Back to Upcoming Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification Workshop

See information on the next Russian Kettlebell Challenge
Certification Workshop in Denmark

June 2008 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop — Participant Praise

Darius Gilbert - Personal Trainer; Washington, DC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former Wide receiver at the University of Virginia and Edmonton Eskimos; 5 years as a personal trainer; Ace certified; CHEK HLC 1

I've been using kettlebells for 3 years and after leaving this workshop, I feel like I've done my clients a disservice because of the new things I've learned during the basic exercises. This group is truly special!

This was by far the greatest exercise experience I've ever had. I have trained with some of the top strength and conditioning specialists in the country, and I would choose to be here with the instructors of the RKC ten times out of the time.

Santiago Mc Carthy - Personal Trainer; New York, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former Kick boxer Brazilian Champion, Pan-American Champion, Japanese Champion.... degree in physical education, NASM, performance enhancement specialist, Medical exercise specialist....17 years of experience as trainer.

The most efficient method to achieve your goals in a safe way. Simple, inexpensive and multitask!

High quality training and instruction. When you have this ex. Supported with a good reach end theory is a success formula. On the personal side they are incredible people willing to share their knowledge and give their best to make sure we can represent the system well.

This is the course where I could get the most practical information. I'm leaving the course ready to use it. Very organized.

Sean Greeley - Business Owner; Durham, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE Certified personal trainer. Former professional wakeboarder. Crossfit level 1 certified athlete.

A phenomenal program that I would strongly recommend to anyone looking to improve their fitness in a fun, efficient way. As well as a great course in both understanding and teaching human movement that is unique from any other fitness certification program or training course I have ever been too!

Excellent instruction. I'd say it's one of the top (if not the top) coaching staff I've ever had the pleasure of working with. It was exceptional. Great program that was as thorough and in depth as any certification program I've ever taken. Scope of the material covered everything from soup to nuts on the fundamentals of kettlebell training in a fun and exciting format.

Scott Stevens — Tae kwon do Instructor; Omaha, NE

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Kukkiwon certified 4th degree black belt Tae kwon do Instructor.

I've attended many seminars, workshops, symposiums and so forth… the RKC was the most intensive, well organized, professional and truly effective certification I've ever participated in. The incredible amount of knowledge and information was balanced perfectly with incredible amounts of "torture", I mean hands on practice.

In 30 years of martial arts, I've never met a single instructor with the combination of professionalism, mastery, humility, knowledge and absolute mastery of teaching methods demonstrated by Pavel. Leaders from any discipline sports, academics, martial arts, can benefit just from Pavel's teaching style alone.

Combined. I've been given every tool necessary to technically excel.

Gregory Kleyn — Technician; Des Plaines, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Competitive weightlifter ( 1968 - 1978); competitive master power lifter (since 2001); NASA (2002- 2006) national champion, American and world records holder, WDFPF, 2003 squat, dead lift world champ. WABDL(2005-2007) dead lift world champ, dead lift world record holder, USAPL 2007.2008 national champ, 75 kg weight class

It was challenging, but at the same time very valuable experience.

How to market yourself presentation by John Du Cane, was very informative and useful.

The knowledge and quality of training provided by Pavel Tsatsouline as well as the Sr. Instructors and the Team Leaders justified my best expectations.

I have an extensive weight lifting and power lifting background and I feel that kettlebell certification training highly complements them.

Susan Gibbons - Physical Therapist; Lexington, SC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Marathoner; manual therapist, Graston Technique provider

The RKC certification weekend is like Enter the Kettlebell, and some of Pavel's other works, come to life.

The leadership team provided high quality and training and knowledge in a consistent, supportive manner.

This is my first certification-type course in physical exercise but the quality and instant applicability of the material, the opportunity to practice training others (a good indication of one's familiarity/knowledge of the subject matter), and the carry-over of the movements/tools into other areas involving safe physical movement makes this training top-notch.

