Russian Kettlebell Challenge February 2009 Workshop Testimonials

Very intensive training with a group a phenomenal coaches all of whom bring something different to the table but offer the same end result — respect the kettlebell and respect your body, respect others.

The quality of training was fantastic — the best of the best come together for 1 weekend and impart their knowledge on us — doesn't get any better than that!

Joey Williams, Police Officer, Pacifica, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Police Academy Drill Instructor. Police Weaponless Defense Instructor. Fitness Instructor. USMC Fitness Instructor

The kettlebell is only a small portion of what you will earn at the RKC. It is more of a system of strength and fitness for a healthy lifestyle that has no comparison in the fitness arena. Awesome Class!!!

I have attended fitness certifications and seminars for over 20 years. Pavel and his crew are second to none.

Hisashi Imura, Athletic Trainer, San Francisco, CA

The instructors were phenomenal in the various backgrounds and expertise. They each provided such great insight and tools to better perform each exercise. Pavel is amazing in his knowledge and the team he surrounds himself with is top-notch.

There is more information in 3 days (practical and useful info) than 4 years of college and 2 years of graduate work "an inch wide and a mile deep"

Daniel Sawaya, Training Manager, Tucson, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Strength Training for 20 years, but fell in love with Kettlebells over the past 1 year and haven't put them down since. I train special populations and High School Athletes. CSCS, Bachelors Degree Nutritional Sciences

One of the most powerful and fulfilling experiences of my personal training career. The application of these principles transcends more than learning a physical technique. To truly dig deep on a physical, emotional and educational level increased my confidence.

Top notch. Professional and on point. I have a degree in the field, CSCS and years of experience and was very pleased on how they broke down each form in segments and showed how it applied to real world applications. Jeff O'Connor was phenomenal! His verbal cues and eye for technique was amazing! I also appreciated his passion for safety.

More physically challenging than anything I have ever gone through! The hands on experience was more beneficial than any written test I could test.

Matt Wuchner, Personal Trainer, Santa Maria, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM-CPT, Performance Enhancement Specialist (PES), Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES)

If you are involved in the "fitness" Industry (I still don't know what is considered fitness!) and you've noticed that something isn't quite right with most of the B.S. out there, the RKC confirms your hunch. The system really does represent a paradigm shift back to the days of the old time strong men, where form FOLLOWS function. Tense all your muscles, don't focus on the biceps!

Honestly, you all are a fantastic group of individuals and I can only hope to one day be working along side you. I feel I am "among my kind of people" so I'm ecstatic to one day (hopefully total) be one of you. And Pavel is awesome. Not because he's some physical badass (he is) but because he doesn't act like some superior "god among men! I appreciate that. And the rest of the RKC team: you all are the nicest bunch of hard asses I've ever met.

I'm certified through the National Academy of Sports Medicine… I'm a "corrective exercise specialist", and "Performance Enhancement Specialist", and those courses are a joke compared to the knowledge bomb dropped at the RKC… Don't get me wrong their program is insightful and I owe my beginnings but looking back, that's just a stepping stone.

Thank you for the best worst weekend in my training so far!

Eric Moss, Fitness Professional, Wharton, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Physical Culture, Martial Arts, AFAA

I thought the course was just going to be a lot of training along with a basic recap of Pavel's books and videos. I was completely blown away both by the techniques and the way the information was delivered. This is how they can create world class trainers to teach a system that creates world class strength and conditioning.

It is so amazing to see Pavel in action. People came to him with problems in their form and it takes him maybe 10 seconds to address the problems and formulate a solution that works on the spot. The instructors are so knowledgeable and it is easy to see why they are masters, Senior Instructors and team leaders.

The other certifications don't provide real world information and leave you without direction or real knowledge. RKC gives you hands on instruction hands on knowledge and hands on experiences.

Seth Burford, Estimator/Project Manager, Oakdale, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Played College Football and the NFL

Great environment to just absorb the accumulation of knowledge. Between Pavel and all of the team leaders, the amount of information available is unbelievable. Great experiences, being a victim is not always a bad thing.

Pavel is second to none. Enough said about him. Team leaders were very instrumental in explaining details and how the RKC can be applied.

James Mandes, Firefighter, Sacramento, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Blue Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu 6 years, Firefighter with Sac Metro Fire 22 years with a background in technical rescue.

It was the hardest, most intense instructional class I've ever taken.

Joey Hauser Jr., Track and Field Coach/Personal Trainer, Oceanside, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in 2008 as a student athlete, Ranked #8 in the Nation in the triple jump for High Schools in 2003, School Record Holder in the Triple Jump, San Diego County triple jump 2003 Champion, Currently personal training Marines and their families on Camp Pendleton, Coached for U.S. Crossfit.

The RKC is a college level biomechanics exercise physiology class with pain.

