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Certification Workshop in Denmark

October 2006 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop — Participant Praise

Gray Cook, Author, Physical Therapist, Chatham, VA

I'm glad I took this weekend to empty my cup because it was expertly filled up again. John and Pavel have refined the single best introduction to safe strength based movement I have seen.

It is the best use of the weekend I've seen yet. The best course I've attended in the past 5 years. It is sophisticated and raw at the same time - much needed in western exercise philosophy

Add nothing. Take nothing away. Try to keep the group together as long as possible. You guys are the “Rolling Stones” just keep playing and don't die - that's all you got to do.

Keep up the masterful work. I wish to attend more workshops related to this information through DD.

I have a background in professional education and I'm amazed at the “Value” of the RKC. This is the single best deal in conditioning because all aspects of the conditioned athlete or fit human can find common ground around the RKC method of kettlebell instruction. It is so much better to “feel” the foundation of strength than to just hear about it, talk about it, or read about it. Thanks.

Rui Rosario, Personal Trainer, Toronto, ON, Canada

Hands down the most comprehensive, practical life changing event I have ever encountered.

This is the Harvard University of strength, conditioning education. Pavel is the Dean, Steve C., Steve M., Brett and Andrea are world-class professors I am your student for life, you have blessed me with the gift of knowledge.

There is nothing better. I'd fly to the moon if this certification was held there.

Dr. Monique Hartle-Levesque, Doctor of Chiropractic, Forth Wayne, IN

It was the most physically challenging event of my life, aside from childbirth. RKC training opened new doors for me physically and mentally and gave me a great sense of personal price and accomplishment - I came, I saw, I learned the basics well.

Bar none the most highly trained and knowledgeable instructors I've been exposed to. Excellent knowledge of info, mastery of technique and great delivery of info. I also have a great appreciation for their dedication and commitment to the RKC family.

I have competed in Power lifting for 13 years and took up women's tackle football last fall. I had reconstructive knee surgery in March (from football injury - all, MCL, both meniscuses). Kettlebell training allowed me to rehab my knee way faster than any other method. All my doctors were amazed. I've only been training with kettlebells since June and my body feels more flexible, stronger and agile and faster than ever before. Kettlebells Rock!

Cortez Hull, Police Officer, St. Paul, MN

It was an amazing experience and opportunity. All of the instructors and participants gathered together with their cumulative knowledge gave such an opportunity learn and grow physically and mentally. I am leaving with a new appreciation for business, fitness and the power of proper kettlebell training.

Each instructor is a professional. Each one of them sets an example of a true professional encompasses. They not only talk the talk, but they walk the walk. They are leaders by example. They each gave you little gems of knowledge to point you in the right direction.

This training was amazing. It went far beyond what I expected. After having bought several books and DVDs, I still found myself learning more than I could from a video or book. The course is physically demanding (pain) but it is worth it. I can't wait to get back to my department and get them using kettlebells. This is something that we need!

Eric Stiegman, Owner / Operator / Trainer of Winning Edge Training, Inc., Nashville, IL

The RKC has been one of the most physically challenging experiences of my life, but yet the most rewarding. It is a rite of passage that must be earned, nothing is just given to you. I am very proud to have been part of this school of strength and look forward to helping my future “victims” with the knowledge, honor and respect of the RKC!

The instruction of the RKC is second to none! From Pavel to all of the sr. RKCs, their knowledge and experience is unparalleled. The RKC is unique in the set-up, but easily the most beneficial training course I have even taken. This is what it is all about. It puts all other certifications to shame!

Rae Chitwood, Account Manager, Mansfield, OH

RKC training is among the most character building, challenging, intense 3 days of my life! I truly found out what I am made of and I can say without a doubt, worth not only every penny, but something I'd do again.

I had no idea what to expect coming into this. I leave a much better person, as well as a lot better educated in kettlebell use. I'll definitely be back for more courses and look forward to absorbing as much as possible!
Thank you!