Heather Rahhal - Self-Employed; Boston, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Club Recreational Soccer -- 20 + years

Weightlifting background; Spin Classes; Cardio-Kickboxing; Formal Kettlebell training; Licensed Swim instructor; Advanced PADI Scuba Diving License

The overwhelming knowledge and foresight shown by Pavel and his team is impressive. This weekend has been intense but so rich in a multitude of ways. I can't say enough about the sport of kbs. As a fitness enthusiast who has tried a little bit of everything, I can honestly say I've found something that will be a permanent part of my lifestyle.

It's so clean that these individuals are leaders/pioneers of the sport. Their years of knowledge and training is evident in the way they teach, demonstrate and advise. Pavel is a vault of knowledge and a fascinating teacher. It's been to my good fortune to have been able to train with him and his team.

Katie Bigelow - Undergraduate Student at Emory University-Major: Neuroscience Minor: Spanish; Atlanta, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

2-Time North Carolina 2A Private School State Champion Soccer and State Champion Basketball
All State and All Conference for both soccer and basketball
Professional Certifications:
Z Health Performance Solutions Level 3 (R,I,S Phases) Certified Trainer and Master Trainer Intern

This certification provided me with all the tools that are needed to train and teach kettlebells in a safe efficient and successful manner for both myself and my clients. All instructors displayed integrity, professionalism and passion for the RKC system, which optimized my learning experience.

Instruction and information was top quality. All instructors displayed professionalism, passion, and a wealth of knowledge in kettlebells.

Danny Clark - Personal Trainer; Richmond, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Division 1 Scholarship Athlete to University of Virginia; NJ State Runner up (wrestling); Blue Belt BJJ
Gracie World Submission Championships 1st place
MMA fighter

The RKC experience a beautiful balance of mental hardening and enlightenment. The grueling pace couple with the explicit instruction sculpted me into the kind of kettlebell instructor I could only hope to be.

Pavel's presence as an instructor did not disappoint in person. It was nothing short of entertainment to watch him instruct so logically yet using methods I have never seen before. Brett Jones, my team leader did an excellent job and his expertise in both academic and instructional knowledge is just an amazing balance.

It was way more stimulating and cutting edge than traditional PT certification, giving it better quality and scope of material that is actually practical in a training instruction session.

Thiago Passos - Personal Trainer; NYC-Brazil

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

MS, CSCS, NASM-PES, Check Practitioner Level I; Background as a soccer player, until getting into college with a major in Sports Science in Brazil. Now working with Golf, as a trainer in NYC.

It was a great experience in getting to know myself better, and how to push my limits is something possible. Also made me see that a bunch of mean faced guys could become your friends and really made me respect them even more for the gentle and kind way that they really can help you. And that right after they kicked your behinds!

It was really great to be able to have them sharing their knowledge with us. Their backgrounds are so different, so their experience, and they all could bring some of it to the sum of knowledge that was given to us this weekend. And they are not afraid to share, that is one of the qualities I admire the most in the great leaders.

No comparison. The simplicity, but the same time the effective of the training has no similar technique I've found in my years of training.

Thanks the opportunity of being here and have all of this shared with me. Priceless!

Chris Erickson - Personal Trainer; Durham NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

EX-Police officer, former Police Department Defensive Tactics/Physical Agility/Use Of Force/Taser Instructor; Current A.C.E. Certified Personal Trainer

The instructors I spoke with were friendly and open. They did not flaunt their knowledge and were genuinely here to teach.

Off the charts in each category. Beyond the academy it has been the most challenging seminar I have attended.

Adrienne Shaw - Non-Profit Fund Raiser; Washington, D.C.

It was a life-changing 3 days. I have never pushed myself this hard physically. My husband, who is an RKC II, has been pushing me for years to train with kettlebells. He finally got me to the 2008 RKC training. I've already lost 20lbs of fat and I'm well on my way to being a lean, tough love kettlebell lady.

Pavel is clearly a masterful instructor. I try and memorize everything he says.

I was paired with Randy Hauer and his teaching style was a perfect match for me. It was like guys read my mind!! Randy was inspirational, and asst instructor Carrie struck the perfect balanced of tough love and support.

