Back to Upcoming Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification Workshop

May 2008 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop, Denmark — Participant Praise

VADIM KOLGANOV: Osteopath/Sambo Coach

Great team building. Friendship. Camaraderie. Fitness and strength—and great rehab principles.

Pavel and the Senior Instructors had great knowledge of strength and fitness training, also they used their knowledge of anatomy and physiology and applied it in RKC. They treated every one with respect and they were getting respect back.

I had a great experience learning RKC. Everybody was great. I have got a lot of new friends. I liked the military based principle.

STUART WALKER: Personal Trainer

An incredibly eye opening experience — I have been told that I am a maniac (ie train like one) and now I have found that I'm not alone — there is a whole family of maniacs like me and I found them at the RKC.

The quality was excellent, having started my training education under the late Dr. Mel Siff I can say that the quality and depth of knowledge displayed was as in depth but more digestible (to an ignoramus) and more hands on Pavel and his instructors manage to distill complex problems down to simple solutions.

The RKC was by far the most practical, I am certified by Wits University (with Dr. Siff) and a certified Reebok Personal Trainer. The scope of the material was incredibly broad and in depth — comparable in most aspects of Dr. Siff's work.

LISA COMES: Swimming Teacher

Awesome experience. The technique advice from all the instructors is invaluable.

It was great to see how easy they make troubleshooting techniques and how important it is to do the exercises properly. The program flowed and the instructors exuded a lot of energy.

This is by far the most informative course I have done in both practical and material. The team is very knowledgeable and very helpful.

RENE FALTHER: Independent

The best weekend I ever spent. It was worth every dollar.

CRAIG GILKES: Personal trainer

Probably the most educational — and physically hardest — 3 days I can remember. Great camaraderie, great teaching, great memories.

I have left several courses feeling that the instructors knew less than me — but this is definitely not the case at the RKC. All questions were answered directly, specifically and clearly.

As above, the quality of instructors was a major factor. Also the emphasis on performance and ability of ourselves, as candidates, is not something I have encountered very often. A refreshing (but hard!) change from the run-of-the-mill UK course where one simply has to attend to pass.

SHANE NICOLETTI: Health/Fitness and Personal Trainer Tutor and Neuromuscular Therapist (NMT)

Apart from my two children arriving into this world, the RKC was one of the greatest I have ever experienced. I will recommend this to all. If you want challenge and education go to the RKC.

The quality and knowledge are invaluable from the "boss" to all of the assistants. From the basic teaching skills to "aha!" drills this system really work. I have never come across anything like this before.

RKC simply tops the list of all the other programs that I have attended.

Thank you John Du Cane, Pavel, Rif, Dr. Cheng, Will, Jon E., Doug… etc and all the team for making this one of the best experiences in my life. Slainte.

BRIAN STERNBERG: P.E. Teacher

I learned a tremendous amount of very useful information from highly qualified instructors

Extremely impressive! The group lectures in tight circles were very helpful to see from an instructor point of view on how to fix trouble area. The instructions, discussion, feedback, criticisms and praise were all very clear and concise making it easier for me to remember.

This is by far the most intense program I have experienced. Materials were plentiful and clear. Having so many highly qualified instructors for each group was very impressive.

A+! I thought this would be one of the bets decisions I have made in my life and I was right. Thank you everyone!

TAMARA SANDERSON: Massage Therapy Student

A mosaic of the most advanced and progressive strength and conditioning coaches. Taking the school of strength to a professional level where integrity and respect are the guiding principles.

OLAV BJORK: IT Consultant

It has given me a very solid foundation which I can base my future training on. Outstanding instructions that has opened a whole new dimension of physical training for me.

I think that the whole planning of the course is the best one I ever had. The scope of the material and the physical training was very well balanced

SIMON CREESE: Personal Trainer

The only course to do for serious kettlebell instructors to impart form safely and correct technique. One of the best courses I have taken, the best in kettlebell.

MASSIMILIANO ABBRESCIA: Personal Trainer & Gymnastic and Triathlon Coach

Now I know exactly what is the safest way to start teaching. And now I understand perfectly what "professionals" means!!

DAVIDE GARAVAGLIA: Personal Trainer, BJJ Instructor

Certification was a great experience, a new way to understand strength and power.

Pavel and the Senior Instructors were exactly like I expected from them. Really experts in teaching and great people. I really enjoy their competence.

RKC is the best of all I have experienced in my life.

TOBIAS HEDERBERG: Businessman

A milestone in my life of training!

One of my best training seminars that I have been to and I have too a lot. Very exact and precise education. Good mix of training and theory.

PETER VAN DUN: HOP, Trainer/Coach Hoyer Gym

In my opinion you need to be highly skilled when you can make a complex matter like training so clear. My hat goes off for the painstaking efforts it must have behind it. Respect!! Nothing in life comes from doing nothing but just need a goal to be effective.

The possibility of learning by doing and stepwise correcting makes it very unique. This kind of effectiveness I only find in some fight seminars of high regarded teachers.

