Back to Upcoming Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification Workshop

April 2006 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop — Participant Praise

Michael Hartle, Doctor of Chiropractic, Fort Wayne, IN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Multi Indiana State Power lifting Champion USAPC
Indiana State bench-press record holder – 125kg class USAPC
USAPC Nat’l Dead lift and Bench Press Champion
USAPC 2-time Nat’l Collegiate All-American (2nd Place 1992)
Best Competition SQ:705//BP:540//DL:640//total: 1840
USAPL Drug testing and sports medicine committees chairman

”Instruction was fantastic! Relaxed instruction, intense workouts, very knowledgeable instructors. Always helpful and willing to help whoever and whenever needed.

Awesome!! Paradigm shift in thought. I have been talking about this for years and using kettlebells is another tool, one of the best, to help facilitate the shift. We need to become a more functional society. Our health care costs are rising rapidly and it is because of lack of exercise and function. Using the KBs on a regular basis will help change this.”

Shannon Hartnett, Gym Owner, San Salito, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Nine World Highland Games Championships, 5th Place—World’s Strongest Woman 2002, Member US Olympic Bobsled Team, Pro Football running back, San Francisco Scorchers.

”My experience with the workshop was a great insight into my mind and body connection through strength…I really loved Pavel’s directness and ability to communicate difficult exercises in such few words.”

Dennis Hill, Martial Arts School Owner, North Branford, CT

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

3rd degree black belts in Aiki Jujutsu, aikido and Combat Hapkido. Certified coach in western wrestling, western boxing and a professional combat Sambo instructor. Certified professional fitness trainer and a certified fitness kickboxing instructor. Mr. Hill was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame in May 2004 as “Martial Arts Instructor of the year”. In addition ha was inducted into the World Karate Hall of Fame in June 2004, as “Combat Hapkido Instructor of the year”.

”It was very educational and very physically demanding. It is truly for the brave at heart. The training was great. Their knowledge of strength and strength building is the best that I have experienced.”

Doc Kelley, Chiropractic Physician, Newport, OR.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

1st degree black belt, Tae kwon do.

”This is the most anatomically correct, meticulously researched, exercise training program available today that is so immediately applicable to personal and team improvements in all physical activity arenas.”

Brian Petty, Trainer, West Chester, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

20 years martial arts and combat sports, Co-founder, Old School Strength and Health Training, student athletes and law enforcement.

”The RKC certification has been a complete immersion in a strength system. Theory and science were only presented in order to clarify technique and application. The instructors and students were diverse, mature, knowledgeable, and open to sharing their personal experiences, which helped me feel that I was becoming part of a tremendously powerful community of perpetual ‘students of strength’.”

Darren Ruth, Personal Trainer, Hatboro, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ATC – Certified Athletic Trainer, CSCS, USAW, NSCA – CPT

”Amazing! I really liked kettlebells before coming, but my experience at the RKC has deepened my appreciation for them as an incredibly effective and versatile conditioning tool. Even advance trainers can deepen their skill in just the basics!

Training was excellent and knowledge was incredibly deep. Even with my scientific educational background, I learned an incredible amount.

Nothing has compared to the RKC in quality, scope of material and practical use except my education and degree in sports medicine.”

Cain Carroll, Yoga Teacher, Prescott, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

10 years yoga/meditation, 6 years judo and wrestling, 3 years rock climbing.
Certified yoga instructor, author of the internationally acclaimed book: Partner Yoga; have taught yoga in 13 countries.

”I learned invaluable techniques and skills that transfer over to all the physical activities I do. Awesome! Very deep, useful information provided in a clear way that translates directly into action, not just mental theory. Love it!

The quality of material and direct practical use of the RKC is unparalleled in the field of the movement arts.”

Andrew Lyons, Buyer for the Department of Defense and Physical therapy student, Columbus, OH

”A humbling experience that showed me what I am capable of accomplishing. Three days of grueling hard work that made me understand what the title of RKC represents.”