There is no equal. RKC is the best.

John Abraham - Business Owner; Houston, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

United States Marines Corps (1988)
Platoon Leader's Course (1989, 1990)
JKD; Muay Thai; Brazilian Ju Jitsu (Blue Belt under Pedro Alberto)

This is best overall training course I've ever taken. The depth of education that RKC offers is really amazing.

Absolutely amazing. As someone that is not a trainer, but rather a client, I found Pavel and the rest of team to be better than anyone group of professionals I've ever came across.

I have studied several martial arts styles and also have had may personal trainers over the years. This instruction is by far the most vigorous and well thought out.

John Burger - Hotel Manager; Neptune Beach FL

Tough love from a great "family" who share a common love. Great teachers who have a passion for what they do. Great physical challenge.

Pavel has great knowledge and passion for what he does. He is awesome at trouble shooting, it shows his experience and knowledge.

Kettlebells are a much more practical workout with a much more efficient end product. And it works on a much more broad scale compared to any other workout.

Thank you for such a great experience and chance to meet a great group of crazy kettlebell lovers. I look forward to future events.

Kerry Marich - Recruiter; Akron, OH

What an incredible weekend this has been1 I have learned more during this course than I have in the least 8 months of working with kettlebells.

Blew me away! Really enjoyed listening and learning something from different perspectives. Every instructor and team leader was able to make it interesting and I have learned something from everyone. Dynamic group of people.

I love to train hard and always push myself in everything I do. The tougher the better has always been my way. I feel I have been greatly humbled by this experience and have become addicted to kettlebell training. I have pretty much been training myself and applying all of the knowledge what I have learned this weekend will help me effectively train and motivate others.

I have really enjoyed this experience! My team was the best and Jeff O'Connor was a great leader. I will always be proud to have been a part of the RKC!

Patrick Castro - Owner/Manager, BodySmith Training Gym; Washington, DC

Teaching kettlebells is part of the experience, marketing is equally challenging, but the tips provided by Du Cane were phenomenal.

This was one of the most challenging physical experiences I've had to endure. The physical challenge, however, is a small price to pay for the level of instruction provided by the RKC instructors and team leaders. The wealth of information bestowed upon us over the three-day challenge is priceless.

Being here was like having a living version of all the fitness books I've ever read at my disposal. The depth of knowledge of the instruction and their diverse backgrounds made for a very well-rounded, holistic approach to training.

This program was un-matched. Top notch on all accounts.

I would recommend this to others interested in pursuing kettlebell training in its rawest, purest form taught with a very simplest approach that the common layman can grasp.

Sarah Dowcett - Co-owner of a personal training studio; Lexington, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

MWAA First team all star soccer player

I have never had a better workout in my life with just 5 exercises.

It pushed me mentally and physically to a place I never thought I could go. I feel stronger more confident, and more sore then I have ever been in my life I highly recommend this course to anyone.

The quality of training was outstanding. Tough love was the style and it worked. All the instructors are extremely knowledgeable and I felt very comfortable around them.

This has been by far the best training I have ever gotten. I have been to a few perform better seminars, and while those are useful, they did not push me as far, mentally or physically. This training was the hardest thing I have ever done and feel quite proud to have made it thorough.

RKC is the gold standard and everyone needs to know that.

Thank you very much! You have made me a stronger person all the way around.

Mike Sanders - personal trainer; massage therapist; Newton, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

2 marathons; massage/bodywork experience for 14 years.

Very well organized. Helpful in every aspect. Marketing lecture was worth the price alone.

Highest quality of demonstration and explanation of not just kettlebells, but in body awareness and fitness. Pavel and the instructors were patient with every question I asked. I am inspired, I want more knowledge. I will be taking more courses.

Rated 10 out of 10. I have taken quite a few certs in the past, this is far the best.