Steve McMinn, Personal Trainer / Wing Tsun Kungfu Instructor, Vancouver, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer. Primary Technician Grade Wing Tsun Kungfu. Trainer Level 1 Wing Tsun Kungfu

By far the most professional and info-packed certification I have ever done, bar none. Team leaders and Assistants were genuinely interested in my success and had absolutely no ego!

I really liked the style of TL's presenting and Pavel adding the fine points. Also how other TL's and assistants felt free to add points to all lectures. An amazing depth of knowledge with the skills to back it up. All TL's and assistants carry their abilities with quiet dignity!

I can't wait to come back for RKC II. I am amazed at how much I have improved and keep daydreaming about how much better my clients are gonna get, starting next week!

Matthew Cook, Physician, Gatos, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Yoga Teacher

I have heard so many times that this program is life changing that I took it for granted. After going through it I feel it is one of the greatest honors I have attained in my life.

I think Pavel's knowledge and skill at teaching are unparalleled.

No other 3 day certification begins to compare.

I feel that Chris Holder and his staff deserve the highest recommendations. The course was superbly organized, and flowed efficiently. Also it is inspirational to see a Div I school using kettlebells. I think that he is the standard of what a strength coach should be and being in that presence is inspirational.

Kelly Park, Personal Trainer and Registered Nurse; Santa Barbara, Ca

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Scholarship Distance Runner at Cal State Long Beach. Competed in road and mountain biking as well as triathlons for the last 23 years. Participated in gymnastics, basketball, volleyball, and baseball as a youth and in high school. Career Certifications: ACE Personal Training since 1999. Registered Nurse since 1995, with Certifications in BLS, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Like Support

This certification training brought me up to a different level of understanding and creativity in my thought process for training my clients. I learned that with patience and training progressions happen.

I'm really impressed by all the instructor's collaboration with each other. I've been to a lot of the Perform Better seminars and I think Pavel's understanding of the movement patterns of the body are right up there with Gray Cook's. Pavel's approach is much easier to understand especially if you don't have a medical background.

Organization was the best I've been to. All the instructors were great. They really knew their content. Hand out instructor manual is awesome and very informative.

The workshop was awesome.

Bill Garelick, Fitness Trainer, Union City, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM CPT, PES, CES, USAT Level 1 Triathlon Coach, Tri-athlete

I knew what I was signing up for. It was a long 3 days but a very fulfilling 3 days. I was sore and tired afterward but the information I received was well worth it.

I couldn't have asked for a more knowledgeable group of people in regards to training and kettlebells.

It is by far the best training I have ever received in any training workshops and I've been to quite a few of them.

The hotel, the facility, the SJSU staff and Dragon Door were all great! I feel a lot of time and energy and thought went into make this happen.

Clinton Herring, Trainer, Middletown, DE

It is the kind of experience that any self-respecting human should have, but few ever will. My skills that apply both to my own training, and my effort to spread KB training to others, were refined and put on the correct course towards mastery. I was asked to rise to a physical challenge, the successful completion of which, has made me a better person, I have gained more respect for myself and others, similar to the practice of a martial art. Perhaps the most profound aspect of my experience was the RKC community of peers and teachers that I have now become a part of. The quality of people here is such that I am quite certain that I have established life-long connections.

It kicks every other certs, and experiences ASS. It is a lot of take in, but it is comprehensive and applicable. The quality of instructors is top notch.

Chris Holder and his incredible facility are top rate. In my eyes, this is one of the most able locations to facilitate RKC.

Thanks for changing my life.

Joe E. Marquez, El Paso, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Personal trainer for 10 yrs. Participated in local half marathons and mountain bike races. Pursuing degree in exercise science.

It was the most challenging thing I've ever done but I would definitely do it all over again! The wealth of information that you receive is phenomenal!

The quality of training and knowledge provided by everyone here was the most informative I've ever come across.

Ashley Benedict, Bartender, Atlanta, GA

This was probably the most nerve racking — in a good way — weekend of my life. This is so important to me. It was crucial that I do a good job and make an impression. I have the utmost respect for all of the trainers here. They were helpful but firm, just what we need. I will definitely be returning for RKC II after lots of training.

I never felt like I was in a group of 80-100 people. I never felt like a needle in a haystack. There was always someone to help us. The level of knowledge was mind blowing. I can really tell their love for kettlebells. I've learned so much this weekend, hopefully I can retain most of it. Pavel just seems to know everything, it's great. It was an honor to be here this weekend.

Michael George, Investor, Gloucester, VA

It was an experience of immersing myself in a ocean of excellence among the best of the best, with the most revolutionary skills of strength — I can only hope some soaked in and rubbed off on me — I believe it did!

I've read all the Dragon Door books — but it's not the same — better. In other words, five minutes with a master is worth 25 books and videos.

These instructors are truly exceptional, outstanding. They walk the talk. I believe I am better in many, many ways for their teaching and personal attention. Everyone was very accessible and honored my little questions with great courtesy and support. My assistant team leader were just as outstanding as the lead instructor. I may have learned the most from the assistants in my team. I'm very grateful.

