Back to Upcoming Russian Kettlebell Challenge Certification Workshop

October 2008 Russian Kettlebell Challenge Instructor Certification Workshop — Participant Praise

Mark Lehmkuhl; Crossfit Affiliate/ Strength and Conditioning Trainer; Montgomery, AL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

MS in Exercise Science; CSCS - NSCA); Registered Dietitian (CDR); Level I CrossFit certified; American Kettlebell Club Coach (AKC)
Strength and Conditioning coach for Faulkner University (basketball and volleyball) and Saint James high school (2004-2007)
Kinesiology and Nutrition Instructor at the University level (1998-2004)
Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Appalachian State Track and Field (1998-1999)
Competitive weightlifter (1998-2004)
Over 10 years of experience as trainer for clients of all activity levels and abilities from beginners to athletes currently in the National Football League (NFL)

The best certification, hands down. I have more than 5 personal training certifications including the NSCA's CSCS, which was the best I had attended until this weekend.

Pavel provides an environment where the victim must learn how to think if they are to survive. This ideal is lost in ever other certification I had attended. Accountability. You are not handed a certificate for showing up.

George Samuelson III, Personal Trainer/Marketing Consultant/Web Developer; Chesterfield, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM Certified Personal Trainer; FMS Certified

One of the most amazing and greatest weekends of my life. I am honored to be involved in an organization with so many intelligent, knowledgeable, and passionate people.

The quality of instruction I have received here is above and beyond more comprehensive than most certs around. Again, I am honored to be around all of the instructors here this weekend.

Mary Ann Lubas; Personal Trainer; Fort Lauderdale, FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

IFA certified personal trainer, NESTA certified Pilates instructor
1st place in class C at the 2008 Southern States figure Championships
3rd place in class C at the 2007 Zena Collins Fitness Championships
1st place in Class C at the 2007 Debbie Kruck Classic

What an amazing weekend! There was so much knowledge and hands on training. It changed me as a person. I am so proud to be a part of this RKC weekend and made it through very strongly. As a trainer, I have so much more knowledge to give my clients and myself. Also, more confident to give my clients the best results safely and effectively as quickly as possible.

The quality of training was amazing. Just tweaking an exercise made such a difference. I have never experienced a certification course like this before. It makes other courses weak compared to the knowledge and hands on training I experienced this weekend.

Kelly Cassidy; Personal Trainer; Brighton, MA

My experience while at the RKC has truly been a blessing. From the participants, to assistant instructors, to the Sr. staff every individual has something in common here and to have the opportunity to be a part of this has been an honor. Thank you!

Pavel's knowledge and enthusiasm is one of a kind. It has been such a great honor to learn from him directly. David Whitley has directly influenced me in such a way that is unforgettable!! As an instructor he encouraged and corrected with tough love! As a person he has proven to me what it means to be RKC. I have the utmost respect for David! Rock on!

#1 in quality! The scope of material and practical use are top in the fitness field. Everything learned this weekend can be put to use immediately.

Drew Kearns; Personal Trainer/Strength Coach

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Multiple sport athlete through junior and high school, and becoming a NPC competitive bodybuilder while attending Liberty University, where I received a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology as a Fitness Specialist.
International Personal Trainer (Canada and the United States) for the past 4 years with 100's of clients from far reaching ages, abilities and backgrounds. From elderly grandmothers rehabbing hip injuries to NCAA Division 1 Athletes.
I am currently the Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Liberty University Division 1 and 2 Men's Hockey Teams. Their current training program consists wholly of kettlebell training, bodyweight exercises and correctional exercises from Gray Cook's FMS.
Personal lifting accomplishments including 495 lb Squat, 335 lb Bench Press, and 600 lb Deadlift. Current weight is 205 with 7% bodyfat. Currently training in Hawaiian Kempo and mixed martial arts, hoping to compete as an amateur in 2009.

One of the most informative weekend seminars ever. Really showed me how connected the muscles are to each other. The instructors have a wealth of info. It would be nice to have them with me every time I work out.

100 times better. All other certifications bow down to the king that is RKC.

