Back to Upcoming Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification Workshop

June 2006 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop — Participant Praise

Carlos Bradley, Personal Trainer, Philadelphia, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Mr. Pennsylvania Super Heavy Weight Champion (2000, 2002, 2003). NFL Linebacker 1981-87.

“As a former NFL player I would say this was one of the most challenging physical events that I have taken part in outside of training camp. That being said I learned a lot that I can use to help me help others.”

Chip Morton, Strength and Conditioning Coach, Cincinnati, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

20+ years in coaching – 5 collegiate (the Ohio State University and Penn State University) 15 years in NFL.
NSCA certified since 1990

“I was very impressed with the workshop! I was most surprised by and impressed with the organized presentation of proper teaching progressions for the fundamental kettlebell exercises. Secondly, the common thread of exercise techniques flowed throughout and connected all the exercises throughout the weekend. One of the more thorough certifications I have been involved with. A combination of theory and teaching coupled with rugged training and technique practice!”

Cole Summers, Strength Coach, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Team Canada strength coach, women’s national volleyball team, national team and pro boxers, Manitoba Provincial rugby teas, Olympic and Pro hockey players, pro football players. University of Winnipeg, University Manitoba athletic teams etc.

“A tremendous experience. All encompassing on both physical and mental levels. Everything taught was done with a purpose and interrelated perfectly. The RKC improved my knowledge immensely. Superb coaches and teachers. Every instructor brought unique talents to bear, and complemented each other perfectly. These are quality people, amongst the best in the world in their specialties, I believe.

Along with the Unlock! seminar the RKC stands out as the best training course I’ve ever taken. As a Canadian National Strength Coach, I’ve participated in many seminars. None come close to the RKC training. I’ll be highly recommending it to the director of High Performance for the Canadian Olympic team.”

Tricia Dong, Fitness Trainer, Vancouver, BC, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

BCRPA- registered fitness leader; Former Vancouver police officer; member, Vancouver police judo club (blue belt); Owner, Code 5 Fitness.

“An incredibly intense weekend with the highest level of instruction and professionalism. Inspiring and motivating for personal growth. Wonderful professional networking opportunity. Given what these world-class instructors would charge for a 1-2-or 3 day workshop plus the specialize training unique to Kb/RKC, this course and the instruction provided by Pavel and the other SRKC’s was invaluable. It was an honor to train with these individuals.

Sets the bar for expectations in terms of quality of instruction, practical instruction/application, and physical demands.”

Stephen Nave, Trainer, San Diego, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACSM – HFI, CHEK level 2, Nutrition lifestyle coach (CHEK), golf biomechanic (CHEK). Spin instructor (maddog), MBA, retired Navy SEAL 23 years.

“The certification was a great learning experience for really understanding the mechanics behind the kettlebell exercises and methodology. The quality of knowledge provided was outstanding. All instructors were sharing information freely and were great resources for our own techniques issues and problems. Instructors were patient and proved various solutions to whatever problem there was.”

David Barrett, Sports Conditioning and Performance Specialist, Akron, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Strength & conditioning coach S & V – S & M National Championship high school team. Trained LeBron James NBA player w/ Cleveland Cavaliers. ACE certified personal training, member NSCA, ACSM

“Best certification offered in the industry period! If you can’t learn here with all the resources offered to you, it’s your own fault!

All the instructors were awesome, including the assistant instructors. Pavel is truly the leader in the industry. Brett Jones, my group leader provided excellent teaching tools to learn or improve skills.”

Rhonda Fuller-Dykeman, Massage Therapist, Personal Trainer, Yoga instructor, Nutrition and Lifestyle coach. Alpine, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

California Certified holistic healthcare practitioner, Certified massage therapist, CHEK nutrition and lifestyle coach level 3, certified personal trainer, former national and international level competitive bodybuilder.

“Certainly the most physical and mentally enduring exercise certification I’ve attended in my life! I’ve been involved in the exercise industry for over 20 years, this is hands down the most satisfying information I’ve obtained. I felt the knowledge and quality was incredible and applicable to most any client. I truly enjoyed every senior instructor’s talk and feel they all are very professional and knowledgeable. Practical use far exceeds any certification or workshop I’ve attended.”

Tamara Sanderson, Financial Service Manager, Red Deer, AB, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Kettlebell training for 2 years from Keith Weber. Always been very active; cycling, running, sports teams.

“It strengthened my belief in using the KB system for training. It is so effective. The importance of proper form was so nicely stressed, really using your brain, mentally training to achieve optional benefits physically.