Sarah Wisotsky, Student, Aromas, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

SJSU Women's Soccer Team

Knowledge is Power. I have learned how my body functions in ways that I can optimize my power and strength.

Their knowledge of kettlebells was extensive and fascinating. I learned something about how to improve myself form each of my instructors. All the lectures broke down a step into becoming better and more aware of kettlebells.

It will and has improved my training. Breathing correctly to tensing and relaxing all has relation to my sport and my training. I can't wait to go train and see my improvements.

James Henson, Physical Therapist, Pittsburgh, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

PT CSCS

This training is intense and a challenge physically and mentally. The instruction, problem analysis and corrections were excellent. I highly recommend this course to anyone looking to improve their knowledge of training a wide range of clients.

Pavel: excellent instruction, great command of the room. Superb presentation of scientific concepts in layman's term. My team leader Mark Reifkind was superb. Quick to analyze technique problems clear, concise positive instruction. Victoria and Asha were ever present with feedback and explanation. All of the instructors were committed to their profession and demonstrated great knowledge and leadership skills.

I have never taken such an intense course based on actual physical performance of the exercises. Great emphasis on safety for the client and instructor. I will immediately be able to use this information with my patients. The scope of the information was vast. The manual — a great resource.

Brooke Sullivan, Massage and Body Work Therapist, San Diego, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Martial Arts — various, Professional — massage, Muscle Activation Techniques.

One of the most rewarding, personally empowering, mind focusing and fun weekends ever. Went sky diving a few weeks ago, RKC is a much more satisfying exhilarating experience.

Pavel — yes read the books, however listening to him speak gave me an ever greater respect of him because of his understanding of the human body and its complexities.

I took a training session from a top instructor who is said to have the perfect TGU. I found I got here and that some of my TGU was not correct. I really appreciated the congruity of my four instructors.

Very well organized material, well presented. I do not learn well if there are a lot of tangents, I have a hard time coming back to the original subject. I felt like our training was focused, concise, if there was a story it was short and immediately reality and then brought back to the subject at hand.

Thank you. This has changed my life in more ways than I can express both personally and professionally.

Mahidhar Reddy, Personal Trainer/Strength Coach, Fremont, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

BS Exercise Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey. National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). American College of Sports Medicine Health/Fitness Instructor (ACSM HFI). National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM CES).

Pavel displays a degree of competence in his chosen subject matter that goes far beyond the publications. Sense of humor will worth price of admission.

Stephanie Myers, Personal Trainer, Group Fitness Instructor, Lansdale, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Personal Trainer. Group Fitness Instructor, Body Pump Cert. B.A. Early Childhood, B.A. Psychology. Collegiate Softball Fast-pitch & 4 years National-level slow-pitch competitor. Body Building competitor. Power-Lifting competitor. Coaching experience in softball, baseball, gymnastics, and basketball.

RKC has given me a gift that I hope to share with as many clients as possible. It has transformed my understanding of all movement, and has literally changed my life.

I am completely amazed at how much information and expertise that Chief Instructor Pavel has but better yet his way of explaining and showing then applying the techniques. I have learned more from all of these instructors than a whole life of athletics and weight lifting. A special thanks to Jeff O'Connor for showing, correcting and connecting things that I never knew I was doing wrong. He has an amazing way of gently and thoroughly expressing his point. Very encouraging! Tough Love! Able to break down complex movement to make them more effective.

No comparison. Physical application, repletion, being pushed to the limit. The BEST quality of instruction that I have ever had, and I am walking away with so many new "tools" in my toolbox for practical use.

Bridget Humphrey, Firefighter, Seattle, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE — personal trainer — Peer fitness trainer. 24 yrs weight training experience. Completed swim from Alcatraz — Summer 2008 completed Danskin Spring Triathlon 5 times.

This was a very demanding weekend. It required my complete attention al weekend. I will continue to learn from this weekend for a very long time.

Training and knowledge was un-intimidating, which was a surprise. It was, therefore, really helpful. Pavel has a good delivery style.

The instructors in our group were serious and obviously very interested I our success. Jeff O'Connor has a quiet presence that makes you want to perform well. And Darrell's unchecked enthusiasm was awesome — positive and yet insightful and clear.

This is the fastest paced training I have gotten — almost not doable — but doable. I am very happy with the amount of information offered in this short amount of time.

This facility is great. Dragon Door is great.

Michelle Johnson, Esthetician/Spa Own, Napa, CA

RKC training has changed the way I view the body for life. I decided to attend as a personal goal, to continue the transformation of my body. What I am taking away is a tool to help others transform their bodies and their lives. I now have a burning desire to introduce my spa clients to this amazing way of life.

Pavel and his team of instructors have demonstrated an incredible foundation of knowledge and integrity. I had very high expectations and each person has managed to exceed them.

Leslie F. Keehn, Attorney, San Diego, CA

It challenged me to dig deeply for the best within myself in terms of physical strength, body awareness, and mental endurance through fatigue.