Marvin King, Engineer, Bowie, MD

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified PT (NCSF); Certified (NARS).
Black belt Hung Fut Kung Fu, 10 yrs Instructor.
Black belt Shaio Chiao Kung Fu, instructor; Black belt Shaolin Northern Kung fu. 38 years Martial Arts Instruction.
Completed 3 marathons and 5 ten milers and numerous road races.

”The RKC gave me the best training and workout I’ve had in 10 years, with no injuries! I encourage all martial artist to take this course.”

Pete Diaz Jr., Police Officer/Training Corporal, Sacramento, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Law enforcement: 12 years, Currently assigned to the Police Academy (3 yrs) Sacramento Police Dept. Assistant arrest, control & baton (defensive tactics) instructor, Assistant firearms instructor. Student of Aikido & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Master Fitness Specialist Certified by the Cooper Institute

”The RKC was the most intense yet satisfying training I have ever experienced. The camaraderie that resulted could only come from such shared intensity and shared physical exertion.

Pavel and his senior instructors are unquestionably the top instructors in their field and in the “fitness” world. They absolutely set the standard of excellence and very approachable to any questions that we had.

The RKC has exceeded all other physical law enforcement training I have received, even my very physical (2.5 hr long physical non-stop skills final) arrest, control, baton instructor course, which was extremely taxing and fulfilling, too. The extreme attention to your performance and pursuit of perfection made my focus even more sharp. The instruction given was stripped down to the bare necessities without fluff. The “simple but hard” explanation best describes the instruction and the workouts.

This has been an incredible experience. This was worth every penny spent. I appreciated the fact that this was not a certification where if you merely show up, you got the “shirt and then cert”. There was an obvious pride shown by all the instructors and their expectations on us were high. I respected Brett Jones assertion that as RKC’s we are representatives of all RKC’s, and Pavel and John. We must represent ourselves as skilled practioners in our training always. It is refreshing to be a part of such an outstanding group of people. Andrea and the rest of team DuCane Instructors, Monica, Mark, Will, Mykola were extremely supportive, helpful, and motivating. Very proud to be a part of such a phenomenal group of instructors.”

Jody Phillips, Personal Trainer, Tinton Falls, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified as personal trainer, as Pilates mat instructor, and in prenatal fitness.

”It was an extremely educational experience. I am taking so much more knowledge back with me than I came here with. The knowledge I gained is worth much more than the cost of the training. They are eager to help you succeed. They do their jobs in a firm and some times humorous manner.”

Liberty Gray, Taekwon Do Instructor, Personal Trainer/Business owner, Big Rapids, MI.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

II degree black belt in USTF/ITF Taekwon Do, ISSA certified personal trainer, CPR certified, Natural bodybuilding competitor

”It was an unforgettable experience. Infinite knowledge dispersed with an iron hand. Where else could I go to train with the best in the business?

It was physically challenging but in a way that left you wanting more. The instructors were very knowledgeable and prepared and offered praise as well as correction. They were obviously genuinely concerned about our safety and over ability to safety train others.”

Patrick David, Police Officer, Colorado Springs, CO

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

High School and College wrestler. Currently practicing Aikido. Defensive tratics/PR-24 instructor. RBI instructor methodology course. Currently training to compete in 2007 World Police and Fire games.

”Great training that provided you with a wealth of information and how to practically use it.”

Thomas Shook, Paramedic/Search and Rescue, Coarsegold, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former International level competitor in road and track cycling. Competed on USA National Team in International competition. Current USA cycling licensed coach. 12 years EMS/paramedic experience including special operations/rescue team member and tactical paramedic. 20 years boxing and martial arts experience. Black belt in kajukenbo.

”An extremely rewarding and enriching experience. I learned more in 3 days here than I could have in 5 years of training on my own.

Highest quality. Everyone “walks the walk” and is able to not only teach but perform at a high level as well. This course is by far the best seminar on fitness, training, etc that I have ever attended.”

