June 2009 RKC Level II Workshop Testimonials

Former Collegiate Taekwondo Heavyweight Medalist in sparring 1994, Former NAGA Illinois Silver Medalist in no-GI Masters division 2006, Kettlebell Sport Competition 24 kg Long Cycle Clean and Jerk, 4th Degree Black Belt Taekwondo, 1st Degree Black Belt Hapkido, Certified F.I.G.H.T. instructor in the Haganah System, Doctor of Chiropractic, NSCA CSCS

This is a course that MUST be attended by everyone who is committed to becoming better. The level of knowledge and instruction will only help coaches, trainers and other specialists rise to the top of the fitness and wellness industry.

Some courses focus too much on beating attendees up with "cool" routines. These don't accomplish anything but developing fatigue. At any RKC course the "whys" of strength training and conditioning are thoroughly explained. The instructors are also humble which is sometimes rare in fitness industry.

Everything exceeded my expectations.

Rob Miller, personal trainer, Chicago, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE CPT, Former U.S. Naval Search and Rescue Swimmer

The Sr. Instructors are amazing training minds; the knowledge that I received not only shows my own skills were lacking but the course shows the necessary steps to correct and perfect the skills. I look forward to teaching these advanced moves to my most skilled clients.

Amazing and life altering.

Amy Dudley, Co-owner Better Bodies of Medina, Medina, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

15 years in the fitness industry. AFAA Primary and Step certified, Maddogg Athletic certified, CycleOps certified, Yogafit certified

The most challenging certification training yet rewarding experience. Challenging because of the exercises rewarding due to knowledge gained. I learned more here in 3 days than in all of my other certification achieved in 15 years.

As stated earlier, this course provided more information than all of my certifications achieved in the last 15 years. It is a complete package.

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

I trained very hard to get here, and I will walk out a stronger person and better instructor. I loved the physical challenge and am grateful to the instructors and organizers for making this happen. Learned a lot. I always ask myself if I had 3 months to live, would I spend time doing this? And the answer is absolutely yes.

The best yet in terms of personal enrichment.

Katie Bigelow, Student, Z-Health Master Trainer, RKC Instructor, Seattle, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC Instructor, Z-Health, Master Trainer, 2-Time State Champion Soccer NCISAA, State Champion Basketball NCISAA

This certification was a HUGE step up in the demands required for efficient kettlebell lifting. It contained the nation's top instructors, which further separates the RKC system apart form every other system in the nation/world.

Top notch certification! One of the best in the industry. I would not keep coming back if the information and research was not cutting edge and/or applicable to my own training and profession.

I thoroughly enjoyed this certification. Thank you again for a wonderful certification and learning environment.

Dennis Frisch, Trainer, Copenhagen, Demark

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former Danish Army Officer, commando and airborne, exercise physiology, full contact karate, krav maga, military sports

If you want to go to the next level, and are willing to do the work/practice RKC II is the place for you.

Steve Milles, Muay Thai Instructor, Gym Owner, New York City, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Owner, Head Muay Thai Instructor at Five Points Academy in NYC -- one of the most well known, internationally respected muay thai camps in the US. Certifications: Arjan (Master) under Grandmaster Chansadeth "Cheetah" Chantanao, Cheetah Muay Thai Assoc. in affiliation with the International Muay Thai School, Bangkok Thailand, Kru (Teacher) under Grandmaster Thosaphon "Toddy" Sitiwatjana, Muay Thai International Assoc. RKC Level I, Instructor Achievements: Trainer to 9 members of US national teams to World Muay Thai Championships. Trainer to multiple amateur and professional champions at national and international level, including current women's WKA World Champion at 118.8 lb max.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Retired Professional Thai boxer (15 years). Top ten ranked fighter for most of my career, USMTA Welterweight Intercontinental Champion, WKA Jr. Middleweight US Champion, WKA and ISKA Welterweight US Champion, Bronze Medal, IAMTF World Championships in Bangkok, Thailand

It makes the RKC Level I seem easy. Not just the physical aspect, but the information presented, is unbelievable.

At Level I, I said it was far and away the best training I'd ever received, in any subject. The RKC II blows it away. You guys are brilliant, motivating and unmatched.

Scott Hines Sr., Performance Trainer/Business Owner, Rome, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former College Football Player, 25 years of training and coaching experience, NSCA, C.S.C.S certified, We work with the general population, youth, middle and high school athletes as well as college and professional athletes. I have coached at the high school level, as well as college and professional level.