Pavel has an impressive eye for identifying subtle movements that are making an exercise more difficult or less efficient. Pavel also treats his student with respect, which makes me respect him more, and want to learn from him. His team all seemed skilled and knowledgeable. I learn best when I'm treated with respect and given encouragement.

This is my first and only experience with a certification program. I thought the quality of instruction was top notch, with a large but not too overwhelming scope of material. I liked the focus on a set number of basic movements. The instructions, combined with the manual, will make the material very practical to apply. The collective information provided appears sufficient for immediate application with clients.

Farrah Lin, Senior Software Engineer, San Diego, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer

The RKC training provided me with all of the tools that I need in order to effectively teach kettlebells. And I learned how to improve my technique in order to get more strength and endurance

I was very pleased with the amazing amount of knowledge that all of the trainers had. Chris Holder is extremely knowledgeable and very approachable. He was very clear when correcting my form and was very encouraging when he would say job well done. Cassie was extremely helpful in teaching me to perform the press with my lats engaged. I am excited to apply what I've learned when I go back home.

The RKC was more applicable in day to day training. The material is straight forward and applicable I have an ACSM personal trainer certification and I have forgotten a lot of the info. The RKC info will not be forgotten.

Alan Heddings, Firefighter, Monroe, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Played College football. (US Coast Guard Academy) - Competitor, Scott Firefighter Stairclimb - Competitor, Firefighter Combat Challenge (qualified/competed at World Championships) - Competed in dozens of 5k races, 10k, Half-marathon and Sprint triathlon - Climbing Mt Hood in spring 09
Military Background: - Officer in US Coast Guard, working primarily in Maritime Law Enforcement and drug interdiction.
Law Enforcement Background: - Worked as Sheriff's Deputy prior to joining Fire Dept.
Professional Certifications: - Emergency Medical Technician - Hazmat Technician.
Fitness Certifications: - ACE/IAFF Senior Peer Fitness Trainer - ACSM Personal Trainer - Cooper Institute Fitness Specialist - Schwinn Indoor Cycling Instructor

The months of preparation, sweat, lost skin and sore muscles were not enough to qualify me to become an RKC. There is no breezing through this course. Everyone who comes through gets to hit a breaking point… but they learn to adapt their mind and body in an extremely short amount of time to overcome and exceed their own expectation. The staff or RKC instructors make sure of this for you. This is a life changing accomplishment.

The instructors are extremely personable yet very passionate. There is no doubt that they want you to succeed, and will give you every bit of help possible to do so, yet they wear the RKC badge with honor. Honoring the badge means that standard of skill, self-improvement, conduct and image is essential. Humility is a must. The professionalism of the staff leaves no doubt that you are entering into an elite family and that pathway in is very tough yet extremely rewarding. It has been the most well taught class I have ever been to.

This is the most applicable (immediately so!) courses I have ever been into terms of physical training. The bleed over into aspects of my life outside of fitness are immeasurable activities in the outdoors. Time with family, quality of life, longevity, mobility into old age. I have never finished a course physically exhausted, yet so invigorated, feeling stronger and fitter than in my college football days.

Kari Sonnenberg, Gymnastics Coach, Pixley, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Competitive gymnastics 8 yrs old — 23 yrs old. Level 10 for 5 yrs. Cornell University Gymnastics team 4 yrs. National Floor Champion 2007. 3 time All American. Team Captain 2006-2007.

First, I love KB! Second, it's a lot of information! But, it was presented in a way that made sense. KB makes sense to me now.

The instructors were not only extremely knowledgeable about kb, but also had something else to bring to the table, i.e. sports or medicine which I loved.

Frank Nash, Strength Coach, Worcester, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM CPT, CES, PES, FMS, TPI GFI GFI 3, MP2

I am a CSCS, NASM CPT, PES, CES, FMS, and this by far has been the best learning workshop I've ever attending and I go to everything.

The instructors were more knowledgeable then I anticipated, I did not expect Pavel to be as involved as he was. He was very intense and helpful to all individuals.

Chris and his staff were awesome, facility was great. I cannot wait to see all of you in level 2 RKC and CK-FMS.

Eric Fleming, Captain USMC — AH-1W Cobra Pilot, Encinitas, CA

Like any formal school/training, a standard is set here from which very little deviation is tolerated. A military approach in a professional atmosphere makes for a high-intensity program without be demanding. It is also as hard as you make it, so when instructor eyes aren't watching, those with integrity continue to push. You don't find many people on the other side; people want to be here.

Similar in structure to the Marine Corps training I am most familiar with: information in physical performance balanced with the "why" and "how" in lectures. There is much tactical application to everything done here.

Thank you for a worthwhile weekend of instruction in a subject I regard very highly. Thanks for a great team leader!

Theresa Nesbitt, Physician, St. Charles, IL

This was a re-certification for me. I was really amazed at how the process continues to be refined and upgraded. The attention to detail and the efficiency of the process just keeps getting better. I am more excited about kettlebells than ever.