Marc A Howard - Personal Training; Oklahoma City, OK

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NAIA College Volleyball Player 1996-1997
Casady Boys Volleyball Assistant Coach 2006-
ISSA Certified Personal Trainer since 1998
Current ATA Tae Kwon Do color belt student

The RKC I workshop has been the most physically challenging thing I've ever done. It's also been most rewarding and will continue to produce rewards for a long time to come. NO DOUBT.

As tough as they are, it seems that all instructors are genuinely interested in welcoming new members to the DD and RKC families through very high level, tough love instruction and demonstration.

No comparison! Elite quality info and instruction.

Vast and growing scope of material and info. Clearly this is practical for the vast majority or potential clients/victims.

All of the team leaders and most asst instructors have been absolutely wonderful as people and fellow students of our similar crafts.

Franklin Herman — Principal Software Engineer, Littleton; MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

AKC Fitness Certification

As a result of this cert, I have gained a much better grasp of the RKC Hardstyle system and its principles. This understanding can be applied immediately towards improving the strength and endurance for both my clients and myself for many, many years.

In total they completely exceeded my very high expectations. Its clear I was part of a process that will improve even for them.

RKC Cert sets itself so far apart from anything else out there. As it continues to improve this huge gap will better ever greater.

Keith Veri - Personal Trainer; Atlanta, Georgia

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former United States Marine
Kickboxing and Boxing, Muay Thai World Kickboxing Association, AFAA personal trainer

Since the military, I have not experienced anything so physically and mentally gratifying as well as honorable as the RKC program. The feeling of being part of something so powerful and life changing.

All the instructors share a real passion and followed with the knowledge to deliver a message that I can apply in my training, my life, and my clients' life.

The quality goes beyond my expectations, and only to want more than ever to be part of this family.

Hands down the most fulfilling on all counts!

I have not been to others with such application and science behind it. All others you sit in a room and watch or listen to somebody read from a book or showboat on stage.

Colette Keno - Personal Trainer/coach; Hollywood FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I am NSCA CPT and also a CPR Instructor for AHA. I hold top times in state of FL for 40-44 women in 1/2 marathon as well 3rd top time for 5k. Went through the fire academy in 1993 (non active) and have won 3 championships in Women's Tri Fitness (obstacle racing) I have been in sports since 15 yrs of age and have a 2 1/2 yr old and am married. My whole family competes in Triathlons and I coach running and strength training for sports as well. Have been a Personal Trainer for 14 yrs and teach CPR for 11 yrs. I also work with families with teenage girls for self esteem through fitness.

It was very informative, invigorating, and just really great stuff. It was a much needed challenge and hope I make Level II.

I have waited to take this course for over 3 years, to learn the correct way of training and teaching kettlebells. And after coming here this weekend even though it was not easy and challenging it was one of if not the best teaching and knowledge I have encountered in a very longtime. There was patience with teaching, a box full of knowledge and experience and never ending training. I hope to be part of this training and family of RKC for a long time. Very good people!! Instructor Neupert and his team did a great job on helping reach and fix my mistakes I hope I some day can stand with them.

Learning a lot in a short time is hard, but they were very good with the timing of every practice we went through. Top notch quality.

James Woodall - owner/personal fitness trainer; Clayton, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

High School 3 Sport Letterman in Football, Soccer, Track from both Choctaw High School in FL, and Sumter High School in SC.
Western Carolina University Track Letterman 1990
University of Nevada, Las Vegas graduate in 1995 with a B.S. in Fitness and Sports Management with a emphasis in Kinesiology
Owner of Woodall's Fitness Training/Studio since 1991
Massage Therapist 1999-2003
Rehabilitation Specialist 1996-2000
Volunteer Fireman with Thanksgiving Fire Dept. 2004-2006
First Responder with TVFD 2004-2006
NASM certified personal trainer 1991-2006
Touch For Health certified 1999

After 17 years of being in the fitness industry, I'm still learning how to move. RKC has helped me move better.

The RKC is the best and visceral experiences that I have ever had at a certification. Thank you.

Tough love with and without a kb. That the RKC is more than just teaching proper technique that this is a school where respect, honor, and mental preparedness will get you to the next level. Both for you personally and professionally, but also your clients as well.