Amanda Sullivan, Personal Trainer, Minneapolis, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

U of MN Track and Field athlete (high jump), NASM PT Certification.

It has been the best training of my life. Coming from a D1 track and field program I thought I was strong, fit. Now that I've begun training with kettlebells I realize I was kind of strong and kind of fit.

All of the instructors have been wonderful straight forward — no bullshit instruction, tough love. Good one on one and group instruction.

Quality has been 10x better than any other certs. I've had. NASM — ok memorize our training phases and protocol — great, take a test you're certified. ETZ — probably the worst workshop training I've experienced — then again you get what you pay for.

Edwin P. Garrigan III, Trainer; New York, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Soccer, Past 6 years as an endurance athlete [marathons and Tri-athlete]
Military: US Army [86-92]
Certifications: BS in Exercise Science and Health and Physical Ed. K-12: ACE Certified Personal Trainer: National C License FIFA Soccer Coach: PADI Dive Instructor

The RKC training program has surpassed all my expectations, I came to this training with a level I certificate and found I was in some ways cheated of knowledge and technique in my prior experience. The professionalism and content of this course surpasses that of any other I have ever experienced. Thank you.

From Pavel to the assistants, the level of knowledge and level of training surpassed my expectations. I would like to thank them all for their willingness to share this knowledge and expertise.

I have trained for soccer, marathons and tri events personally. I have also received a bachelors degree in exercise science, ACE CPT, FMS cert and a kettlebell level one certification, to name a few. This program has a level of quality and professionalism which surpasses all others I have experienced.

Scott Ward; Firefighter/Paramedic; Waukegan, IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Intercollegiate Basketball, Moody Bible Institute 1993-1994.

Super. The instructor's mastery of the material presented was amazing. The simple drills presented for instruction were on target. I was physically unprepared for the volume of work, because where my workouts would end, RKC began. Tough work, tough love, tough course, but well worth my time.

Pavel's knowledge of the body and how it works best together blows me away. His attention to detail of movements is amazing. But his ability and willingness to explain and teach this correctly to his students is what makes him the best.

Master RKC Jones did a tremendous job at passing his knowledge as well.

This RKC has been the highest quality and by far translates most practically into my professional and personal lives. The course presents 6 exercises, but has great scientific evidence to back up their superior results.

Brian Dykstra; Personal Trainer; Central, SC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA certified personal trainer. Played high school sports: baseball, basketball, and football

Made me see that this is the only way to learn about kettlebells — thru Dragon Door (RKC).

Terrific experience, very knowledgeable staff. I would recommend this to anyone who is serious about fitness, whether it be for you personally or if you want to teach others.

Very knowledgeable. Instructors were passionate about what they were teaching. Very helpful and encouraging.

Very practical. People want simple and results. You get both here. There are no gray areas with RKC like there are with other certs.

I like very much how Dragon Door takes so much pride in the RKC system. It truly is a classy, professional organization.

Gwen Lehmkuhl; Crossfit Affiliate/Business Manager; Montgomery, AL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Crossfit Level 1 Certified Trainer and affiliate. My husband and I own/operate and train at our gym and are fortunate to have RKC Ken Love working with us.

The RKC weekend is unlike any other experience in my life. I was honored and humbled to walk among some of the most incredible people I will ever meet. Not only is it a school of strength for the body, you strengthen your mind and your soul. You will receive a sense of accomplishment and empowerment which will carry you from being a victim to being a survivor.

Pavel is a gift to everyone in his presence. He demands respect with just a look, yet he is encouraging and humorous at times. I cannot say enough about Jeff O'Connor and James Neidlinger. These men are equally phenomenal with their strength and skill. I am proud to have stood beside them and never questioned a word of instruction.

I thought I had a certification at Crossfit. What I had was a weekend, plane ticket and hotel expense where I earned a certification without any performance or accountability. Instead of leaving RKC and rushing to train clients as a "certified" trainer, I am humble, cautious and aware of whom I represent and the expertise of what I should do.

Tanya Thell; 911 Dispatch/Telecommunicator, Blaine, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Law Enforcement Background, Amateur Boxer, Train in Muay Thai, TFT and Ground Fighting. Professional Figure Skating Instructor.