When I met Pavel Tsatsouline 2 years ago I told him I have had hundreds of coaches and teachers around the world, and he is the best instructor I have ever worked with personally and that the quality of RKC team leaders, Masters and instructors were a testament to his skill and knowledge. It has been a busy year and a half for me as I travel to work with many teachers and coaches. But Pavel is still the best — full stop.

I could write a book but it really is summed up in one phrase — Superior in every way — as an all around fitness tool.

Chris Holder should get a medal for outstanding job as team leader and host. He was there for us (his team) 150% and still made it great workshop for everyone.

Karen Washburn, Business Consultant, Tucson, AZ

I wouldn't miss one minute of it or the months of training with my team preparing for it. Our RKC instructor prepared us very well.

If I were to rate the instructors and their ability to present their respective subject, it would be a 20 on a 1-10 scale. The single difference experienced at RKC was access to every instructor who was personally vested in my individual success — unlike any other training I have attended. Positive teaching was practiced by all instructors.

I have never attended a similar training — very well executed from a business perspective.

Stacey Schaedler, Personal Trainer/Yoga Instructor, South Boston, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

College Athlete, Corporate Wellness, Studio Work.

Amazing and well worth the money. Pavel and Team Leaders are inspiring and really care about making RKCs competent instructors. Jeremy and Keira care about how well we teach as well as how well we perform.

Unlike any other. Everyone got better and better everyday. I feel confident sending clients to an RKC anywhere in the world. Met great people who think like me.

Very challenging but accessible to wide variety of people. Tons of troubleshooting for clients, as well as workouts for us crazy people! I learned so much I don't want it to be over.

Peggy Silveri, Accounting, Incline Village, NV

Great experience to learn how to efficiently keep the body fit and how to help other people do the same. The instructors were of the highest caliber really knowing the depth of knowledge that I came here for.

I loved the weekend and learned I can do way more than I believed before coming here. The course was definitely going to challenge someone who's been in the fitness field before coming but at the same time I felt I still am coming home with knowledge I'll use the rest of my life, and I'm basically a part-time accountant and housewife.

Stuart Rodeffer, Battalion Chief, Tucson, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former Marine Military Police 1983-1993 (knee, hip, back injury 20% disabled) Fire Service 1993-present

I started wide eyed eager and wanting to better myself. I found my limits push thorough them and found new muscle, new breath, new flexibility and a new inner and outer presence of health.

Professional: would be selling short these individuals. Warm, tough, caring, intense, honest and real! An elite group that welcomes anyone who is willing to be as dedicated and outstanding as them.

This is awesome. Dragon Door, San Jose State and Chris with his staff. Live RKC!

Thank you for giving my life back!

Audrey Evans, Personal Trainer, Los Angeles, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Completed 24 marathons including Prague, New York, and Boston. Hold Personal Training certification with NASM. Also PES with NASM. Have Crossfit certification for kettlebell instruction.

Awesome! It took me to levels of strength and fitness I didn't believe possible — and that was just training for the event.

I was so impressed with everyone's knowledge and professionalism. It was great to hear from world record power lifters, physicians and strength coaches.

I really appreciated the assistant RKC coaches. Victoria and Asha helped me enormously.

The organization was wonderful. What an impressive guy Chris Holder is. Mark Reifkind is an amazing teacher.

Donald Berry, Chiropractor, Frederick, MD

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Instruction for Close Range Combat Academy. Wing Chun Kung Fu, Certified Corrective Exercise Specialist

I had been training on my own for 2 years and thought I knew something. I had to change everything but it paid off. I am stronger and more powerful!

They were all present and personable with incredible skill and knowledge base. Just awesome.

I have done a lot of thing in over 30 years of martial art training. Nothing pushed me this hard. Thank you. I have learned so much.

Cody Nicholas, none, Alexandria, VA

It is far and away the best tool for training out there.

William Valenzuela, Personal Trainer, Tucson, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA Certified — level 1 Crossfit

This was tough on my body but even tougher on my mind! One of the best experiences of my life!

They were all knowledgeable and very energetic. A perfect group of very different characters!

Aaron Gonzales, Hawthorne, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACSM Trainer, Silver Medal at Gracie US Nationals 2009 Jiu-Jitsu Tournament.

Inspiring, unbelievable! Blows everything out of the water!

Steven Lo, Strength Coach, San Jose, CA

I was skeptical about the RKC initially and was not quite sure about all the claims. But the systems is truly rooted in scientific research and synthesized in terms which are practically applicable to all populations.

Pavel had a straight to the point approach to teaching which was very useful. His team of instructors also were very useful in reinforcing ideas.

Practical use in the best area of the RKC. I've taken the CSCS and NSCA CPT and neither of those certs are directly applicable. I like how focused the cert is in actually becoming a better instructor.