There was always an explanation. Really demonstrated how to teach. From good enough to fine tuning. From ok to superb. Easy to follow, each senior instructor contributed to my KB experience, all had something to add.”

Lynne Pitts, USAF, Richmond, NH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

25+ years weight training, state/national/international power lifting competitor/record setter; “international club bell sport” master of sport; 20 years (active and reserve) USAF; crossfit level I certified.

“Overall a very positive experience. Certainly a unique event. The opportunity for hands on practice and exposure to some dynamic workouts was great. I certainly feel more confident in my own abilities and in my ability to help others.

Excellent presentations and depth of knowledge present by the entire senior team. The teaching abilities were very high caliber and the ability to present material was outstanding.”

Gayle Claypatch, Adm. Asst. at Osteopathic/Homeopathic Physician office.

“Exceeded my expectations in useful information to increase my own KB performance and training and gave me countless number of tools and exercises to help clients. All instructors brought impressive knowledge – useful and practical. They kept things efficient and clean. Each one delivered information in a unique way but all shared their passion and enthusiasm of KB’s I enjoyed all.

It has expanded my knowledge of and helped round out the possibilities of KB as a transformation tool for change. I will use this information personally and working with clients.”

Glenn Cruz, Personal Trainer, Niceville, FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Black belt – tae kwon do, Retired Air Force Veteran
Indoor cycling instructor to include resistance training, and element of yoga, tai-chi and pilates.

“Challenging, intense, motivating, inspiring you to understand yourself, your capabilities and how to get connected to the movement. Pavel and the SR instructors were able to provide instruction that enabled you to grow, understand and bring out the best of you. Their high standard of excellence, are clearly seen by their passion of the RKC. You only need to ask, and all the education is available from the very best! This by far is the best training in the area of fitness. Second to none!

This training should be a must for anyone seeking personal development in fitness or as a trainer. At any level kettlebell training application would improve our country’s health and improve performance. Out instructors are above reproach. Sign me up for the next class.”

David Cogswell, Chemical Operator Technician, Co-Owner The Kettlebell Club, Shoreacres, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC – April 2005, 4th Dan Tae kwon do 2x national champion, Former Para rescue specialist US Air Force. College, football, wrestling, baseball personal trainer.

“As a RKC re-certifying the course continues to improve in ways that I didn’t think had to be changed. The RKC think tank is always evolving. It still remains the best course. Pavel and Sr. Instructors are the top of their game, always improving and never resting. Their efforts are a tribute to the Dragon Door organization. Totally awesome.”

Jason Green, Personal Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

“The most physically demanding yet most fulfilling course I’ve ever attended.”

Mike Lucas, Sales Rep, San Diego, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

No formal athletic achievements. Lost 164 lbs in a year and several months with diet and exercise.

“It was a positive life changing experience that allowed me to build confidence and strength in myself both physically and emotionally. I have met new friends and great teachers that pushed me and encouraged me to be the best that I could be. I will never forget this experience.

Pavel is excellent! I really enjoyed his presentations. He uses humor, knowledge, and tough love to convey his wisdom. It really was a great experience meeting Pavel and his senior instructors. I will recommend this certification to everyone who has a desire to learn about kettlebell bell training.”

Sean Lloyd, Military (USAF), Lacey, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

10 yrs USAF, special operations member, Veteran of Iraq Freedom/Enduring Freedom, Chief tactics and training division, NESTA certified personal trainer, Master military fitness instructor

“I was thoroughly impressed by the professionalism of the Sr. instructors and depth of information presented. Overall, it was a very demanding undertaking for even a seasoned combat veteran both mentally and physically.

Light years beyond both of my NESTA and NCSA personal training certifications. Simple and easy to understand without over-complicating the presented material.”

Nichola Aherne, Motor Mechanic/Personal Trainer, Cork, Ireland

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Running, cycling, 2 1/2 year kickboxing. General strength/weight training.

“A fantastic experience. I liked kettlebells when I signed up for the training, I’m leaving with a new love and passion towards them. Very professional, superior, (loved every bit of pain that was caused) Every exercise was shown in great detail and every effort was made to make sure everybody knew why and how it was done, very well organized and put together.”

Andrew Markoff, US Marine Corp 2nd Lieutenant, Raleigh, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Jiu-jitsu blue belt/ team Maxercise.

“I learned so much in three days. The workouts were intense but fun and I felt my conditioning improving drastically. This was the single most informative weekend on strength training and conditioning I have ever had.