Michael Rendle, Registered Nurse: Cardiac/Medical Intensive Care, Minneapolis, MN

Singularly the most comprehensive hands on strength environment I have ever been in.

Top grade. Top shelf. This will be one of only three great periods.
1.RKC
2.USMA - boot camp/power lifting
3.Shotokan Karate training in Japan for 13 months, with the Great Master of the Japan Karate Assoc, (JKA)

Marty Covault, Personal Trainer, San Francisco, CA

The seminar is the most organized I have ever attended in my entire career. In 20 years of weight lifting I never knew until this weekend how to press over head without compromising the rotator cuff and with greater strength. This, I must say, was an awesome experience.

I am impressed by the depth of knowledge of Pavel and by the calmness and peaceful presence of his partner in the business, John DuCane. The seniors are quite present in every sense of the word. Each one possess a distinct professionalism.

I had taken a lot of courses and seminars but this one is the kind that takes a professional to the next level.

Andrea Chang, Real Estate Sales / Graphic Designer, Seattle, WA

What a fabulous experience. From top to bottom this has been a strenuous but joyful three days. The instruction has been informative, knowledgeable and generous - the last being the most impressive of all.

Jessica Grafft, Student, Forest Lake, MN

It was overall the most educational and time worthy experience in my life thus far this experience has created a desire for me to dig deeper within kettlebells and the human body.

I have never listened to such insightful people. All of you are so in tune with our bodies and our form throughout the weekend. It really allows trust between a student/instructor setting. Your expertise and backgrounds are incredible.

This is the first time I have been to a certification/seminar/challenge of any kind. But kettlebells have already changed my life in such a drastic way that I don't see as though any other training or material could come close to matching this.

Thank you for passing on some of your knowledge in a setting like this. More than just a certification, this is a life altering experience. I am grateful to learn this at a young age so I can continue to learn/train/practice/teach the things I have gained physically and mentally this weekend into the rest of my life.

Marc Mclellan, Correctional Officer, Fullerton, CA

In one word I'd say UNBELEIVEABLE!!!.

Before attending the RKC I thought I knew something about training with kettlebells and training people with kettlebells. I was wrong.

The instructors and Pavel were closely knit into a cohesive unit. Have such different experience and can make the course understandable to everyone.

Incomparable! The RKC program is in a class alone.

Laura Balcerzak, Personal Trainer, Los Angeles, CA

Through manual teaching I learned how to link my background in exercise science (NASM CPT) to a more rhythmic functional movement via exercise progression and “ah-ha” drills. This will then help me teach this system to my clients.

Carl Mangione, Physical Therapist, Doylestown, PA

Painful, intense, enriching and the most effective and fun training I've had.

Pavel and company promise and deliver a unique experience. A complete, very effective program is learned in an intense brief time. Safety and attention to detail allow a transference of skill at a high level.

Tim Watson, Police Officer, Cincinnati, OH

After over 3 years of kettlebell training on my own, I can honestly say my technique and strength have doubled in one weekend with all the master instructors. Not only that, I have found many ways to improve.

Every one of these instructors have “been there, done that” on almost anything requiring amazing strength and conditioning. They are willing to demonstrate, teach, trouble shoot, and answer questions. They all believe in this style and philosophy of strength. They all expect us to be the best we can be, to a very high standard.

I learned, without being bored to death, about body mechanics, and how the body works as a system that moves. I have more tools to train anyone with any level of athletic ability. I learned to keep it simple and to think about getting and training my clients as I was learning and doing the drills. Of all the “trainers” I have met, none came close to the knowledge and quality of RKC.

It was near perfect. I had high expectations, and it exceeded them. Everything about it is top quality.

Danielle Cook, Vending Account Manager, Chatham, VA

There is no comparison, this was by far one of the best and most effective workshops I've ever attended.