Educational, informative, challenging, organized, fun. Taking your kettlebell knowledge to the next level.

The quality, scope of material and practical use of what I learned at the RKC II is unmatched. No other course I have ever taken can compare.

Dustin Miller, Personal Trainer, Chicago, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

1999 and 2000 IL State Powerlifting Champion, 1999 National and World Powerlifting Champion. 18-19 100kg weight class. Won Best Lifter Award at National and World Championships. Sept 2008 Beast Tamer. NSCA certified as CSCS. NASM certified as CES. RKC Certified

I learned a lot more on fine-tuning exercises/lifts and how to connect them to their lifts/exercises. Some of the break downs really helped turn the "light bulb" on. Many "ah-ha" moments.

Only thing that compares is Level I. Very physically demanding and mentally challenging too.

Rich Kocher, Personal Trainer, Poughkeepsie, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ace personal trainer, NASM personal trainer, NYSC master trainer, RKC, JKD 4th level.

I was expecting an awesome weekend. But just as in the Level I certification, which far exceeded my expectation, the level 2 far exceeded what I expected to learn

RKC Level II training far exceeds any other training there is. Except of course for the RKC Level I. The RKC's set a different standard then any other training. It also gives you drills and skills you can immediately apply to your life, training and clients. It was great to be here and great to be around all the RKCs.

Mike Barbato, Automotive Tech, Malvern, PA

Brilliant! I believe RKC II and DD present themselves with full knowledge of all related concepts. No one else can present the material that DD has.

RKC and the Hard Style method is fabulous. It's a total honor to train and be instructed by Pavel and the RKC team.

Gary J. Berenbroick, Personal Trainer/Fitness Director, Bryn Mawr, PA

The amount of information presented was more overwhelming than the workload. I have not only learned how to perform and teach the core RKC II drills but I've also gained a deeper understanding of the RKC I drills. I have learned a lot about my body and how it moves this weekend.

Jason Therrien, Personal Trainer, Colorado Springs, Co

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

CSCS, NSCA-CPT

The RKC Level II is challenging to the point of being a catalyst for personal growth. Level II makes you consider the long term consequences of your movement and mobility patterns. I will be striving for perfection knowing I will never reach it.

David Cogswell, Chemical Operator / Co Owner of Kettlebell Club, Houston, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Co Owner Houston Kettlebell Club, 5th Dan Tae Kwon Do, 2 Times National Champion WTF, Former Para-rescue Specialist USAF

Extremely informative and the additional attention to details of techniques are over top, with exceptional expertise. A must for all level I RKC's.

It's priceless what you have offered us. And I know you will continue to grow as an organization. All my best.

Delaine Ross, Kettlebell Instructor, Atlanta, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

4th in Fitness America – Southern CA 2007, Competed in Fitness Universe 2008

The RKC II was a weekend of learning and applying new techniques and revisiting the foundation exercise. The instructors gave tons of useful information that I look forward to putting into practice.

Kim Vigsbo, Krav Maga Instructor, Professional Bodyguard, Douglassville, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

25+ years as a Professional Bodyguard, 20+ years as a Krav Maga instructor

Great collection of experienced instructors, really good level of information presented in a clear manner!

Phil Scarito, Owner of DV8Fitness, LLC, Wayne, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I have been an RKC since September 07. I am CK-FMS certified and have assisted in 2 Russian Kettlebell Challenges. I own and operate DV8Fitness, a Kettlebell company outside of Pennsylvania. I also teach Kettlebell classes with SRKC Will Williams.

If you are serious about expanding your education and making yourself a better instructor this is a requirement! If you think you are great at the basics, attend Level II and you will see what you were missing as a Level I instructor.

The bottom line on this question always is: there is no other comparison around. This is the highest standard, hands down.

Jason Burch, Restaurant Owner, Columbus, Ohio

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC certification FEB '08, AKC certification DEC '07

A wealth of knowledge from approachable professional instructors as well as great opportunity to learn and improve various kettlebell lifting levels.

I think that Dragon Door is by far the most professional, most organized, and best marketed group of its type. I appreciate how precisely everyone at the DD executes. It is frustrating when other kb/fitness groups don't meet up to the standard DD has set. Thank you again to all with DD!

