No doubt he is the best! Miriam and Ernesto - New York

The Most Sadistic and Badass Trainer - Full Stop

Rated 10 out of 10

How would you like to sweat like you never sweat before in your life and actually feel good about? How would you like to double your training return on investment and earn every penny/lbs? How would you like to experience the the most badass trainer combined with advice on all around food intake, stretching and complete integrity for his craft and clients. Rolando encompasses all these things and more. He instills discipline without it being forced. You are inspired and motivated by his energy and one is drawn to his big personality and expertise. 'nough said. Seek him out and sign up. Full stop. Note: ignore the silly hat, he means business. Dustin - New York, NY

Superb trainer

Rated 10 out of 10

I've been training with Rolando for over a year now and I love our sessions. He truly has the patience of an angel - even at our morning sessions when I'm still in dreamland - and a BIG personality to go along with it. His energy is contagious and he motivates me to try harder and perfect movements. His greatest attribute is his patient but firm approach - who else would laugh at me when I say I'm knackered! He is an endless source of knowledge and I truly believe that he cares about his students. I'm really lucky to have this generous spirit as my instructor. Thanks Rolando! Heidi Morgan - New York

Tremendous Trainer, Great Guy

Rated 10 out of 10

I can't say enough good things about Rolando. I've had trainers before, but what makes Rolando a far, far cut above the rest is the enthusiasm, motivation, and KNOWLEDGE that he brings to bear upon his relationships with his clients. The workouts are amazingly, intensely -- and often painfully -- effective. I've had to find reserves of mental strength that I didn't know I had to keep on thrusting those hips and swinging that kettlbell. Rolando is a patient, enthusiastic coach who really brings out the best in his students. He's also a walking, ever-expanding encyclopedia of physiological and nutritional information who share everything with those who listen. He will use that knowledge with devastating precision to design a fitness, nutritional and LIFE program that will work for you. I've truly learned from Rolando that the human body is an amazing organism that can change tremedously with the proper stimulus. And that's really the great secret about working with him. While I might whine mid-workout, I'm achieving my fitness goals more quickly and more noticeable with far less time than I used to spend on my own in the gym. His emphasis on kettlebells and core strength training will make you laugh at the days you used to toil on the elliptical and lat pulldown machines for hours on end with no apparent result. I signed up with Rolando after several years in an unhealthy, unfit malaise, expecting to have someone who would make me work out really hard for a few days a week and get me into shape. And while, that's certainly happened, I never expected my attitudes about fitness, my body, and my life to change the way that they have in a few short months. Working out with Rolando has made me think carefully about why we train. It is about so much more than being able to bench X pounds, having X percent bodyfat, or having this or that muscle bulge. It's about being a strong, resilient human being. Train with this guy. You will get skills for life. Ray P - New York, NY USA

Never ask him to kick your ass

Rated 10 out of 10

The reason why I started training with Rolando is because I was interested in working with kettlebells and I saw working out with him like an opportunity that I couldn't miss. I was obviously impress. As a personal trainer I work with many trainers in the past and I never met anyone like Rolando. His very knowledgeable as a trainer, he really understand every one of his clients "victims" and is able to address their strength and weakness in a short amount of time. He got PASSION for what he do specially his kettlebells. He talks about how they are part of his life and, he makes them part of your life too and, I truly admire that. In our first session of our assessment he was able to address my foot injuries without me even telling him. And he was able to find a solution for my problem something that no Doctor could do without putting something on my foot. In our second session he ask me if I was interested in the RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge): And I ask him, can I do that? and he said Yes so' I said Sure! I thought I was chosen for a challenge that I need it to complete. And I was. Five months later and, great improvements not only on me but on my clients too, cause I have been learning a lot and gotten better. My ankles are a lot more stable. I am able to do a Deep Squat with no problems do one arm swings with a 35 pound KB. Perform a clean and Jerk with a 35 p when I could barely shoulder press with an 18 pound KB. And I am no longer the weak girl I always use to be. Yesterday, I finish my challenge of 200 swings and 200 snatches without loosing form. I never thought I could do that. Now can't wait for my big day in the RKC in October. Thank's Rolando Yarida Mendez - Queens, NY USA

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