The RKC training made me truly appreciate and understand more fully the RKC principles, techniques and code.

The quality of training and knowledge provided by Pavel and all his staff is a wealth of information and reference. Pavel has chosen carefully those individuals to surround himself with who are dedicated to the RKC and that dedication and compassion shows thorough out his entire staff.

The RKC was far superior to other types of physical exercise training I have had in the past. The RKC has clearly defined expectations and criteria for becoming RKC certified. The RKC goes above and beyond to provide each individual with support and tools to becoming successful.

Fabulous seminar. Really enjoyed Rom Morris. He had great energy and was very compassionate and patient. In addition all 3 assistants, Jason Marshall, Jason Wood and Dustin Rippetoe went above and beyond to provide every bit of "comfort" and hard love to all of us during our training. I really appreciate the opportunity to train with all of the wonderful RKC staff. Thank you

Beau Nelson; Personal Trainer; Chicago. IL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ACE certified, some martial arts.

Preparation goes a long ways. One must be willing to burn through some of the most grueling pain they will ever feel. I feel stronger, looser and more focused in 3 days than I ever have in my life.

This is a course for professional enthusiasts of strength. It doesn't matter if one is currently a Navy Seal or professional athlete. This course shows amazing methods to channel your energy and keep the body tough even without the use of kettlebells. The icons of Pavel and the instructors who I have read about and watched videos of greatly exceeded my expectation.

No other course I have taken has had as much quality instruction that will last a lifetime. This was definitely a spiritual experience.

Matt McBryde; Information Technology; Nashville, TN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Completed 8 Triathlons and 1 Marathon

A truly mind-opening experience the entire weekend. The presentation and instruction were top-notch. Those that are truly looking for a tough physical challenge need to sign up for this course.

I will never forget the experience and feel confident that I can teach others how to use kettlebells thanks to the hard working and dedicated RKC staff.

I really can't say enough about the high level of teaching from the entire staff. Everything was high quality.

Having a background in triathlon and marathon training, I can say that this course was more demanding and was a great learning experience.

Chris Pollard; Self Employed (renewable energy); Montrose, MI

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

all high school sports, weight trained for last 28 years some martial arts background

From a knowledge perspective it was outstanding and very useful. In fact I will never train any other way again. I have learned more in 3 days that my previous 27 years of weight training.

I am very impressed with the integrity of RKC. If selected I will be very honored to be part of this group of very serious and dedicated individuals. I am very pleased and honored to have been in their presence this weekend. The personal attention and eye contact has been very helpful and reassuring.

I have previously been instructed in martial arts, mountain climbing, scuba diving, this by far is the most intensive. The clear purpose here was to make us better. I am leaving with a greater amount of knowledge in 3 days than I have ever received in such a short time.

Please continue to maintain the integrity that you showed this weekend. Thank you and God Bless.

Shannon Ward Swartz; Teach Pilates and Gyrotonics; Eden Prairie, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

a.c.e. certified, pilates certified; gyrotonic certified

I am so proud that I switched trainers with kettlebells. I started at the Sweatshop in St Paul and then discovered John Rock RKC in St Louis Park. So I didn't have to re-learn the proper technique — otherwise I would have come and been "dead wrong" on all of it!

I have been in the fitness world for 8 years. I have done all the conventions, workshops, etc and have spent a ton of money for a lot of not much. This workshop/certification needed all of my time, energy, attention and I appreciate that. Highest level of training and knowledge I have ever had. The team leader Ron was kind, energetic, patient and crystal clear what he wanted. The Sr. Instructors never held back on their ability to share knowledge. They kept my attention at all times (which is highly unusual.) Pavel, I felt spread his knowledge completely and he is funny. This workshop could last a week for me — I love having so much training and learning.

Practical use? I haven't been able to run or squat for almost a year kettlebell training took the pain in my knees away and after this weekend my hips are so much more open — I also know it really helps with shoulder stability.

Frank Berger; Maintenance Technician, Columbus, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Weight lifting, Power lifting, Martial Arts

This was absolutely worth every penny. Even if the second two days were sub par (which they weren't!) the first day alone would have been worth the whole weekend.