Jerry Gray, Professional Civil Engineer and Land Surveyor, Stanwood, MI.

”This workshop for me was very self serving – I’ve had 3 heart attacks, carry 5 stents in my arteries. Was a heavy smoker and at 64, I’ve tried racquetball, running, biking, x-country skiing, marathons, weight training in search of better health and sports performance. Kettlebells rule.”

Mathea Levine, Writer, Jamaica Plain, MA

”This program was both painful and wonderful at the same time. At times I hated what was happening but I was sad when it was over. I accomplished things here that I never thought I’d be able to do.

Pavel Tsatsouline and all the instructors displayed a huge amount of knowledge not only about KBs but about physiology and human behavior. They were all able, in addition, to communicate this to al of us clearly and concisely. This allowed us to find our own mistakes and correct them as well as those of others, almost instantly.

This was beyond anything on any level that I’ve ever experienced – other than giving birth in terms of quality, scope of material and practical use.”

Laura Spaulding, Director, yoga school, Louisville, KY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC 2004, AYRI, RYT500

“High-quality training by experienced, knowledgeable instructors. Has applications to my work with yoga students and keeps me at a high level of practice.

I’ve been to about 30 yoga workshops – some by world-class teachers, and the RKC tops the list in terms of content, instructors, materials, attention by the instructors and attention to detail. This is a highly professional, well-planned, organized workshop.”

Joseph Joutras, Midwest Sales Manager, Evergreen Park, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

USMC officer 1977-1981, Collegiate wrestler 1973-1977

”The RKC is a rigorous course which emphasizes strict fundamental attention to detail in the movements. The professionalism and standards of conduct evidenced by the instructor staff was exemplary.”

Fred Garcia, Sergeant at Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Military- USMC, close combat instructor
Sheriff’s Office- Defensive Tactics Instructor, Police Ground Fighting Instructor, Spontaneous Knife Instructor, Firearms Instructor.
Martial Arts- BJJ- 5 years.

”This program is not only kettlebell training it is a way of life. The instructors show why they are RKC, as the best in the fitness industry. All lead by example and can back what training they provide.

Victoria Behr, Consultant, Palo Alto, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I grew up surfing, dancing ballet and long distance running. I play competitive tennis, and have for 18 years. I’ve been working with Mark Reifkind doing kettlebells for 3 years.

”This was one of the toughest challenges I’ve experienced. Being here was an honor and a privilege. I’m proud to have taken part in this training, with the professionals I’ve been lucky enough to be associated with. The knowledge of the Sr. instructors involved is impressive. The broad backgrounds and experience among these professionals are, in my opinion, incomparable. These ladies and gentlemen are not only at the top of their profession, but are in a class of their own.

This workshop was the best I’ve attended of its kind. The material presented and taught is comprehensive and covers all necessary points.”

Andrew Durniat, Personal Trainer, Wooster, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Men’s Lacrosse Div II All-American Team-defense. Specialize in sports-specific training routines for athletes of all levels.

”This certification lived up to my expectations in every way. Great job by all. I look forward to coming back as an instructor. And I highly recommend it to anybody in fitness. Truly a School of Strength.”

James Overman Jr., Sales-Sell Metal Roofing, Troutman, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Natural Health Professional by Trinity School of Natural Health Indiana.

“It was an absolutely great experience. The instructors were top of the line and very professional. I liked their attitude. And believe I got the best training. I loved it.”

Jamie Drury, Consultant, Maplewood, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Prior to 2 1/2 years ago 0 athletic background. Started working with kettlebells 2 1/2 years ago to improve my health and fitness

”RKC training was brutal and intense, but the amount of information and the speed of improvement of the basic skills during the 3 days was unbelievable.

An extraordinary collection of diverse, yet relaxed knowledge. All of the instructors provided invaluable information and each contributed to making the entire experience just packed with information.”