I thought the quality was outstanding. I was particularly impressed with Pavel’s squat presentation. He really helped my squat by teaching me how to find space and lengthen my spine. Steve Maxwell was very helpful in providing insight from his extensive experience as a trainer into how to go about training deconditioned populations.”

Houston Murrish, Handyman, Redway, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Soccer player

“It is the most impressive thing I have ever touched besides a fishing pole. I have never been this fit in my life. It really shuts everything else down I think. Nothing compares to the kettlebell.”

Dan Wilson, Soldier, Mililani, HI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

18 years military experience.

“Tough training and high standards, but absolutely necessary for anyone who considers themselves a student or teacher of the art. Excellent! Many things in the books and DVDs become much clearer in person. Also, students pickup the thought process of the instructor. Listening to the SI’s renewed my commitment and clarified how to teach this wonderful system.

Thank you for allowing me to attend this course. Hopefully, soon you will see Iraqi soldiers doing the swing and the Turkish Get Up.”

Summer Haines, Strength/Conditioning Intern, Los Gatos, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

CSCS, specialize in collegiate strength training

“It was an amazing experience. I learned so many things in just a few days. I feel much more confident teaching others because I feel more confident in my own performance. The quality of training was immeasurable. They all were fabulous teachers without having to do much themselves. Their ability to verbalize instructions was impressive. Pavel has a great way of demanding and receiving respect.”

Jeremy Layport, Assistant Strength Coach at San Jose State University, San Jose, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

DIII College football player from 1998-2003, amateur weight lifting competitions Golden West Open 2005 (2nd), PWA Championship 2006 (1st).

“The depth of knowledge from Pavel and the Sr. Instructors was great. Just what I hoped it would be. Very extensive and the most physically demanding certification I’ve had.”

Luis Martinez Castellanos, Business Executive, gym owner, Zapopan Jalisco, Mexico

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Football for about 10 years, weight training (traditional) for about 5 years, kettlebells for 8 months or so. I have some martial art training background, muay thai specifically, for about 3 years, just for fun however. No professional certifications.

“Great training. Just to train with the world’s best is a great opportunity. To be able to get all this information from them was motivating and enabled me to correct my flaws and to learn to use all those tools in other people.

The practical use is immediate. The program is so simple and easy to follow that can be used the next day on clients. The scope and material is systemic so it can be used everywhere and brings up everything so nicely.”

Kevin Jodrey Builder, Eureka, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Prior military salvage diver

“The RKC course gave me more knowledge about myself physically than any other physical training we ever received. Outstanding grasp of KB training was displayed by Pavel and all his crew. I enjoyed the help the assistant coaches were able to give me. It helped out so much.

The only other organized training I’ve received was Navy dive school and this, while not as frightening as drowning, was so much superior in knowledge of self.

Before I took up KBs my hands ached from joint pain from years swinging a hammer. They don’t hurt anymore. Thanks for giving me back my hands.”

Gary Hughes, Engineer. Denver, CO

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Weekend warrior, skiing, tennis, soccer, running-5k marathon, RKC June 2003.

“Excellent organization and presentation, demonstration, and deconstruction of movements. Excellent ratio of staff to student, excellent ratio of work to rest. Friendly, knowledgeable staff.”

Doug Casanova, Sr. System Engineer, Renton, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

High school athlete, mountain climber, rock climber.

“An excellent experience! One of the most, if not the most, physically demanding things I’ve done. But also one of the most rewarding. I’ve been working with 3 other instructors already and I am amazed at how different each teach. And after this course I’ve learned ten fold. All in various ways.

In all honesty. It was fantastic! At other workshops you tend to drift off in thought. The RKC workshop kept my mind and body alert at all times. Superb teaching. Amazing amount of information and extremely supportive instructors and assistants!”

Billy Cook, Optometrist, Midland, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC, RKC Combat Specialist, instruct at Kettlebell Texas.

“The RKC training is the best for developing strength in a safe and effective manner. Pavel and staff always put on an outstanding event. It amazes me how much I learn each time I have attended. The practical use aspect has really been expanded. Working with deconditioned training was a great benefit. The scope and quality is top notch all the way.

I really enjoyed the marketing presentation by John DuCane. It really helped explain all that Dragon Door does as well as opportunity offered by Dragon Door in supporting RKC.”

Frank Navarro, Firefighter, Portland, ME

“It was very grueling, but so satisfying to complete and finish it. What a sense of accomplishment I feel. I thought I know all I needed to know about KB’s but I found out I learned a lot more from wonderful staff.”