Tommy Blom, Owner of Tenacity - Tactical Strength, Global Krav Maga Instructor (IKMF), RKC Kettlebell Instructor, Gothenburg, Sweden

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

10 years of Handball, 15 years of Krav Maga (IKMF), Krav Maga Expert 4, RKC since 2006.

Anyone that is an RKC and wants to broaden their perspective, more understanding, deeper knowledge and more skills/techniques, in KB and functional training, needs to do this!

Karen Smith, Owner and Trainer - Kettlebell Elite, Virginia Beach, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

April 09 - Opened Kettlebell Elite, first Kettlebell training facility in Virginia Beach. Currently prepping 3 clients for RKC. Training SWAT, USN SEALs, Professional & Amateur MMA fighters. Assistant Instructor for SEAL RKC. Personal Trainer (AFAA '00, ACE '01, RKC '08)

RKC Level II was a great experience, I am always amazed by the knowledge and passion from the senior, master and chief RKC. I am honored to be a part of this community and hope to continue to grow and advance within the group.

RKC is always top notch. The quality of the instructors is always impressive. I really enjoy that this is a certification about physical; mental test, not a paper test. We are always encouraged to push ourselves harder than we thought possible.

Alison Kenyon, Clown, Colfax, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

training in contortion, Chinese acrobatics, dance, power lifting, and pro-wrestling (and of course kettlebells)

RKC is so different from the other kinds of training I've done wrestling, acrobatics, contortion, etc, that it's hard to compare… but!... I can say that after a few years of my Chinese Acro instructor hitting my legs because I had no vertical jump, I still couldn't jump. But after a few months of HS swings, I gained about a foot of height.

Leslie Keehn, Attorney, San Diego, CA

The course was a rare opportunity to hone and develop skills with the best instructors in the world, while also motivating me to delve deeper into my training because the weekend very clearly showed me how little I know, and how much more there is to learn and achieve.

I have not attended any other certification courses pertaining to physical exercise. The RKC system is the only one that has gotten the attention of my inner athlete.

Eric Braren, Personal Trainer, Glendale, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM-CPT, Yoga Alliance-RYT, RKC

It was equal physically only to RKC I. The physical training is light years beyond any other training I have gone through. Tons and tons of practical uses for the information that was given to us. I do not feel that scope of material allowed me to digests it fully; meaning there was so much material that it will take months, maybe years to fully understand the education I received this weekend.

Jim Skislak, Systems Architect, McLean, VA

An excellent and logical extension of Level I concepts that presented a vast/detailed amount of new material (incorporating Z-Health and CK-FMS concepts). The material presented in regard to the application of tension was worth the rice of the course. This was the most thorough, comprehensive well presented and demanding training I have ever attended.

I have only taken the RKC I, II training courses, (not a personal trainer) it is hard to imagine attending training that is not affiliated with Dragon Door.

You did a fabulous job as always. I look forward to returning to the RKC I in 2 years with my son. Thanks again!

David White

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC continues to be a leader and is second to none because of its high standards. Only top knowledge people will be RKC II.

Eric Kenyon, RKC Instructor, Colfax, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Ten years professional trainer, seven years Hardstyle/kettlebell student and teacher, three years college level judo, Scottish Highland Games competitor, instructor at U.S Marine Corps RKC, ex- Army paratrooper, sniper and combat vet.

The RKC II was extremely challenging and extremely educational. I was reminded what an incredibly intelligent and generous group of people make up the RKC. I was very impressed by the international composition of students and instructors.

There is no comparison anywhere. The RKC II is unique.

Harinder Sabharwal, Strategic Business Development Manager, Semi Conductors, San Jose, California

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Instructor Jeet Kune Do Concepts and Filipino Martial Arts - Under Sifu Paul Vunak Instructor Jun Fan Jeet Kune Do - Under Sifu Larry Hartsell. 2nd Degree BlackBelt Okinawan Karate. NCAA Tennis for UC Davis. International Junior Rugby for Canada

A fantastic experience, anyone serious about strength must attend! Very educational and functional training!. You guys are the most prepared and well organized seminars I have ever attended.

Keep on doing what you are doing! RKC has helped me to be come a stronger, more flexible and more educated on training high level athletes to house moms.