Top notch instruction and demonstration. I've been training in martial arts for over 20 years and power lifting and power bodybuilding for 19 years. This course put everything else I've done previously to shame.

Paul Gerard; Letter Carrier; Champlin, MN

Great attention to detail from transportation and lunch to the proper way to use and handle the kettlebell. The way the instructors really cared about the RKC program and what it stands for, It makes me proud to have withstood the training.

The quality was even more than I expected, even after all the reviews on DD's website from previous cert. classes. The attention to detail was very professional, all the way down to our nametags. The instructors all cared very much about the course and it showed.

Far exceeded another certification course I took in terms of knowledge and expertise.

Timothy Shuman; Strength Coach; Orlando, FL

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

'95 B.S. Springfiled College Ma.
C.S.C.S., USAW.; '00 AFL. Championship (Strength Coach)
15 yrs Training concentration on Olymipic Weight Training

It kicked my ass, with hard education. Body was on fire all weekend. But I loved it. WOW — mind blowing.

Antonio Cordova, Personal Trainer, New York, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Navy Veteran 2003

I've been training in kettlebells for almost 3 years. I've always wanted to be part of a school and organization such as RKC. Definitely feel sharper in my techniques, and definitely they have the best in the business to show us how is done. Life changing experience.

Special thanks for Jeff O'Connor for his dedication and careful teachings, very knowledgeable and approachable. It's an honor to meet such great individuals. Best in the business and of course to Mr. Pavel thank you for bringing such a quality of training to the states.

Tony Tokman; Business Owner; Cleveland, OH

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Krav Maga, Full Contact fighter, fitness enthusiast, gym's co-owner

Breath taking experience. Way, way superior.

Kelly McCauley; Assistant Director of Personal Training Facility/Brazilian JJ School; Malvern, PA

The knowledge I gained from the weekend is invaluable. It was a test of mental and physical toughness that I wasn't sure I could endure, but I did!!!

To learn for the best, that's why I'm here! They were all very knowledgeable and communicated that knowledge clearly with visual cues.

The level of knowledge surpassed anything I've ever done or experience before.

Diane McCoy; Graphic Designer; Atlanta, GA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Runner, swimmer, cyclist

KB cert training is very difficult and extremely challenging, but well worth the experience.

Before taking this cert. course I'd heard many good things about Pavel, he was more impressive in person. Learning from people that not only know their stuff but are also very enthusiastic about the kb training program. All of the kb instructors exhibited this skill and enthusiasm for kb.

Pete Myers; Corporal Pa. State Police; Lansdale, PA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Fit Force Certified Personal Trainer; Martial Arts Instructor/MMA
Owner small fitness company Team Fitness LLC, PA State Police 17 Years

My experience of this program was intense, unforgiving and brutal… and I enjoyed every minute of it.

I have never experience a program of this nature. Never have I had the privilege to be taught by such fabulous instructors. I was motivated, pushed and killed. The compassion was tremendous. I applaud this program and I am glad I had the privilege to be a part of it.

As I said earlier the type of movements and practice of the kettlebell went against some of my training experience. I found that the science of the kettlebells was correct and I have been doing things wrong on some of the exercises I taught.

Jared Fleurent; Personal Trainer; Boston, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Bachelors in Exercise Science, Master of Science Concentration in Strength and Conditioning.
NSCA Personal Trainer, USA Weightlifting Club Coach.
Competed at Collegiate Nationals for Olympic Lifting in 2007. Qualified for Collegiate Nationals in 2008.

RKC has taught me how to create tensing for strength and stabilization. Once you can understand how to create full body tension you learn to generate more power and strength.

The quality of training was outstanding. Any questions or issues were answered and demonstrated. It was a lot of information and all of it was useful.

RKC made sure you could perform the exercise before teaching. You physically went thru the exercises, drills, and corrective strategies with a partner to understood how it works from a teacher perspective and a student's.

I felt it was the best training I have been to the combination between the lectures and physically performing was great, I wouldn't change anything.