TTHOMAS CLARRUP: Gym Owner and Master's degree student in Exercise and Fitness

Huge technical improvement and an utmost helpful atmosphere

An impressive display of applied knowledge. A prime example being the Siff Supertraining being very "academic" and the cut to the bone approach of RKC boils down to the essential. I.e. being able to do/perform.

It met my expectations. I am very impressed by the dedication of the teachers.

PHILIP ABRAHAMS: Personal Trainer

My experience had changed the way I will use in my training and teaching kettlebells to others. I have learnt many things to improve my training and how to spot mistakes or problems. An inspirational course.

Outstanding. I was amazed how Pavel could fix problems with technique in very little time with one or two remedial drills.

Very practical which is great. Simple drills shown then practiced and then the troubleshooting with Pavel after each exercise really helped me understand.

Best course I have been on, where do I sign up for the next one!

VALENTINA CROCE: Personal Trainer

It was great. The instructors are always so present, so precise, so useful in following us during every exercise that it's impossible to not understand the perfect technique. I really enjoyed and appreciated the staff instruction and their program schedule.

I can only say that I would like to become like every single instructor and assistant here regarding the kettlebell teaching. Personally I found Mark Reifkind great, friendly and very professional, a very good teacher. All the others have been very useful, attentive, and precise. Pavel is the best leader and the person who realize the best focus on every execution.

THOMAS LA COUR: Student, MMA & BJJ Coach

Solid practical and theoretical base for understanding the complex nature of the basic RKC exercises.

I really like the emphasis on doing the basics right. The low tech/ high concept attitude.

GERRIT GERRINGA: Working in Petro Chemical. Trainer Coach Hoyer Gym

Strong powerful training, good work of the instructors and clearly taught with good discipline. Good for condition, body and mind.

The level was very good. Well organized and disciplined. The training was good and excellent work of the instructors, very clearly taught. Very good that a little changing of your body and using of your body parts can bring so much effect. Very good at keeping so many peoples attention for such a long time.

The level was high. The intensity also, it goes in detail to follow steps to a high level. You need little equipment for complete workout for also body, strength and conditioning.

EMANUELE TAIT: Teacher of Physical Education, Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer

A tremendous but at the same time wonderful experience, in which I could understand that god gave us an incredible gift like our life (body and mind)

The quality of the workouts was very high, invigorating and brutal.

I think this is the right way to teach somebody how to be a good, responsible and qualified instructors. The other certifications I've joined were too much based on theory and I couldn't feel the love for the specific discipline of the instructor, like in the RKC

STEPHEN STHEEMAN: Dentist

This has been a tremendous experience for me. As I didn't come in with the goal to teach I was able to focus completely on my technique. I made unbelievable progress, often with just a few simple things.

Pavel is, to me, the source of common sense in all aspects of strength. As well as combing strength with being loose, relaxation techniques. The implementation of kettlebells gives a new dimension to combing strength and speed.

CENK KULENS: Personal Trainer

Very hard certification training. Never seen something like this!

IVAN ATKINSON: Personal Trainer, Martial Arts Instructor

Challenging and bit of a right of passage. Feeling of separating the men from the boys (women from the girls)

Pavel is the man, very cool and calm and team leaders were helpful and very knowledgeable without being over bearing.

I enjoyed the practical aspect of it, too many courses spend too long in the class room but the RKC was a bit of we won't tell you but show and make you feel it.

FREDRIK ANDERSSON: Personal Trainer

Impressive — Pavel was super knowledgeable. The team of instructors extremely good and professional.

By far the best I've ever experienced.

TRENT HAVILAND MURGATROYD: Consultant

I thought that I knew quite a lot about kettlebells and how to teach them. I can now see how many mistakes I have been making and can hopefully start really teaching properly.

It was great having so many highly trained people around. All of them knowledgeable and happy to share and to teach. The different teaching styles also mixed in really well. The flow and structure and progression were faultless.

JOHAN BAWOT: Hotel Manager / Personal Trainer part time

Awesome experience. Gives you a lot of confidence for practicing and teaching kettlebells.

It was hard but very good. Don't think I will find any better knowledge anywhere else in such short period.

CLAIRE BATY: Swimming Coach

The RKC was extremely professional. The course was intense but extremely informative.

The quality was extensive. All the senior instructors are extremely knowledgeable. Pavel Tsatsouline is impressive. It was nice meeting the Gurus of kettlebell.

SHANTI ABELHA: Management/Process Consultant

Really good training that gives a dense and detailed introduction to kettlebell training, the principles behind it and body mechanics.

CHRITIAN STORSO: Physiotherapist

One of the hardest weekends of my life so far, but also the most rewarding.

I feel honored to have had the opportunity to learn from the best of the best. I love all of Pavel's work. All the instructors acted really professional. Everyone was friendly and had a good sense of humor (especially Will).

Quality at this certification was really high. There were many instructors and assistant instructors that help a lot. We got corrected straight when something wasn't good even if it was a big group. Material was good. I'm now a much better kettlebeller than before this certification and feel that I can use this knowledge to a high degree both in my work as a physiotherapist and to other clients as well who want to be in shape.