Lorenzo Gregorio, Trainer, Nutrition Lifestyle coach, Astoria, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Competitive open martial arts, tae kwon do – brown belt- gold and bronze metals, 2nd place overall. USAF- 4 yrs active duty; 5 yrs Air National Guard. BFA Fine arts – personal trainer certs. NASM, CHECK, NLC.

“This training was the most physical demand I had placed on myself in several years (6-7). It pushed me to my limits and continued to improve my athletic performance seemingly without injury.”

Sharon Nelson, Self employed, Owner of a residential cleaning service, St Louis Park, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I’ve trained with Ron Morris for the past year and a half. I have also taken qigong from John DuCane.

“This certification has been the most challenging experience both physically and mentally that I‘ve ever had. It has (always) also been most rewarding. Thank you to all instructors and assistants for helping all of us get through this 3 day ordeal. I felt everyone really cared about me and how I was doing, making sure I was doing the technique properly. My special thanks to Pavel for bringing the Russian Kettlebell to our country. It’s FANTASTIC!”

Ben Warner, Waiter/bartender, Jamaica Plain, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

7 years Kung-fu training

“Intense physical training that I was prepared for, mental training that I was not prepared from. I learned very clear teaching methods. Very well presented material. Things that could have been complex were simplified i.e. Brett Jones’s lectures. Instructor’s ability to be helpful and motivating was excellent. It was as good as any seminar I have ever been to. Top of the line. Incredible quality of instruction and quantity of information.”

John Bruno, Martial Arts Instructor and Computer Consultant, Erie, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Apprentice Level 3 grappling instructor under Roy Harris and Harris International.

“It was very educational even though I considered myself very knowledgeable walking into the course. It only made me better in both my strong and weak areas. It also made me feel a part of something bigger then myself. This was a very cool life changing seminar for me.”

Michael Bartch, Freelance Filmmaker/photographer, Minneapolis, MN

“It deepened my overall understanding of working with kettlebells, and it gave me a whole host of new tools to work with students. It also opened my eyes to many new ways to workout with kettlebells.”

Randy Davis, Marketing Manager, Woodbury, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Triathlete for 8 years including 2 Ironman finishes. (Ironman Madison and the Hawaii Ironman). I have been training with kettlebells since 2001.

“Instruction was excellent. The instructors recognized strength and weakness and helped participants work on those weaknesses. Outstanding, Pavel and his team are excellent instructors. They share their vast knowledge in ways that everyone can understand and you learn a tremendous amount in the process. They are all very approachable and very helpful. Brett was excellent.”

Albert Leatherwood, Student; RKC, Dublin, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

RKC Instructor, practitioner of qigong, tai chi, and jeet kune do. Specialize in Catharitc active meditation

“I love this stuff. I can’t get enough of it. Pavel is definitely the evil Russian, and Steve Maxwell is certainly the carnivore captain. Andrea DuCane is an elegantly harsh on technique as a New York Ballet Coach. Steve Cotter is definitely awesome. I want his talent. It is just phenomenal. Russian Kettlebell Certification training knocks all other forms of physical training out of the water. The quality of material, and practical use is beyond the (A+) scale.”

Stephen McGrath, Fitness Instructor, Cork, IRELAND

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE personal trainer qualification, NCEF (Ireland) fitness instructor qualification

“A lot more professional than the other fitness courses that I’ve done. It was a bit more reassuring to know that you only passed the course after showing your ability in the testing stage. A lot more information that will be easy to retain, unlike a lot of courses where you forget after a day. Will be able to include this material in current and now customers programs and not just when they are using kettlebells.”

Tim Brennan, Accountant/Grocer, Fort Collins, CO

“A phenomenal experience of courage, will and desire. Thank you. Incredible attention to detail and a wealth of knowledge, easily communicated to all inquiring students.

The detail, intensity, sequences of exercises, and practicality was far beyond any program I have ever encountered. I enjoyed being a part of the program.”

Ian Hutchinson, Strength & Conditioning Coach/Personal Trainer, Rutledge, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA, CSCS; Play semi-pro football; PIAA AAA high school football state Championship. GS level 2 ranking.

“A valuable learning experience by physical participation for all levels. This has been very practical. I now have skills to take home that will not only improve my instruction which will improve my client’s skills, health, and lifestyle, but will also improve my own training, skills, health and lifestyle.”

Kelly Moore, 911/police dispatcher and artist, Madison, WI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Crossfit athlete, 2005 ICS women’s master of sport (club bells), former international elite level power lifter (lifetime drug free)

“Tremendous fun in an intense learning environment.”