John Lauffer; Personal Trainer; Fories, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

CPT-ACSM, Multiple 50k-100k race finishes

RKC is an awesome way to bond with your body to generate power beyond reason. It made me look at my body as a machine that I can make do anything I want it to, with the right training.

I thought everyone was exceptional for their rank. If a team assistant didn't know then we would ask the team leader. It continued up the ladder till someone had an answer.

RKC is much more demanding and actually requires training. Gained much more from RKC than any other cert.

Armand Lavallee; Personal Trainer; Brighton, MA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NASM CPT NSCA CSCS

It is an initiation into a school of thinking/brotherhood that isn't understood until you have experienced it yourself. It demands excellence, discipline, and above all safety. It was a personal growth experience for myself and I look forward to learning more. There is a level of knowledge held by the team leaders that you won't find anywhere else.

Unequalled. Brett Jones was my team leader and between he and Pavel I learned more in 3 days than I had in any other cert I have CSCS, NSCA cpt. I could pick their brains for days.

The hands on aspect and availability of one on one attention made all the difference. I felt everyone in my group made great progress. Then the dry, but highly informative, marketing lecture taught everyone how to tie everything together and be more profitable. I've been to many certs and workshops but no one teaches about the business aspect of fitness.

It was great, I wish it was longer. Consider an RKC program or course like night school. You could pump out some of the highest educated trainers on the market. The weekend seminar only scratches the surface of what these guys have to teach.

Seems like you have a flawless system. From hotel, to shuttle buses, location.

Tom Koulouris; Consultant; Fort Lauderdale, FL

In life, there exists only a handful of major milestones. High school/college/marriage/parenting and now kettlebells.

The quality of instruction is very high and detailed. I especially liked the various imagery used to help me grasp what is being explained. The importance of safety is clear and stressed from day one. To be physically exhausted & remain injury free (some blisters, but who cares) is a testimonial to expert instruction and safety.

Dennis Breckey; Chief Operator for a Television Station; Nashville, TN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Background in Wado-Ryu karate and Kwong Sai Jook Lum Praying Mantis Kung Fu. Achieved 2nd degree brown belt in Wado-Ryu before discovering the Jook Lum system.

All encompassing. Both your physical and mental strength are put to the test.

The instructors were very knowledgeable. More importantly, I felt, they actually care about the progression and success of their "victims" This aspect of the RKC is the most important to me. Their passion for their success, the success of their students and the integrity of the organization excudes from them and does not have to be spoken. It is family.

The RKC is by far the most well thought out, prepared and evolved training I have ever participated in. The way in which I was "broken down" before being "reconstructed by correcting my short comings was extremely effective.

I was completely broken down physically and emotionally. I have come through this with a stronger perspective of myself. I cannot say enough positive things about the instructors and especially my team's leader Jeff O'Connor and his assistant James Neidlinger, whose passion for the RKC and caring for his charges was beyond question at all times.

Aaron Gonzales, Personal Trainer, Hawthorne, CA

I have a born again and newfound respect for RKC and those assoc. with it.

An opportunity to find your true self and what cloth you're cut from.

An opportunity to soak up as much knowledge and info by veterans and masters of this art. An honor to been involved and to have partaken in.

Blows any kind of training out the water.

Chriss Silverstein, Personal Trainer, Old Brookville, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Training in Kettlebell for about 1 yea, I am a 4.5 tennis player, having come in 1st place in many tournaments and leagues on the North Shore or Long Island. I recently started training people in Kettlebell.

RKC training should be a requirement for any individual who wishes to practice with it. The in depth safety factor alone was covered and drilled in so well by RKC, that it will be a constant reminder for me to pass on to my victims.

Wow, there was an overload of information given, but laid out in such a fashion as to be constructive and not confusing. Lecture, demonstration, practice, drill was a great formula to use. It was consistent making it effective. I felt all the instructors were on the same page which also led to a smooth understanding of this training. All attitudes from the instructors were serious, but not so much as to dislike anyone, but rather to respect our leaders.

I have never had this kind of experience ever. I was overwhelmed with the knowledge I am taking home with me. It was so well laid out for me that I have stripped myself of what I thought I knew to carrying away what I now know, i.e. the RKC way.