Excellent. Actually above and beyond what I thought.

Way beyond anything I have done, besides firefighting. I have been a certified personal trainer for 17 years and this course is the best in overall scope and implementation.

Enjoyed this weekend, and would highly recommend this course to future trainers.

Abby Corriveau - Fitness Director, Personal Trainer; Richmond, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Personal trainer for over 2 years. Currently a fitness director for a well established gym. Beginner in Jiu Jitsu.

The experience at RKC was out of this world. The amount of knowledge I gained was so exceptional. I learned an enormous amount of kb training. I learned more about my own body and its capabilities. I was pushed physically to my limits which is what I had expected and I had a great time going there and beyond my limits. RKC level II here I come.

Pavel is awesome! His demonstrations and explanations were so crisp and clear. It was amazing to watch him and Brett correct someone's form in only a matter of seconds and the participants would look 100x better than before no matter how small the correction was. Also, there was always an explanation or answer for every question, that was very reassuring and really affirmed my trust in the instructors, Pavel and leaders. RKC rocks!!

I really look forward to attending Level II in the near future. I am so excited to bring home everything I learned from this weekend.

Patrick Collins — Auto Sales; Minneapolis, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Have completed several marathons

It was an incredible learning experience. I have never been exposed to a group of instructors with the knowledge and communication skills that I experienced here.

The knowledge provided by far exceeded what I had expected. I was also impressed with how they worked together.

I have only trained with marathon groups. This training was more in depth than any 12 week program I have been through. I was also impressed with how safe they were in comparison to the others.

Lisa Rutherford, Massage Therapist, Kamuela, HI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

I have been training in kettlebells ever since my trainer and boss, Martin Hinton fell in love with them. He made me love them as well.

This weekend was absolutely amazing. The people (instructors) could be brutal, but kind and made being here a really positive learning experience. The amount of knowledge about the body, training tools, etc, that these people have is mind blowing and their passion for kbs really shines through and blows out to anyone around them.

The quality of knowledge was insane. Pavel is an amazing instructor who has so much confidence and love of kbs. All of the instructors are inspiring and willing to share what they know in a way that made it all really interesting and enjoyable.

Shawn Cairns was a very awesome Team Leader and I think he's really great.

Ben Reep — Marine; Carlsbad, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Track athlete; Rugby player; USMC pilot

Great instruction and tough training. It was a very good course in every aspect, from the training to the technique instructions and the classes on business and marketing.

Outstanding instruction. Tough training. It was a great time.

Best quality, best scope, best material, and best practical use. Best training course I have ever attended.

Julie Coder — Self; Alexandria VA

This course was a personal and professional goal of mine. I've been working with a trainer for the past 2 years, and with his leadership, motivation, and encouragement, he has given me the desire to not only improve my strength and flexibility, but the motivation to teach others how my life has improved. Participation in this training has proven my endurance and has provided me with the tools necessary to teach others how to have fun while changing/improving personal goals.

All instructors are very knowledgeable and helpful. They know how to "drive the point home".

I love the "hands on" experience. Being able to effectively perform and teach is crucial — something a notebook and written test does not provide. Physical aspect is great.

Great training! I am very happy my trainer convinced me to take this course. He prepared me for the intensity and challenge. Thanks to all the instructors for a wonderful experience.

Jean Kidd - Fire Fighter; Minneapolis, Minnesota

This intense experience refocused my attention on form — if the exercises were becoming easy, prompting increased reps, I realized I was not engaging I was just doing. Understanding the body seeks the easiest or "laziest" method will allow me to stay vigilant to form. It is all about the form.

The standard by which all the rest are measured. I appreciate Pavel's respectful, sincere approach.

By far the most well-rounded, challenging, exhausting class I have participated in. People can rest assured that RKC instructors have only their interests and safety as their guiding force when seeking training in kbs.

Frankie Mecono - Personal Trainer; Santa Barbara Ca.

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

American Council on Exercise
Professional Motocross Athlete 1998-2005

This system is for me. I have not been through any type of program as thorough as RKC. I feel RKC has covered all vases from teaching, materials, instructors, to hospitality.