Corey Marugg, New Product Readiness Engineer, Palm, Inc. Sunnyvale, CA

Grueling, intense and extremely insightful. The best, simplest, and most “fundamental” training I have received that far surpasses other certifications in fitness/conditioning/strength training.

I really appreciated 1:1 time with Pavel and/or an RKC instructor to provide advice and critique my technique, they were extremely insightful and this is where I felt “something click” numerous times. Quality of knowledge in all instructors was truly top notch. Experts in other fields as well, like Dr. Mike, were great for details on anatomy, etc.

This is my first official training for a certification, and I feel that it is superior in being extremely practical and hands on. I recently started the NSCA-CPT cert and it pales in comparison from a practicality perspective especially. “Learning by doing” is the best way.

Mark Wildman, Personal Trainer, Los Angeles, CA

The certification allowed me to understand Pavel's method of a total body workout system in the context of a upper body push, upper body pull, (clean, snatch), lower body pull (swing), lower body push (squat) and core (TGU). I now have a better understanding of what Dragon Door considers the minimum workout format requirements.

Mike Barone, Personal Trainer/Studio Owner, Rochester, NY

A comprehensive training that bettered my understanding and efficiency of kettlebell training and teaching. Also proud to be part of an event with the number of quality people in attendance as well as the instructors.

Brandy Spoon, Registered Nurse, Butler, OH

Wow! Besides being the hardest challenge I've ever overcome (even harder than passing state boards for nursing), I learned more than I imagined I would. The experienced instructors gave me more knowledge; ideas; support and personalized instruction than I expected.

Everything we were taught was simple and effective. It was beyond amazing. Each person has their own style and that gives us the ability to adapt to one of theirs or create our own.

I've done weight training and I get bored easily and get sick of doing the same exercises over and over. With kettlebells, I can change up my workouts continually. It's amazing the workout you can get in 15 minutes! Whether looking for strength, cardio or toning, kettlebells has it, you don't need an entire home gym to get it.

Brian Copeland, Corporate Training Manager, Denver, CO

Beat the holy snot out of you and make you realize what a weak pathetic fool you are. Then take your technique and ability to teach to a whole new level. I'm sure I'll leave feeling great! Sore, but great!.

While I haven't and wouldn't take the ACE cert, course in college; I've seen it, it sucks! I can't believe the instructors let us people do drills that are clearly bad for the back! Plus, there are out of shape people who pass. RKCs have to walk the walk, that is something to be proud of!

This workshop was definitely evil and worthy of Pavel's reputation.

Karen Vay, Personal Trainer, Rochester, NY

Physically this was the most challenging experience I have ever had.

The quality of training and knowledge was excellent. I have been to many workshops over the past ten years and nothing has come close to this weekend.

This is a superior certification that raises the bar in the fitness industry.

Debra Lipof, Trainer / Gym Owner, Rumford, R.I.

It is the hardest, most challenging and most useful training that I have ever had.

Dale Thompson, Ellicott City, MD

One of the most intense experiences of my life. It made me push myself farther than what I thought I could. Gave me a new understanding of where my learning needs to go in the future.

Very knowledgeable, the instructors did not focus on very technical terms. Like John DuCane said, they spoke “anglo saxon” not “latin”. Even though I have a background in exercise science I learned more here than much of my formal educators.

The way I feel was exactly like the learning experience of training for soccer the first time in high school. The training was spot on in the way they hammered the fundamentals and did not deviate much farther.

Dave Harvey, Computer Consultant/Spin Instructor

It is a very intense, painful, excruciating, and bonding experience.
It is the most in depth and comprehensive program I have ever been in. it is also the most physically demanding.

Karen Hamilton, Software Engineer, Forest Lake, MN

RKC training is a comprehensive and efficient workshop that provides an accelerated learning and hands on experience in 3 short days. This workshop will jumpstart or enhance anyone's career in KBs and the education will last a lifetime whether you teach or not.

I am extremely impressed at the knowledge, experience, professionalism respectfulness, and passion of Pavel and the instructors, and their deep understanding of training vs. teaching.