Rachelle Gundlach, Group Fitness Instructor, Weott, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Teach spinning classes five days a week at two gyms. I am not a personal trainer. I love to run and compete in races. I lift some and LOVE kettlebells.

Stressful, helpful, beneficial, high anxiety, greatly helped skills.

Instructors were helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, supportive and encouraging. Lost of assistants and leaders to ask questions.

Sean Ramsey, Realtor, Rocklin, CA

Instruction is excellent, with knowledgeable experienced instructors with many different types of background.

This training is more technical with a focus on proper form and developing strength that is already there.

Michaela Zwinakis, VP Marketing; Woodside, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Dedicated gym devotee

For anyone is looking to take their training to the next level, this seminar is perfect. It is expensive but you only got one body and after this seminar it is likely to be a much improved and honed body.

Generally excellent. By comparing with real world situations and diagnostics and the cumulative years of experience you produce a saturation and density of info that you couldn't get anywhere else.

Like a super managed course. Incredible 100:1 training session.

Scott Osguthorpe, Cabinet Manufacturing, N. Salt Lake, UT

A lot of great information shared with you then getting to practice it while being pushed beyond what you though you could do.

Everyone worked very well together at helping correct any thing that needed "fixing".

Roger Carroll, Sales Manager, Southlake, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

College Football Player. Training with Kettlebells for 3 years.

The seminar offered a great amount of technical information that is broken down into teachable parts. The instructors do a great job of explaining the techniques and teaching easy corrections. There is enough physical challenge as well.

Chris Holder did a great job of explaining and correcting. He was very approachable with great feedback, Pavel — I was very impressed by his hands on involvement throughout the course. He is not just a name on the brand. He is deeply involved and does a great job of delivering the information.

Chris Drier, Physical Therapist, Merced, CA

Very challenging, yet learned a lot, will sleep good tonight.

Kevin Zybach, Army, Puyallup, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

4 years KB training on my own.

I learned a whole lot about what I was doing wrong, and I became stronger as a result.

William Case II, Gym Owner, Kamuela, HI

One of the best times I have had. It was everything I thought it would be and more. It was the best training I've had. No matter what I walk way a better person.

Blows everything away by far.

Gilbert Smith Jr, Personal Trainer/MMA Fighter, Colorado Springs, CO

It changes the way you move, think and training for the better regardless of your background.

Without the instructors and their level of knowledge I would have not gotten what I needed.

Ty Eidam, Firefighter, Sacramento, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Martial Arts

This training has created a great deal of clarity on the depth of this system and how important the details are.

High quality of training, not any fluff.
Not many people can handle hard core training, glad it still exists.

Strict, on time and on task, very organized. At a much higher level than any other course.

Ajay Bulchandani, Fitness Trainer, Radio and Night Club DJ, San Francisco, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ISSA Certified personal trainer. AKC certified kettlebell instructor. Strength for the streets certified fitness instructor. Outdoor boot camp certified instructor. Group strength instructor. 2 years previous Muay Thai kick boxing. Currently back in Muay Thai (different school)

One of the toughest and most rewarding weekends of my life. In addition, I learned the finer points of what to do and what not to do when training.

Their attention to detail is without equal. Their ability to point out even the most minor mistakes was extremely beneficial to my learning process.

The hands-on learning was crucial as opposed to most book and or online/classroom certs. Having to demonstrate proficiency before passing leaves me more confident in myself (and other RKC trainers) being able to teach.

Rudy Tapalla, Gym Owner/Trainer, Chicago, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former Marine Corps Sergeant. ACE, NASM Certified Personal Trainer. FMS Certified. Z-Health R phase Certified. CrossFit Level II Certified. USAW Sport Performance Coach

Challenging both physically and mentally, but fun. Great instruction with ample hands on practice time.

Excellent quality, very personable people. I would have liked a little more time in our small groups with our team leaders but also understand there was a lot to teach.

It was everything I expected! It was great to have a side bar with Pavel talking abut the furthering research on eccentric loading.

It was awesome to have Tim Ferriss speak on marketing (I wish that part actually was about an hour longer).

Tiffany Larson, Fitness Professional, Napa, CA

This was a great experience for me to test my mental strength as well as my physical strength. If I can do this I can endure most anything.

Pavel is a wonderful instructor and a master at troubleshooting. It is helpful to see and hear his solutions to common kettlebell mistakes. Doc Hartle and Chuck Halbakken really helped me "stay in the game" I had a lot of self doubt and my coaches helped me endure the weekend.

Thank you. I thought I was strong when I got here now I know I am.

Jason Agrella, Personal Trainer, Mountain View, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NCEP CPT. NCEP core and balance specialist. NASM. APEX. 2002 APF teenage national power lifting champ 181 pound class. California State record holder for all three power lifts in 181 teenage division in APF and APA.

Very in depth. I feel I am walking away with a much greater appreciation for the little details of movements and their importance on the quality of the movement.