The quality is great. Everyone emphasizes form very much. You can tell that Pavel as well as the rest of the instructors are very eager to keep learning.

This is the best of the best. I have never been involved with anything so professional.

Brian Petty — Trainer; West Chester PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Currently instructing kettlebell classes, bare-knuckle boxing, mixed martial arts, as well as personal training. I have been training in martial arts for 24 years, including Shotikan Karate, Muay Thai, Escrima, Sombo, and amateur boxing and kickboxing. I am an instructor at a dedicated martial arts studio which teaches 9 styles; kettlebell training has been fully incorporated into the curriculum of the traditional Korean arts, boxing, kickboxing, and MMA. I recently stopped working as a bouncer after 12 years, and I am finishing a book and DVD on bare-knuckle boxing.

My first time out was intimidating but highly inspiring and motivating.

Following the initial certification, I allowed my CSCS to lapse, simply because of the vast superiority of the information and the existence of the system to be a part of. The best investment I have ever made, bar none.

Renny Lupo - personal trainer

Athletic Achievements Marymount Manhattan College; Personal trainer certification; NASM certification; PHI Pilates reformer certification, mat certification

The training was brutal and exhilarating at the same time. It brought me to a new level of self-understanding.

Pavel was amazing. He brought to life the content of his books and made it more accessible to me. I'll go home and reread! My team leader Kristann Heinz made me feel that I was in expert caring hands. Mike and Robert fire me up and kicked my ass when I needed it — 'Leave the gun and take the Cannoli's'

The physical side of the training cannot be compared to anything I have ever done in a seminar on PT or anything else.

Scott Dawson - Personal Trainer/ Massage Therapist; Charleston, SC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM CPT; CHEK HLC 1; Martial Arts ( TKD/ Shotokan/ Krav Maga); Certified in Connective Tissue Massage from ISI and Rolf Institute Massage therapist for 7 years

The most intense and powerful training I've come across. I feel like my awareness of my body, and even the slightest alteration to techniques or mechanics changes everything. I feel like I have been truly challenged and received excellent instruction — top shelf all the way.

The way the techniques were broken down and explained, the way the correction rills were shown was excellent. Very high level of training and knowledge.

I found the RKC training to be very organized — well run — rooted in vast knowledge of the body, anatomy of movement and the science of exercise. Very inspiring, many thanks and I look forward to registering for future RKC workshops.

I have only taken a Holistic Lifestyle Coach certification through the CHEK institutes. That was much more cerebral. RKC appeals to my need to learn from watching and then doing.

Karen Smith - Personal Trainer; Alexandria, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE; CPR/AED

This weekend has been amazing! Outside of childbirth, I would say this is one of the most life-changing things I have experienced. Thanks.

You guys rock! Thank you for sharing your time, knowledge and experience with us. I highly respect and appreciate each one of you and look forward to learning from you for years to come!

This course has exceeded my expectation! No other course has held my attention and interest like this. I love the way each instructor has a different style/personality but all want the best for each new RKC that is about to join their family. Tough Love — it works! You can see it in each instructor, the respect and camaraderie.

Derek Overstreet - Personal Trainer; Knoxville TN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

PT certification through AAAI/ISMA
Black Belt in Taekwondo/Judo/Hapkido. Currently studying Kung Fu

It was hell but having crossed through it I am a stronger an better trainer having done do.

Since the first time I picked up one of Pavel's books it changed my view of training it was a pleasure to be able to attend this certification and be trained by the best.

It was much more efficient you walk away with a good grasp of the concepts, which are applicable to any situation or sport. Just like they said it is a fine system and definitely worth the money and pain.

Craig Miller — Military Contractor; Baghdad, Iraq

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

None Given

The RKC was a physically and mentally demanding course. It is rare to see a combination of this level of instruction and attention to detail as well as solid training.

This is definitely a lived and breathed system. The instructors believe in it, Pavel believes in it and the instructors have a high level of respect for him.