Dan Clausen, Ski Instructor and examiner PSIA,Lac du Flambeau, WI

It kicked ass, and made me stronger mentally.

Dan Anderson, P.E. Teacher/Basketball Coach, Hudson, NC

Incredible! I learned more about body movement, strength and conditioning in three days at RKC than in all my years of schooling. The instructors took pride in making sure I was doing things the rights way. The whole staff was committed to making me better and having a greater understanding. Simply incredible.

These instructors are true professionals. They carry their self with honor and don't try to impress as with their strength or knowledge. Like I mentioned earlier I received so much new information from these guys. What was really nice was knowing with full confidence that what these guys were saying was correct. In the strength world there is no much misinformation that is hard to know what and who to listen to. For someone who likes fitness and strength it really mans a lot having the RKC guys as instructors.

Light years ahead of anything I've done.

Thanks. The way I am able to push myself and compete with myself using kettlebells has really changed my life. Since finding Dragon Door I workout better, east better, and usually always look forward to the next time I get to grab my kettlebell. Kettlebells are a lifestyle. Once again, thank you.

Alex Stowell, Musician, Boxing Teacher, Venice, CA

I realized how little I knew when I got here, how much there is to know and I really understand the superiority of the system much more than before. I gained more knowledge in 3 days than in a lifetime of strength training.

World class. I feel very gifted to have a teacher of this caliber as there are but a few in the world at any given time.

John Henrici, Staff Officer, San Antonio, TX

A refreshing approach to strength and conditioning training that is fundamental, specific, uncompromising and unapologetic. It can be that bold because it is that effective.

I finished with a more practical box of tools than any other. It was physically demanding but the most important result was grasping the principles behind the techniques.

Craig Fingrutd, CIO, Philadelphia, PA

I have attended other workshops and training camps this is by far the most in depth, informative, and enlightening. With this knowledge it will help me teach my victims better and help me improve my form and understanding dramatically.

I have to give credit not only to Pavel and the Sr instructors but to all the other assistant instructors that helped throughout the cert. The knowledge and different specialties of each of the Sr. instructors showed the difference of the KB. Their knowledge and training tips/tool s are superior to anything I have been exposed to.

The entire cert was A #1. the instructors always made time to answer any question. Their depth of analysis was excellent. The structure of the teaching, how the training was laid out was done like you would in building a house, from the foundation up.

This was a real experience. I can only hope to one day come back and help out as an assistant instructor. That is until I come back for my Level II certification which I am already looking forward too.

Karen Biddle, Office Manager

It was a very well structured and very detailed program. The course was very demanding but it was well worth it for the amount that I learned.

The quality and training of the whole staff of instructors was incredible. There is such a huge amount of expertise and knowledge.

Greg Pappas, Owner, Fit for Life, Inc., South Boston, MA

A very intense 3 day course with not only learning the kettlebell techniques but also learning a lot about yourself also a very humbling experience.

I found Pavel a very innovative and motivating gentleman that loves to teach and share his knowledge, his staff were all excellent, very knowledgeable and willing to give valuable instruction.

I don't think anything compares to quality; material and practical use to RKC everything we learned is very useful.

Joshua Marek, Personal Trainer / Track Coach, Creswell, OR

It is brutally hard, but worth very penny, callus and drop of blood. Best certification I have taken.

Top quality. I have almost all of Pavel's books, which have made my clients and my own training a lot better, but nothing here felt redundant. Everything they said, whether I already knew it from the book or not got better.

The quality is excellent, the scope was very good, even though it was on a specialized topic and the practical used is so much better than all the other certifications I have taken it makes me wonder why I go those other ones.

Jerome Sedillo, Truck Driver, Thornton, CO

If you think you know how to do KB's right, you really don't. The RKC and the experience has shown me that there is much more to just picking up an iron ball and swinging it around.