Ken Peterson, Hospital Protection Officer (security), Minneapolis, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

6 years USAF Security Police. High School football/wrestling. Certified First Responder.

”The weekend was very enlightening, physically challenging and fun!

After all I had heard about the course I was expecting high quality, what I received was an outstanding experience. The knowledge and professionalism was top notch.”

Joe Ranellone, Landscape Contractor, Pompton Lakes, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Fitness Trainer

“The most complete training course I have ever taken. Every aspect was totally useful to me. The quality of training and knowledge of Pavel and the Sr. instructors was outstanding! You cannot compare this course with anything else.”

Anthony Grokaitis, Professional Firefighter, Worcester, MA.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Played sports my whole life. Have worked out my whole life. Gulf war Veteran (Desert Shield/Desert Storm). ACE Certified fire service peer fitness trainer.

“It showed me how passionate the people of the kettlebell community are. It reinforced my belief that you can’t learn this stuff from a dvd/video it has to be hands on.

Most definitely one of the best training/learning experiences I have had. The passion of the instructors and people of the kettlebell nation is def. catchy.

Pavel, for someone you read about, watch the DVD, almost holding him in awe, he greeted me as he saw my name was Lithuanian, and everyday he came over to talk to me about my ancestry my grand parents and his experiences in Lithuanian and its people. Talking to him was humbling.”

Doug Boutot, Computer Tech. Brunswick, ME

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Several years experience in Martial Arts, ran a marathon, whitewater kayaker 95-97, avid weight trainer since late 1980’s, kettlebells since 2002, RKC certified in 2004. Competed in 2005 deadlift/pullup comp (DD forum) and Sept 2005 TSC in Providence, RI.

”This was a fantastic learning experience for me. This was a re-certification for me, and this weekend built and improved upon my initial RKC cert of April 2004.

Very in-depth knowledge presented in layman’s terms. Highest quality instruction, even better than 2004.”

Marc Siminone, South Glens Falls, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Multi-sport high school, 5 years rugby college, special operations/counter intelligence US Army, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, yoga, NSCA-CPT

”The Russian Kettlebell Certification program has done it. Eastern philosophy meets Western movement, and there is nothing in this field that comes close to the basic of this system.

100 years of experience and knowledge, from all angles! How often do you get a chance to learn from the “best of the best” in one setting. If anything, health professionals should do this for themselves.

RKC training is “real world” and “results orientated”. Everything else is a series of theories and written tests without instructions. Nothing compare except for military training. TOUGH!”

Dustin Rippetoe, Own small business; gun range, Guthrie, OK

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I have had nine years of various Chinese Martial Arts experience.

”The RKC is the most brutal, fun and rewarding experience I can ever remember going through. Learned more in the 3 days of the RKC than the previous 2 years of solo training.”

Gregory Schneider, Security Consultant, Personal Trainer, San Mateo, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NCAA Div I water polo 89-93, GWU 95-97 Israel Defense forces. Combat soldier, lerav maga. NYC Dept of Investigations 99-01
Club coach USA weightlifting. Sports Performance coach USA weightlifting.

”It was a morale lifting experience and a self-confidence building experience. Everything was top notch and professional. The teaching was precise and fully understandable. The only other training that came close was intense recon training I did in the IDF.”

Laurie Schoonmaker, Attorney, Toledo, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified to teach group fitness: Bodypump, Spin, Yoga.
Triathlete, Half Marathons

”Much more personalized attention than I expected. All sr. and asst instructors were constantly watching you, correcting and /or perfecting your form. (even instructors observing you from other teams). All instructors were very personable and respectful.”

Jennifer Waak, Management Consultant, Seattle, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Years of overall exercise. Dabble in karate, tai chi, dance for a few years. Owned KB’s for a couple of years – got serious about it a year ago.

“It completely transformed my kettlebell training, giving me a new confidence in the exercises and my abilities. It really gives me a great foundation to go forward.”

