10/10 Many Tools in her Hardstyle Arsenal!
By Spencer
Starr
/ Los Angeles, USA
Nikki has continued to hone her RKC tool arsenal by furthering her education (RKC I, II, CK-FMS) and garnering the respect of the RKC community. And, it shows!
I've been training with Kettlebells since summer 2008, and though I immediately connected with Hardstyle training as my primary exercise, rehab/prehab, strength and overall fitness modality, I hadn't intended on becoming certified–though I now see the RKC was an inevitable progression for me.
Nikki has made herself available to me for all manner of questions and advice leading up to the 2011 San Diego RKC.
In particular, I was struggling with prep for the Snatch Test–I was seriously concerned about my ability to pass! Then Nikki came along (with her proverbial RKC cape) and immediately helped me to correct nuances in my snatch form–the depth of my knee bend, and hike to be specific–suddenly 100 reps in less than five minutes didn't seem so daunting and terrifying. The move became more fluid and the best part for me–my shoulders weren't getting the crap beat out of them as the "up rebound" was so much easier and more graceful.
The RKC was no joke, and I'm super grateful for all of Nikki's advice (and flat out warning) about the difficulty and volume RKC candidates work through over the 23hrs of training and instruction. Midway through my training leading up to the RKC, I clued Nik in to my workout log and she didn't BS me. "It's not enough," are words that will long ring in my ears. She was right. If hadn't doubled my efforts....let's just say, it would not have been pretty.
This year the Master and Senior RKC's opted to have the technique and snatch tests on the final day. I had serious doubts about how much gas I had left in the tank. I made it through all the technique tests and felt good about my form and performance, but the snatch test was yet to come. Even though my hands had been reduced to tender little flowers, I was able to calmly approach the bell and work up a nice cadence. I stayed true to my form and the corrections Nikki offered. The adrenalin kicked in and I completed my 100 reps in 4min 40sec.
Thanks Nik–you're a champ!
Spencer Starr, RKC
10/10 Every one needs her
By Taikei
Matsushita
/ Tokyo, Japan
Extremely strong instructor and personality matches, more so her character is first when it comes to instructions.
Very precise and detailed on instructions and it's very hard to elude her eyes from doing imperfect form of swings, Turkish Get Ups and other basic movements.
A very rare and gifted instructor I say for both males and females who are passionate about strength training.
10/10 A Great Instructor
By Richard Lander, M.D.
/ Granada Hills, California
Nikki is so gifted and such a class act it's hard to know where to begin. Over the last 2 years she patiently guided me through the prep work for the RKC, getting me fit and honing my technique until I achieved my certification. She is a brilliant teacher, a natural; she picks up the nuances of what you are doing wrong and refines your technique until you get it right. Another gift: she is absolutely selfless in her teaching. What this means is that when you work with her you get the totality of her attention and energy for 100% of the session. And if you match her energy by giving yourself fully to the workout I promise you will be rewarded with the confidence of getting the exercises right, knowing you have mastered both the concept and the detail. Moreover, she wants you to succeed and do well, and it shows. I have never met a better teacher in any field.
10/10 Holy WOW! Nikki is the truth
By Jordan Alcantar
/ Los Angeles, CA
First off since I've been working with Nikki a light bulb has gone off in my head about sooooo many things!!! Her advice has helped me gain significant strength differences on my pull-up and my deadlight! She is such a delight to be around, always smiling and always willing to help you break down technique so you as an individual can get the most out of each repetition, she really wants to see the people around her succeed. Nikki is definitely a person you should surround yourself with if your serious about getting stronger and just being an overall better person! Nikki is the truth!
10/10 The epitome of RKC
By Laura Sacks
/ Carpinteria, CA
I have had the pleasure of working with Nikki on several occasions. Nikki is a perfect example of what it is to be an RKC: she's humble, passionate, driven, incredibly skillful, knowledgeable, a great listener, and, to top it off, she is VERY strong (examples: presses the 24kg for reps, can swing a 52kg for multiple reps, can perform a turkish get-up with a 32kg). Nikki embodies the RKC spirit, and has such devotion for what it stands for. She represents the RKC with honor and integrity. If you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with Nikki, SEIZE it! You will be all the better for it!
10/10 Nikki is a RKC of the highest caliber!
By Spencer O'Hara
/ Playa Del Rey, CA
Working as a videographer for DragonDoor I've met RKC's from all around the world, and I can assure you that Nikki is of the highest caliber. Her respect for the community is only surpassed by her quality instruction.
Nikki's instruction helped me tremendously in my HKC preparation: thanks to her i passed with flying colors!
In addition, she is patient, kind, understanding, and fun. Train with Nikki! You will not regret it.
10/10 The sizzle AND the steak
By Darren S.
/ Los Angeles, CA
Nikki embodies the qualities you want in a great trainer. She focuses on your form with care and precision, listens to your questions and concerns, and leads you through an invigorating, intense workout that your muscles will remember days later. She works hard to help you succeed, and she is genuinely happy for you when you make a breakthrough in your form or performance. At the same time, she knows when to push you to test your limits; I always found I did have enough in the tank for that final set. I recommend Nikki very highly; she will get you into shape!
8/10 Nikki is tough and will get you to go past your limits
By Antwan Martin
/ New York, New York
Had the opportunity to work with Nikki this past summer on a trip to LA and I was impressed. She is very knowledgeable and spotted my mistakes easily even though I was in a group and she had to keep track of a few other people. She's so super tough that she can come off a little to hard nosed at times. All in all if you train with her you will come out for the better.
10/10 Attention to detail.
By Jason Cox RKC
/ Denver, CO
If you want someone who will scream at you and overlook technique flaws, look elsewhere. If you want someone who understands that perfect practice makes perfect, look no further. Nikki is a great instructor, a great motivator, and a great athlete. I'd send any of my family to see her.
10/10 One to watch
By Doug Nepodal, SR.RKC
/ Carpinteria, CA
San Diego RKC 2009, the hottest RKC on record. You wouldn't have know it by Nikki's cool demeanor. She was one of the team members of Team Kilt. Her knowledge and attention to detail made our team shine all weekend. Keep an eye on her she is going to be climbing the RKC ladder on to bigger an better things in the very near future.
If you live in the LA area or are just visiting make sure you make a point to train with her -- you'll be glad you did.