Much better. Other programs want you to accept truth based on "authority" and "science/data". Other programs have proved very little to support their claims by the end of the course. The RKC shows you why what they say is factual and correct. This is the only program I can walk away from feeling less confused than when I started.

Sergio Aparicio Jr., Fitness Trainer, San Juan, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

SSA Certified, IRHSA Member, 7 years Fitness Trainer

Overall I feel very strong and athletic. This weekend has shown me how hard our bodies can work it we just apply ourselves and have determination! The networking is also a big plus this weekend. I would o it again and again.

I truly respect the methods Pavel applies to his RKC system. It allows us to learn more abut our bodies and how it works under pressure and stress. Everyone here is very knowledgeable and friendly.

It is by far the most intense thing I have ever done. Material is very informative and can be applied to everyday life.

Christopher Gaines, Personal Training Manager, Palo Alto, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Collegiate Football & Rugby, S&C Coach for Stanford Men's & Women's Rugby Clubs, NSCA-CSCS, NASM-CES

This training has enhanced my understanding of physical preparation and movement more so than any book I have read before. The hands on physical approach to instructional training is a highly effective and unparalleled experience.

The quality of training is just as Mark Reifkind described it, "simplexity". Highly complex ideas broken down into simple components for greater understanding.

The depth of knowledge that each instructor brought to the course helped to make it a truly well rounded instructional and training experience.

David Bradley, Internet Sales Manager, Encino, CA

My experience has been humbling and lifted my confidence at the same time. I've very excited to apply all I have learned into my training and hopefully a few others as well.

My team leader was great and I am proud to have been a part of team Hartle. I don't now if I'll leave here an RKC yet but I do know I'm leaving here stronger than when I came in tougher than when I arrived and my knowledge base is wider. This has been a dream come true and I thank you all for sharing it with me.

Jeff Catanzarite, Dr. of Chiropractic, Newport Beach, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Weight Training, Running, Yoga and Physical Fitness

One of the most rewarding and physically challenging experience of my life. It was probably just as hard, if not harder than double session back in my high school football days.

The quality of the training was very thorough and detailed I enjoyed the diversity of the trainers backgrounds and perspective on the technique. Definitely ranks as the best training on exercise. Superb — keep up the good work.

Michael Davis, Personal Trainer/Gym Owner, Three Rivers, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Bachelors Degree/Accounting. Credentialed School Teacher. Brown Belt. CSCS

The weekend was the most enlightening, education and physically demanding that I have ever done. I loved meeting all the prospective candidates and watching the good excel and inexperienced become amazingly smoother.

Blew all other workshops away, I learned more and reinforced other thoughts, and techniques. RKC is much better then ISSA and my CSCS materials.

Anne Letourneau, Stay at home mom, Ridgefield, CT

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

AAU and NBC nationally qualified back thousand years ago (in bodybuilding) I dabble in all kinds of sports (tennis, running, kickboxing, volleyball, etc.)

Loaded with information, great drills, attention to detail and a great instructing. Physically and mentally demanding to make me a stronger athlete.

Nas Tarazi, Personal Trainer, San Bruno, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

National Academy of Sports Medicine Business Degree

Great practical course that teaches the body how to work effectively and helps weed out dysfunction. Very knowledgeable and very advanced techniques. Lots of information that takes longer then 3 days to master.

It was far beyond any cert in the past. More info and more application then ever. I appreciate the experience and all the instructors. I will never forget it.

Stephen Nepa, Health & Wellness Consultant — Kilboa, LLC, Rabun Gap, GA

The weekend was intense, informative and gave me a sense of responsibility in promoting and protect the RKC brand.

Deep, deep understanding of concepts, principles and the bio-mechanics, physiology and neurology behind the kettlebell movements.

Daniel Sullivan, Student, Boston, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Track and Field Thrower, Swimmer and Diver

The depth of knowledge displayed by all of the instructors was very impressive. Even though there was only 1 Pavel for 80+ students he was able to offer 1 on 1 instruction to everybody at sometime.

I have been training with a level 2 RKC full certified Z Health practitioner so my exposure to such practical training had been extensive prior to the cert.; however, coming to the cert exposed me to ever more practical methods due to the multitude of training backgrounds of all the RKCs present.

Mike Prosser, Police Officer, Thousand Oaks, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

United States Marine Corps Combat Veteran. Service in Desert Shield / Desert Storm. Career Police Officer. SWAT / SNIPER. Firearms Instructor. Krava Maga Level 1 Agency Defensive Tactics Instructor. Field Training Officer

It unites a group of vastly diverse people and indoctrinates them into an elite fraternity in a way that most people only experience in U.S.M.C boot camp, SWAT/Sniper school or combat.

Pavel is has an incredible wealth of knowledge. A book or DVD does not allow you to ask questions or get feedback and correction as well as Pavel and the Team Leaders can in person.