No comparisons, second only to Advanced Level Military Training.

Patrick Heckelmann - General Manager; Nanjing China

It was a very yin/yang experience. Tough yet relaxed, disciplined yet funny, but overall a great workout. I am very impressed how well the seminar is organized and how smooth it all went. It as all taught down to earth practical with teachers from various backgrounds and great input.

I was very impressed by the knowledge of the instructors, the advice they gave and drills. It was amazing.

The RKC takes great pride in it name. They do not want quantity but quality. It was tough but fair.

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

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

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

I just need four words — excellent, thorough, comprehensive and fun. It has been a weekend of constant learning and grasping of techniques.

The scope and breadth of the knowledge present was amazing. There wasn't an instructor or team leader that I didn't gleam some kernel of wisdom from.

Top notch! This was definitely top tier. The only other training that has come close was an Olympic lifting seminar I attended. I had a blast.

Roberto Santarossa — Gym Owner; Tecumse, Ontario, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Personal Trainer Certification

Excellent well organized given the size of the group and extremely practical information, which I can take with me and use immediately to help my client and grow my business.

Obviously very high quality each statement they made they backed up with actual demonstrations on students or on yourself so you could see and feel the results.

Michael Murphy - computer programmer; Durham, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Yellow belt in tae kwon do more than five years ago.

Have spent 4-5 days in the gym doing basic body-building type workouts on and off for the last 20 years..

I would not use the word "fun", but the experience of continuing to perform complex demanding exercises when every part of you being is screaming in protest, is deeply satisfying. It felt great and enlivening to push part of my body's resistance and see that I could keep going by relying on technique. I always felt that the course and the instructors were here for a single reason: to teach me what they love. No bullshit, no lack of professionalism, no excuses. Just a commitment to pass on what they know. There is a feeling of PURITY with this group.

These people really are professionals. They focus on the teaching more then on themselves. They remember that we don't know what we're doing, but we want to learn. RKC who I didn't now (because I wasn't a member of their team) would nonetheless stop me and talk to me if they felt they had something to offer me.

This is incredibly dense and precise. It actually works the way they say when execute properly. I feel what I'm supposed to feel. Again, this tight coupling between theory/knowledge and execution.

Michelle Gabriel - Graphic Designer/Bartender; Coatesville, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Started as a runner at heart. Began to loose muscle and endurance. That's how I came across kettlebell training to improve and better my running performance. But fell in love with it in the process.

Exhaustion but a good exhaustion. Happy to be around all these different people from all place around the world. Learn, mingle and feel how much they want to achieve, within their lives. It was a lot of fun, worth the pain….totally.

At the top of my list. A lot of knowledge to learn but done in an efficient way, to sink in the brain and stew. Every instructor brought their knowledge skill and best to the table. We all learned from one another.

Dave Staugaitis - Project Manager; Huntington Beach, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

College Rugby, USMC

HARD STYLE: I won't go back to other forms of kb training.

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…. Great weekend full of pain, but the good kind. The kind that lets you know you accomplished something hard.

Top quality — Pavel and his instructors are great in providing answers to questions and fixing technique without making students feel like a fool. They are all very humble — extremely knowledgeable and good folks. There were times where I probably looked like a monkey humping a football but the instructors founds ways to fix my techniques without saying " hey you look like a monkey humping a football".

Better than all previous physical academics as far as practical use, scope of material — the only course more demanding was USMC Infantry Officer Course. I wish we used them kb when I went through IOC, it would have been a nice addition to the room of pain (leadership FEX)

Rocky Steele - Public Administrator; Henderson, NV

It was very grueling but very worth it. I wish it were 5 days instead of 3.

Of the highest. They all lead by example and had been there before. Always receptive to questions. Excellent.

Adam Bresciani - Asst General Manager/Strength Coach; Chino, CA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA Certified Strength Conditioning Specialist; USA Weightlifting Club Coach I; USA Boxing Level I Coach; SPARQ Nike Trainer

Awesome experience and the most demanding physical conditioning I have done in a long time. One of a kind!