I'm looking forward to continue improving my kettlebell work and to take it to the next level. Also looking forward to participating in the RKC II in the future (maybe in Denmark######)

DARLENE MCCAFFREY: Relationship Building

I was looking forward to learning kettlebell techniques, etc. but nothing could prepare you for the life changing affect! The energy, discipline, and camaraderie will be with me forever! Thank you!

The quality was outstanding. All knowledge levels were exceptional. It will prepare me to teach the actual skills needed, but also be able to recognize "leaks" and how to correct them with multiple variations.

BASHIR ALI ISMAIL: Student — Opt. and Vis. Science

No other cert makes you earn the recognition (as the RKC)

I never expected less; great information and practical especially the troubleshooting. The way the instructor train their own victims — motivating me to do the same -> copy what the pros do

I'm planning to take on PT educations — mostly theoretical so this is probably the most hands on cert I'll ever attend! Learn by doing is the best way!!

PETER JAMES CALDWELL: Personal Trainer/Gym Owner

Excellent, motivating and very in depth look at this wonderful form of functional training.

The highest level imaginable from the Master of Kettlebells Mr. Tsatsouline, both knowledge and practice. Both practice of major exercises and ways to fix problems with it seems never ending amounts of corrective practices.

JONATHAN BAGUST: Financial Adviser

Highly informative and a must for health professionals and those serious about their training.

The knowledge was presented in a concise and easily absorbed manner. Their expertise and enthusiasm are inspirational and have reinvigorated my focus on KBs.

LUKE TOFTS: Property Developer

Enjoyable. I learnt a lot. I have changed my views on several aspects of my training which I will now improve.

CRAIG LOWE: Personal Trainer

Well mostly being amazed by Pavel's teaching technique and knowledge, which surpassed the high regard I already had for his work. But to watch him in action is an amazing experience which I have only learned from.

All the Senior Instructors knowledge and willingness to assist at anytime with any questions was outstanding. Pavel's knowledge, assistance, and friendliness throughout was something everyone should aim to achieve although few (if any) will. Although probably asked too many times for advice or pictures or autographs he is always friendly and obviously gives the best yet usually simple advice to fix your problem.

The RKC is by far the hardest physical training course I have undertaken, but all for good reasons, not just for the hell of it. Also I have never taken in or been given so much advice or knowledge on any other course. My whole attitude and training from this point is completely different and so much better.

I would not change anything. I took more from this course than I thought humanly possible. Pavel and the RKC is the only way to go!

Extremely well run, and can't think of anything I thought could be improved, hotel, training, facility were all ideal.

Watching, listening, and learning from Pavel and the senior instructors has given me the confidence, ability and enthusiasm to take the RKC principles and pass them on to as many victims as I can.

This is by far the best, most forward thinking training program I have ever undertaken.

This is my future. This is the future.

JEAN FARUP: B.A. Student University of Hartius — sports science

It has helped me to understand the complexity on how the human body works in a way that I never would have found out during my studies at the university.

In the beginning I was very skeptical about some of the things that the senior instructors told us during the lectures. But I have come to realize that a lot of what they were saying was right. Especially the troubleshooting.

By far the best certification I have ever been on. The level of practical and theoretical knowledge was larger here than ever seen before. Rarely have I learned so much during one weekend.

I would just like to say that even though I consider myself as having quite a lot of knowledge in the area of physical training, it was not that much compared to what I learned this weekend. I learned things here that I would never have learned at the university.

STEVE WRIGHT: Researcher, Institute of Psychiatry, KCL

An intense training and learning experience taught by massively capable instructors. Inspiring!

A fabulous wealth of knowledge, expressed in training of tremendously high quality.

LUKA FABRIS: Business Entrepreneur

Very informative and essential, before attempting the responsibility of spreading the beneficial training method to others in a safe way, for their maximum benefit.

Pavel's eye for technique and understanding of the human body and it's optimal development is phenomenal. All senior instructors were gentlemen (or ladies) in every sense, were extremely helpful and could practice what they 'preached'

I believe this type of training develops true and useful strength. It is the training for people who want to perform better and not for those who want to pose better.

TOM NUNN: Capoeira Instructor and Web Developer

Incredible! I learned so much in three days and it was an outstanding physical challenge.

Outstanding! These guys know their stuff. They're professional, yet also humble with their knowledge and really care about what they do and the people they're working with.

I'd like to thank Pavel and everyone else from Dragon Door for what they've created and for everything I've learned over the years from the books, DVDs, website, and now the RKC!

IAN HOUGHTON: Personal trainer and manual therapy student, Stockholm, Sweden.

Excellent way to get the foundations of the basic/fundamental KB drills into your body. Lots of safety issues and corrective techniques were presented by highly skilled instructors, ending in a great learning experience.

All team leaders are highly qualified and skillful and possess all the right tools to teach the RKC! Pavel's troubleshooting and ability to "fix" people's techniques in a matter of minutes was impressive!

Great training philosophy (RKC) which is highly adaptive to more than KB-training. Unlike most other workshops I've been to this one really focuses on preparing you for teaching and training clients as soon as you qualify.