Asif Rafeek, Coach/Teacher, Midland, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Wing Tsun – instructor, Football coach

“It is the most professional and in depth course not only covering KB, but movement and strength. This is my 2nd RKC and the tips and shortcuts have been great. I as able to gain a better understanding of movements and applications form the previous course. The instruction and expectation of this RKC surpassed my previous RKC. I could see the improvements in the instructors teaching and explanation.”

Bill Coppedge, Bond Broker, Northbrook, IL

“Pavel and the Sr. instructors are the world’s elite. They boiled down the instruction to 2 levels: fine detail and basic. This is perfect over a 3 day period, as it gives us much personally to learn, while giving good basic teaching to our victims.

Given the knowledge levels of most personal trainers, even those supposedly highly qualified, it is hard for me to imagine any other training that would come close to this. No one else has the level of understanding of human physiology that is practically used to enhance physical performance.

This has been a fantastic experience for me. I am fortunate to have been able to work with such talented people – both seniors and assistants.”

Tom Brose, Trainer, Strength Coach, Washington, DC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

10+ years in “fitness industry”, several certs. that have lapsed. Trained in Banco/ Jow Ga Kung Fu (fought san sho and kud shu), studied muay thai, some krabai krabong/somebague and hging I. Coached rugby, and strength for athletes currently crossfit level 2 certified.

“Some of the most knowledgeable and able people in the world to help us out. I just think we scratched the surface. If I ever know as much as Steve Maxwell remembers in an hour, I’ll be better for it.”

James Wonsower, Retail Tech at JC Penneys, Fayetteville, AR

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

4 years study of Tai Chi Chuan and other internal martial arts.

“Brutal but good. Real excellence in teaching with tough love and detail the finer points of kettlebell lifting. Intense, fun, and rewarding just surviving it.”

Chris Fournie, Owner – Progressive Martial Arts and Fitness, Hermantown, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

26 yrs martial arts 2 black belts, Private investigator, Executive protection.

“Great experience for both learning and teaching. Motivational for future endeavors and improvement. I am very impressed with the depth of knowledge and experience. Very accomplished!”

Police Officer, Oakville, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

6 years as police officer.

“A masterfully compiled program that simply and effectively demonstrates how we can move more efficiently. Top notch – the experience and knowledge is easily recognizable – excellent speakers – their confidence and belief in this system is genuine. Light years ahead of other programs – for once I was treated like an adult and not spoon-fed information I could easily read in a government produced health and fitness brochure.

This was by far the most indepth, professional and thorough 3 days of any kind of training I have ever received – you kept me entertained, interested, challenged, and I didn’t mind getting smoked 3 days in a row! Kudos of the highest order!”

Robert Williams, Personal Trainer, Cork, Ireland

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Qualified Personal trainer

“Very tough but very good. Excellent thorough explanation of every movement. It was the first time I have been at a course where absolutely everything was in order and nothing left to chance. An excellent presentation.”

Willie Woods, Personal Trainer, Massage Therapist, Renton, WA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

High school athlete, collegiate athlete, recreational sports

“It has been one of the most exhilarating, exciting, nerve racking, emotional and physical rollercoaster I have ever been on. I feel great.

Before I came to the RKC, I could not squat deep due to bilateral knee injuries. By the second day, I was able to go deep, with strength, control and most importantly, NO PAIN. The education I learned was invaluable. The feeling my body feels also in invaluable. Thank you comrades. Power to the People!”

Adrian Pimentel, Mercedes/Benz tech, San Jose, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Kettlebell training 3.5 years. Capoeira training 7.5 years, weight loss of 90 lbs during participation of body for life program, introduced to kettlebells through muscle media magazines.

“It was awesome. I highly recommend you the experience. After 4 years of training, the basic swing has once again became my new favorite exercise. I never knew I was missing so much fun from my swings, cleans and snatches.”

Kenny Johnson, Strength Coach/PT, Ellenwood, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

High school all city basketball, some college basketball.

“FLAT OUT BRUTAL, WITH LOVE, LIKE A PARENT THAT WANTS BETTER FOR YOU! I have never been tested and pushed for the better of what it is I do which is going to make my career more explosive. Knowledge that I could only wish to obtain. Leaves me a lot to work for, look toward to, and hopefully catch up with. God Bless em!

It doesn’t compare, PERIOD! Everything else is lunch and learn. Twiddle your thumbs and get another certification. Not here, ya GOTTA EARN IT AND I LOVE THAT!”

John Vandenbrink, Personal Trainer, Oceanside, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM certified personal trainer.

“It was truly an amazing experience. I learned things about myself this weekend that I didn’t realize I had. I’m walking away from this training with more practical education than I did in any other course I have taken.”