Extremely knowledgeable and practice what they preach. A great learning experience and hope I can continue to learn from Pavel, Sr. Instructors and Team Leaders.

I have never done a certification like this one. I am happy that I was able to finely do it after 6 years of watching the certification grow.

Amy Miller - Personal Trainer; Prescott, WI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

A.A.S. Degree in Health & Exercise Science
ACE Personal Trainer Certification
NIHS Senior Fitness Specialist Certification
The Pilates Coach Certification
2003 Kona Marathon

This has been a very intense course but I have learned a great deal in a short amount of time. I feel that I can safely and effectively instruct others on the proper use of kettlebells.

I feel like I know a great deal more now than when I first arrived, knowledge that I can implement immediately with my training. I feel excited about what I've learned. Other workshops I have been to I feel overwhelmed and only take away a few things. I think seeing, doing and practicing with such volume is highly beneficial.

Steve Albright - Builder Contractor; Creede, Colorado

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Wrestling Background

I would say intense, brutal, but very satisfying and that the quality of instructors and students was exceptional.

Linda Buerkle — Teacher; Elko, Nevada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Attending kettlebell classes since Sept. 07

This experience was intense, but energizing. It added greatly to my knowledge of kettlebells. It kicked my butt!!

The quality was excellent. It was helpful to get more than one person's point of view on different topics. As a group, they were able to give us quality information on a wide variety of topics.

I have only been to a few other trainings, but this was by far the most extensive. The information was focused and detailed. It also provided for more one-on-one contact. The information I received will get a great help when work with clients.

Laura Villa - Environmental Manager; Minneapolis, MN

It has been a great learning experience that has challenged me both mentally and physically. It pushed me beyond where I thought I could go. WOW!

Much more comprehensive than any other class/training I have taken. It was also much more physically demanding.

Angela Josephs - Personal Trainer, Cosmetologist; Blaine, MN

It was everything I expected and more. The educational staff was phenomenal, I am very proud to be apart of the RKC. Pavel was teaching us….that is impressive, shows he stands behind his products, us!

Was very impressed with the knowledge by all Sr. Instructors, Team Leaders and of course Pavel. The ability everyone had to explain, train and implement their words. There is a science and methodology to kettlebells.

The hands on was very helpful. Was impressed with the quality of material and practical use.

Brian Lum - College Student; Shawnee KS

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Cross- Country running, weight lifting, Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do.

The RKC is an eye opening experience of what true professionalism and athleticism is all about. The RKC is a way of life.

I thought that the quality of training was excellent. The knowledge of Pavel and other instructors really was mind blowing. It was amazing to see Pavel or other instructors fix technique problems instantly with a few simple drills.

The RKC was high in quality compared to anything I have gone through.

Anton Iskerskiy - Personal Fitness Trainer; Lakewood, NJ

Overall it is a great experience. The workshop demonstrates what it is really so unique about the kbs. It is always nice to find out that you have been doing something wrong for 3 years.

It appears that the instructors are barely showing the tip of the iceberg in their knowledge. The depth of their knowledge is immense.

It is above and beyond any other course I have attended, but I have not attended that many. The material presented is very useful, I should be able to apply it to my clients right away.

Jason Sanchez - Personal Trainer; Middletown, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

3 Time NCBA All American, B.A. in Recreation Management in Science from Lock Haven University from PA

A good experience that I would do again. I learned so much in just a few days.

The quality was what I expected. Everything was very useful. All the main points were hit during each practice and lecture. I don't think I can get information like this anywhere else.

The RKC training is much better than other training I received because I was able to experience everything they mention. Also the trouble shooting helped out a lot. At first I didn't think kettlebells couldn't be used with everyone now I know that is can be used just in different ways.

Ron Wetzell, Foster Care Licensing Supervisor, Minneapolis, MN

The level of instruction and expertise is extraordinary. Including a # of presenters and demonstrators is very helpful at well. There is such a wealth of information that it can be hard to integrate in such a condensed time period. Having the manual is much appreciated for on going stuff.