In Marine boot camp, the Police Academy and SWAT School we p.t.'d a lot. Day after day. Week after week, only knowing we needed to do it to graduate. "do it or else". RKC has been the hardest physical challenge in my life and has taught me how to impart that toughness through training to other people to help them "do it and thrive" vs. "do it or else".

Lindsey Bellomy, Military, Carlsbad, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

USMC Training — The Basic School

RKC is the think tank for learning the fine-tuned skills to whole body strength and flexibility. You learn the basis of not only kettlebells, but the way our bodies were born to move.

The knowledge of Pavel and his instructors is powerful and insightful. They helped us to be the sponge in front of the fire-hose and absorb it all through constant lectures and demonstrations.

My only other training has been in the military. And I found here to be striking similarities in execution. It's efficient and will yield great results when looking for a certain "type" of RKC instructors

Danielle Lang, Accountant, Tucson, AZ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

State and Zone champion Hunter/Jumper horse back riding, have traveled and competed all over the US and Canada

This was the most informational intensive course I have ever taken in my life. We learned the skills of strength, endurance, perseverance and humbleness. Treat each victim with respect but realize self-motivation is a key factor. This course was very comprehensive in that each exercise was taught and administered step by step from the ground up.

Pavel is incredible. He is so knowledgeable yet humble and was able to call each and every victim by his/her name. The quality of instructions by him was not ever whelming in that he taught step by step and connected one thing at a time. Jeremy Layport was my group's instructor and to be able to watch someone with that skill and performance was so key. Gave great pointers and concentrated on specifics without overwhelming the victim and recognized when the victim was doing well. Kiera — assistant instructor, was so helpful in particular as she was a wealth of knowledge on troubleshooting and future prep.

I've loved everything about this experience so intensive and demanding as it should be. All the material was useful and repetition made efficiency! Well done!

Peter Meyer, Product manager, Fortuna, CA

Hands on, in person instruction from multiple trainers was invaluable.

Very comprehensive with emphasis on skill building and proficiency.

Sheri Kaminski, Personal Trainer/Manager, Snap Fitness, Henderson, NV

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA- CPT

The weekend strengthened the good habits I had, and fixed the ones that were not so good. I feel so much more confident gong back to my clients and on with my education.

Wonderful! As much as I felt I was able to learn through Pavel's books and DVDs — and Andrea Du Cane's DVD — I got so much more here. The instructors are clean and empowering.

It has been by far the most valuable training I have taken to date. The balance of workout/lecture is a very difficult task and the RKC did it so well. The practical aspect was amazing.

Leslie Wu, Student, Stanford, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

3+ years Chinese martial arts (Wushu, Gungfu, Taiji)

Awesome, Pavel is always impressive. I appreciated the women instructors in Team Toomey who I learned the most personally from, especially Melody who noticed and then fixed my KB issues along the way. Always love what Rif has to say.

Best training ever — extremely engaging, personal, deeper a whole system.

Bernardo Santamaria, Personal Trainer, Houston, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Bachelor of Science Kinesiology-Exercise Science and a minor in health. CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist). Some Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, and kung fu experience.

One of the toughest experiences I have had, but fun and educational at the same time.

Pavel Tsatsouline and his team of instructors are very knowledgeable. They get to the heart of training. What we need to know and discard what is useless.

RKC is at the top. They clearly explained what they expected from us, which is our best. They taught us what work is and no less. They also showed us its use in sports and in daily life.

Mark Greaves, Personal Trainer, West Midlands, United Kingdom

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Titleist performance Institute level 3 golf fitness instructor. Chek golf biomechanics certified. Premier UK personal training diploma.

Incredibly intense 3 days. I probably learned more in one weekend than I have in the last year. Painful at times but an experience that I am better for.

Very precise instruction. Great teaching from Jeremy Layport and this team. Very clear and sensible use of time.

Quality of products (manual, bells etc) is pleasingly high unlike many other courses. No multiple choice questionnaire to pass unlike so many lame courses.

Adriana Mireless, Personal Trainer, San Mateo, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Reposturing, weight loss, core, balance, strengthening, post rehabilitation. NASM certified, Medical Exercise Specialist.

I was able to improve my technique and also this weekend was a great opportunity to prove to myself what a mindset and commitment can do for you to know your own potential. The RKC weekend has been without a doubt the most mental, and physical challenge of my life so far, besides giving birth to four children. I am confident I'm going to able to deliver the skills learned in this weekend to my clients and beyond.

I like the fact again that the lectures were very specific, simple and yet they addressed the movement patterns of the body without complicated terms, but with immediate, practical application.

I like the respect the instructors had for every participant.

I like the fact that different topics were covered by different instructors obeying their expertise.

I like the discipline and organization of the schedule.

Cheryl Cohen, CrossFit Coach, Carlsbad, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

CrossFit Level 2 Certified. Olympic Weight lifting Certified. Affiliate Owner

The experience was very good. I feel that I have a much greater understanding of how to execute and teach the movements. I think my group was amazing! I really enjoyed the sense of community amongst the participants.

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