Nick Nastasi, Personal Trainer, Somerville, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA – CPT, Physical therapy assist.

”Everyone was very knowledgeable. First rate. One of the best seminars I’ve ever attended. They all truly believe in what their doing.”

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

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I have been an exercise enthusiast most of my life. I started martial arts training at the age of 13, and have been studying for the past 30 years. I have spent 8 years in the army as a linguist and infantry officer. I train mostly for martial arts, but sometimes with a little more emphasis on strength training. I have a personal trainer cert. and have also taught martial arts informally for many years.

“Great learning experience. It has made me more confident in my ability to teach others. The level of expertise is incredible. Also the diversity of experience is very helpful. Very professional. The best training I have had. Thanks for the opportunity to learn a great system, which includes more than just kettlebells, but a system of strength concepts to help people improve themselves.”

Bob Budai, Physical Therapist, Personal trainer, Novi, MI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Martial Arts: Tang Soo Do Black Belt, Aikido, Kendo, Jiu Jitsu
Adventure racing, marathon, triathlon. Power lifting 15 years ago.

”The most physically challenging course with the perfect amount of physical work without injury. Excellent instructors with the proper amount of knowledge and enthusiasm.

Most other courses involve the students “blowing sunshine up the instructors butt” with no challenge for the instructor to prove the techniques with “real world” examples. Using people in the community is phenomenal, and it is also obvious that the instructors have quality knowledge and practice what they preach.

It sells out 6 months in advance, you are doing a great job. Worth every penny.”

Mark Toomey, Self Employed, Reno, NV

”It is the most fun, difficult and humbling experience I’ve had since MCRD. I recommend it. Excellent knowledge and teaching skills were exhibited by Pavel and the staff.”

John Dean, Civil Service, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong

”It reminded me how much KB training excels in building strength and staying power. It also taught me the importance of rootedness in the generation of power.

I have only trained under one other system. Over the weekend of that workshop, we mostly sat around being talked at. Learning nothing we did not already know. The RKC workshops are just light years ahead.”

Bill Maher, Respiratory Therapist, NSCA-Personal Trainer, Johnstown, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Air Force Vietnam Veteran. Brown Belt Kempo Karate
NBRC Respiratory Therapist- 12 yrs. NSCA #D CPT – 4 yrs
Own my own gym – training clients

”This weekend is not for the faint of heart. It will make you reach down and see what you are made of. A great experience. This was hardest physical challenge I’ve ever undertaken.”

Kevin Weiss, Personal Trainer, British Columbia, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA CPT. 22 years training experience, numerous bodybuilding and powerlifting titles.

”A great experience that anyone from any sport can take home and immediately become better at what they do. The training was world class. Not a lot of time spent on scientific explanation that most people don’t understand. I learned more this weekend than all other workshops combined.”

Ken Love, Subway Sandwich Shops

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

USMC 1959 - 1963

”It is a brutally tough but effective learning experience. The business development tips were great. The practice teaching of a student was very effective. I am a better man for doing this.”

Francisco Menendez, Personal Trainer, Tech support for beer wholesale; San Mateo, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

BJJ blue belt, 5 years Muay Thai, Crossfit certified trainer.

”It went beyond my expectations. The organization and professionalism was at the top. It doesn’t just show you the lifts but actually teaches you how to teach the lifts and correct clients mistakes. It was filled with so much information.

Other seminars and training just show you movement and give you information. This one actually gave methods of teaching information to others.”

Jennifer Pingleton, hairdresser, Real Estate Agent, St Charles, MO

“I would say it’s been the most thorough, interactive, helpful and challenging workshop I’ve been to. Being new in the field, I feel I now have enough “tools” to be able to train my client effectively, but more importantly, safely.

I think the knowledge each instructor possesses is both unique and superb. Each had their own style which allowed them to be able to get across the message to all different types/levels of skill. It’s great to see all of the way that kettlebell training can be applied in every day activities and jobs.”