The quality of instruction was excellent. The instructors were obviously very knowledgeable and wiling to share knowledge and show you how to perform correctly. Pavel's use of volunteers and ways to correct mistake was outstanding.

The kettlebell training goes way above and beyond anything I have experienced. The physical exercise is something you can apply to anything you do. The kettlebells will improve any activity, even truck driver.

Great instruction, I really admire and respect what Pavel has done for the physical fitness world. He and Dragon Door have created something that everyone can benefit from.

Kyle Burnett, Firefighter, St. Louis, MO

I've heard the saying, that we attendees are the cream of the crop, after this I felt like cottage cheese. Pavel and all the Sr. RKCS and assistants far exceeded any preconceived idea of greatness. Always remember, “they can kill ya, but that can't eat you!” Unbelievable, humbling. True masters of the art of strength.

Steve Gould, Fitness Center Owner, Morton, IL

The certification training process was demanding yet well paced. Clear and patient instruction insured learning techniques properly.

The senior instructors were excellent. Each communicated their ideas clearly and effectively. They were always available to answer questions. Pavel was also extremely accessible and helpful both to answer questions and to problem solve on the spot.

I have 3 other certifications. In none of them did I physically have to do, demonstrate, or perform anything. This type of training gives me confidence as an instructor to teach and demonstrate techniques properly. From a practical standpoint, the training was invaluable.

Ammon Blair, Salt Lake City, UT

Stellar! Having one on one attention with experts greatly improved my understanding of true strength, flexibility, and CORRECT Body Movements. One could not put a price on the knowledge I have received.

Amazing. Although I own a lot of the books and DVDs, having them go through the finer points and corrections is going to save me a lot of aches and pains down the road. I love their no B.S approach.

Hands down this has been the best. Being in the military and going through training doesn't even compare to the scope of things I have learned this weekend.

Claude Rinke, Corrections, Lincoln, NE

It is better than boot camp. Unbelievable, the best hand on training I have ever seen. There is none like it.

Stephen Favarger, Computer Consultant, Venice, CA

The instructors had an extremely strong grasp of the material. Tight focus was the rule rather than the exception. I feel like a freshly made brown belt studying with the masters of the school.

Douglas Chapman, Trainer, Ann Arbor, MI

The teaching methods were excellent. The balance and depth of training were great!

Every instance of training is directly useable in my fitness practice. There was little in the way of theory and a lot in the terms of practical application.

Michael Roach, Personal Trainer, Auckland, New Zealand

A hard, fast paced - hands on course, run by honest no-nonsense professionals, period….

Robert Budd, Personal Trainer and Gym Owner, Reno, NV

It has been the most valuable training I have ever received. To come so far in such a short time with my KB training speaks volumes about the type of instruction Pavel has chosen to teach.

The quality is unmatched. I don't for see myself being in the same room with such qualified people ever again, beside at the next training weekend. Being able to be trained hands on by the instructors has made me a better man.

I want to thank Pavel for a wonderful weekend. I have been looking forward to this for a very long time. He did not disappoint at all. I had fun and learned more than can be expressed in words.

Tim Mcphee, Plumber, Byron, MN

The certifications made me realize that what we think are limits are merely plateaus of ability from doing things in a way. Pavel and the instructors have shown us a different way that not only works, but works immediately. Those former limits can then be exceeded beyond what we thought was possible.

Tom Gallo, Physical Therapist, Grinnell, IA

RKC was very organized, precise instruction to KB training for dynamic, integrated training for my flexibility and strength. It was demanding but educative mentally and physically.

I have never been to a course of any kind that provided so much “hands on instruction” in a positive way. Pavel and the sr. instructors have many years of practice, teaching and knowledge and having them in the same room was very powerful learning experience.

The best instruction in making sure you can perform the material and teach it. By far the hardest physically! I thought I wouldn't get through the first day. I took Matt Fury's course - it doesn't even compare. I will be able to take and implement this training into my practice.