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

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, Avid rock climber, NCAA Scholar All-American wrestler

Great experience! Combined with CK-FMS and added on top of the level I cert, the RKC II cert has given me the tools to better help my clients (and myself) achieve their goals. It also served to wet my appetite to learn even more…

Practical application of tension techniques will benefit both athletes and the average Joe/Jane.

Application of the specific exercises will definitely help the more advanced.

Tobias Matyas, Budapest, Hungary

It was very useful. I recognized many small things and understood many details. I learned many nice and extra detail. Nice updating.

Holger Prahm, Head of department of Nature and Environment, Hojslev, Denmark

So well founded knowledge and so old and so new knowledge I love logic thinking on body exercise.

Matthew Seki

As expected by now for the RKC program, Level II went far above and beyond what I thought we would be covering and once again I find myself leaving an RKC workshop thinking in a different manner. Awesome.

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

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Train in Israeli Krav Maga

RKC II was a great workshop! A continuation of the RKC I principles, plus many new "a-ha" moments with the RKC II skills. A must attend workshop for any RKC!

As good as RKC I/CK-FMS. Many great training and business applications, that can be applied.

Jason Marshall, Owner - Lone Star Kettlebell, Lubbock, Texas

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Jason is the owner of Lone Star Kettlebell in Lubbock, Texas...West Texas' premiere kettlebell strength and conditioning facility. Jason is a 2001 graduate of Texas Tech University with a B.S. in Exercise and Sport Science. He earned his Level I RKC in October 2007 and has since attended the first ever CK-FMS workshop in August 2008 and the Level I RKC certification in October 2008 as an Assistant Instructor. Along with a passion for picking up heavy stuff, Jason competes in power lifting as an unequipped lifter and aspires to achieve his Elite status in the near future.

A phenomenal expansion of the RKC system continuously growing and evolving which simultaneously raises the bar and integrity of its students. Highly recommended!

I haven't earned any other certifications in the past other than RKC. However, since becoming and expanding my knowledge of the RKC system, I can say it goes above and beyond my formal academic background in Exercise Science.

Thanks so much for such a high-quality presentation and experience!

Kristi Nicol, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Georgetown, Texas

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, Round Rock Volunteer Fire Department: Rookie of the Year (2004), Firefighter of the Year (2005), Training Award (2005)

It has taken my kb training to a whole new level. Always breaking down each one not just going for it.

Nothing holds a candle to it. RKC gives me the confidence that I'm not wasting my clients' money.

Antonio Cordova, Personal Trainer, New York, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

CrossFit Level I, Navy Veteran 2003.

The RKC II instructors course has added indefinite knowledge and tools to my arsenal. I had many AHA moments. Not only does it teach you new drills and exercises but it reinforces the core that I've learn at level I.

Highest quality of trainers, material and practical use by far. The RKC community is for me the window for a new physical fitness revolution and I'm proud to be part of this family. I've never taken any thing close to this level of preparedness, and instructional knowledge.

Kristen McLaughlin, Attorney, Denver, CO

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Z-Health R and I Phase certified; Do some part time training with the goal of doing more in the next few years.

It was harder than I was expecting but I'm glad for that. I know that a Level II RKC really has earned that title. I was not as prepared as I should have been which I regret but even so I learned more in 3 days than I ever have. This weekend has really motivated me to keep up my training, take some weight off and get to that athletic level where I want to be. Thank you.

Steve Wright, Academic, part-time martial arts and kettlebell instructor, London

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Associate Instructor, Breen Instructor Group Instructor, Integrated Arts (under Terry Barnett). Associate Instructor, International Inosanto Martial Arts Instructors Association Associate Instructor, JKD-Jun Fan Grappling Association Instructor, Minnesota Kali Group International

Be prepared! This means more then knowing the drills. Then have fun. Think again if you think you are ready after just one year as a RKC. Better yet, get advice.

Quality, scope of material, and practical applicability were all superlative.

Matthew Franco

Another great weekend of a lot of hard work and even more great, valuable information. Many of the drills we covered this weekend are directly applicable and will be used.

Once again one of the only worthwhile certifications around. Far and away above the rest! Great job RKC and Dragon Door.

Tim Shuman, Strength Coach, Orlando, Fl

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

'95 B.S. Springfield College, MA, C.S.C.S., USAW.
'00 AFL. Championship (Strength Coach), 15 yrs Training concentration on Olympic Weight Training

Riddled with "a ha" moments tips and tricks to enhance my workouts and those of my students.