Thank you for an unforgettable training weekend.

Aileen Medina, Health and Wellness Coach, Washington, DC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

ATC, BS Kinesiology, MS Exercise Fitness Health Promotion, Stott Pilates, Paul Chek HLC Level 1, TRX Instructor, Holistic Health Counselor Certification, Columbia University/Institute of Integrative Nutrition.

With utmost respect, the level of instruction was by far the most impressive training I've come across.

The entire team were all very knowledgeable. Impressive credentials.

One of a kind that one will only receive at Dragon Door. I don't think you'll find anything as comprehensive in the teaching methods of the kettlebell.

Thomas Sher; Firefighter; Northfield, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Yoga Certification and Instructor, Tri-Athlete, Long Distant Rower, Runner.

I know I was going to be in a weekend of working out. I did not expect what I went through. The teaching is unbelievable. The students are helping you achieve your goal, whatever it may be. The knowledge of Pavel and all his assistants is truly one of a kind. If you can make it through the weekend you will have all the confidence to go back and train any type of athlete!

Pavel alone is probably the biggest asset you could have for our own personal training. When you add Jeff, David, Ron and Brett to the equation it brings the workshop to the highest level of training.

I would like to thank all the instructors for your time and information. it has been a weekend full of hell, but very beneficial. Can't wait to bring it back to my clients.

Jonathan Rhoda; Teacher; Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

-60 meter hurdles provincial champion 1995
-Bachelor of Physical Education 2000
-Bachelor of Education 2004, University of Manitoba
-Certified coach in rugby and track & field
-Coached high school rugby and track & field
-1st division provincial Rugby Champion, Winnipeg Wanderers RFC, 2004 (wing)
-former Wushu and Hapkido student(three years of study)

Agonizing death and rebirth, followed by a beat down and a handshake.

It's hard to deliver that amount of information at such an accelerated rate for the amount of time given, the RKC did a remarkable job at giving the practical details, and provided a handbook with great ideas to take to our clients. Cheers.

It's really a holistic health approach with the emphasis on strength. Being a phys ed grad, I see the advantage of using a single focal point. PE facilities attempt to compartmentalize separate subjects, where as RKC always refers everything back to strength, be it health, nutrition, relaxation, balance, flexibility endurance.

Jennifer Bryan; Physician; Jackson, TN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

M.D.

The RKC training is a detailed, comprehensive weekend that not only teaches the fine art of kettlebell training and how to convey/teach that art but also hammers it home in a way that amazed me as much a I t fatigued me.

Much more comprehensive, provided me many more tools to deal with potential problems in people I teach. Was much more concerned with my ability to properly demonstrate good form and "model" good practice to my students.

Alisa Brzek; First Sergeant, USAF; N Las Vegas, NV

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do (1987) and Instructor from (1987-1990) but do not practice now. Certified aerobics instructor, also taught cardio kick-boxing in Lajes Field Azores (again not practicing now). Active duty Air Force for 18 years, currently a First Sergeant for the 99th Security Forces Squadron, Nellis AFB NV.

My experience was grueling and humbling. I thought I knew a lot about kb training and it turns out that I only know about the first two layers of a 10 layer cake.

The best instruction I've ever been exposed to. Everything else pales in comparison.

Albert Roig, Personal Trainer/Massage Therapist, Toa Baja, Puerto Rico

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Certified Crossfit Trainer, NASM-CPT, Certified Massage Therapist, San Yama Bushi Ryu Jujutsu Black Belt

It's truly a complete strength school. I don't need any other tool beside kettlebells. Before coming to the cert I wasn't convinced about this.

The toughest weekend of my life, it really delivers. It was by far more than I was expecting and I was expecting a lot.

Extremely knowledgeable instructors very formal and organized. A lot of tough love.

It was the perfect blend of lecture and practical information. Other certifications I have been to lack one of these.

Dan Anderson; Physical Education Teacher/Basketball Coach; Hudson, NC

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

2000 McDonalds All American Nominee
2000 USA Today Honorable Mention All American
N.C. East West All star game starter
NC Vs. SC All star Game starter
Full scholarship to play college Basketball

It is simply amazing how something so good already, continues to improve. The RKC truly never rest!