Tera L Mathis, Kettlebell Studio and Nutrition Training, Harpers Ferry, IA

Excellent! So much information given to us that I can apply to my own training and my client training.

Christine Bagiotti, Personal Trainer, Dania Beach, FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

*RKC Certified Instructor, *CrossFit Certified Kettlebell Instructor, *NCCPT Certified Personal Trainer, *Associates of Science Degree in Fashion Illustration/ Commercial Art, *Co-Owner of a personal training company, ATP-Advanced Training and Performance LLC. ATP specializes in functional training, instructs kettlebell classes / workshops for all ages and athletic ability.

My experience at Level II was extremely educational and challenging. The instructors are top notched and it was an honor to learn from them again.

This is by far the most educational, well organized, professional, and hand on certification I have ever attended.

Patrick Jernigan, Personal Trainer, San Francisco, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

AAAI/ISMI certified, Blue Belt, Ralph Gracie Jiu-jitsu

It took a few months for all of the Level I stuff to sink in and it'll take twice as long for this to be fully absorbed.

Steve Strickman, Management Consultant / Kettlebell Trainer, New York, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Mixed Martial Arts, BJJ

An incredible download of information on proper movement, movement screening, and biomechanics for strength and conditioning. Demanding and rewarding.

I've taken several martial arts seminars, and the depth of instructors as well as the preparation and execution RKC provides is hard to beat. The instructors really help and provide the supervision necessary to "raise our games." This workshop pushes you to the limits, physically and mentally.

Adam Noble, actor, bar owner, trainer, Los Angeles, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA, CSCS, formerly sponsored snowboarder, BJJ blue belt under Rey Diogo, CrossFit level 1

Overwhelming amount of great material. Almost not enough time to delve fully into everything.

The scope of material is phenomenal and its transfer into real world applications is great. One of the best I have been to.

Derek Miller, Personal Trainer, Fayetteville, AR

The RKC II training course was very mentally as well as physically exhausting, but by the end of it all I can walk a little fuller.

Colette Keno, Personal Trainer, CPR Instructor, FT. Lauderdale, FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Top Female Duathlete and 1/2 marathon runner in state of Flordia. Triathlete as well. 5th in World in Women's Obstacle Racing (WTF), NSCA CPT, American Heart Association CPR Instructor. Have been a world and National Athlete my whole life.

Level II opened my eyes to a lot of body movement issues we all have and the importance to take your time on learning and "correction" first.

Lance F. Coffel, Fitness Coach, Lake Oswego, OR

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Category 1 Cyclist, Multiple, Sate Champion, National medalist. Olympic Style Boxing Coach. Iyengar Yoga Teacher. Z-Health Level 2.

As in RKC I, I was given cutting edge information but with more emphasis on the finer points of kettlebell training.

As always, the top training in the industry!

Robert Rimoczi, RKC, IT Consulting, Munich, Germany

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, Kyokushin Karate, Kick Box, Box

I feel me like version 1.0 software updated to 2.0. I have some new useful features and my basic functions are running more stable.

Peter Vieira, FIREFIGHTER, East Providence, RI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Firefighters Combat Challenge State Champion (over 40). I worked at the State Maximum Prison for two years before I became a firefighter, I also achieved a Blackbelt in Kenpo Karate in 1986.

I learned more about training in the weekend than I would ever learned on my own. It took my training to another level.

Brad Mallie, Personal Trainer, Woodland Hills California

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ISSA, RKC, CROSSFIT, CAVEMAN

Lots of information from people with various backgrounds. Good experience with lots of info. Really sharpens level I skills.

Excellent quality and more than enough practical use.

Massimiliano Abbrescia, Physical Trainer, Milano, Italia

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Judo experience (green belt). Former Italian and European Champion with Frogs Legnano (american football). Triathlete and Ironman finisher. Physical trainer, personal trainer.

Definitely an experience to pass through, to tell about it and recommend.

Antonio Saccinto, Personal trainer, Milan, Italy

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, Issa (international sport science association) personal trainer, Martial arts student bjj and shaolin wushu.

It's intensity, very challenge. Isn't easy, study before!!

Is really, really different. RKC it's like university

For me is perfect.

Giovanna Pozza, Housewife, Roscoe IL

Very challenging. Everything has been treated in depth.

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