Incredible! The amount of individual time each student gets is amazing. You can tell that every instructor has their heart invested in the RKC.

Steven Womack; Owner; Odessa, TX

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Speed and Agility Boot Camps Personal Training, Football.

Humbling experience that challenges you physically, mentally as well as spiritually. I want to train harder and more effectively to train clients with safety as my number on objective.

Eye opening reasons behind the madness in order to help me bet the best I can be in order to represent the RKC in West Texas.

Makes all the other PT programs look weak. More hands on and the most physically challenging I have every experienced in this field.

Thank you for breaking me down through constructive criticism. I realized I can get a great workout with the kettlebell alone. Thank you.

Jill Stroud; Personal Trainer; Forest, VA

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

NSCA certified trainer
BS Sports Medicine

RKC was the most physically and mentally challenging experience I have ever had. It showed me the kind of dedication and hard work it takes to be among the best in the business! RKC has my utmost respect and admiration!

The quality of instruction was phenomenal! I know I got the best there is! Their knowledge and experience shined through and because of that, I feel more confident in passing along that knowledge to my clients.

This blew every other conference, certification course, and class I have ever taken OUT OF THE WATER!! I feel I can immediately apply this information to my own training and on to my clients. I also know exactly where to go to continue increasing my knowledge of KB training.

I am now a believer that cardio on a machine is a WASTE OF TIME! Thank you!!

Sandor Sommer; Bootcamp Owner; Towson, MD

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

College Football player, All-America and All Conference. College Lacrosse Player. High School Basketball Point Guard

I thank you for opening my eyes to all I didn't now. I realize that being an RKC is a journey and not a destination. What I learned will carry over to every component of my life. This is the most amazing thing I've been a part of.

The men and women who thankfully shared their ocean of knowledge with me was far, far past the vast expectations I had before I got here. We were corrected in a positive and firm manner. There was nothing but positive energy. The drills were taught with skill and clarity.

I have no other thing to compare it to. I have another KB cert that I won't have use for going forward. "Hard Style" is the best in my clients and it's the best for me. The encyclopedia of tools I have is beyond my hopes before RKC. This is the best, bar none.

Parker Craig; Police Officer;

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Crossfit Level 1 Trainer, Owner of DeSoto Crossfit, 13 years with the Memphis Police Department

Once again, the attitude displayed by the instructors this weekend was amazing. That makes you want to be a part of the organization. In addition to that, the knowledge on how to use the kettlebell to develop and enhance athletic movement and performance is truly impressive.

Much more hands on time. Most certifications I've been through spend a vast majority of the time in the classroom. Several certifications actually teach you that "you don't have to be able to do it, just teach it." RKC expects that you not only do it, but d it well. You lead by example and that's what a trainer/coach is supposed to do.

Breana Berry; Realtor: Plymouth, MN

This was an exciting yet grueling experience. I have never been pushed to such extremes while having to maintain the preciseness of the skills I learned. Thank you for elevating my threshold and confidence.

I liked the fact that when I was having an issue with my form that more than one instructor would come to my aid. The key points they made were the same, but sometimes explained in different ways, they became more easy for me to grasp and hence application was accomplished. These different explanations also add to our "box of trick" for our clients.

I have trained very hard before for ice hockey and rugby, but I have never trained into something that could be a source of income — I am anxious to gain this benefit. Healthy and wealthy, Wow!

It has been a Blast!

Joseph Carranza; Personal Trainer/Coach; Williston Park, NY

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Former High School Collegiate Wrestler 2 time All County Most Valuable/Improved Wrestler and Captain. NESTA Certified. Work with all types of clients with various goals such as weight loss, muscle tone, strength, endurance, athletic, as well as maintenance for the elders.

It was a high level of expectation, demand, discipline, etc. training experience I have ever encountered. It is the Gold standard of kettlebell training. And for anyone who is seeking knowledge and correct understanding of how to use and practice kettlebells should take on the RKC! You will be lost without it.

I felt that every instructor has a high level of knowledge and specific information on how to convey to us how to help others to practice kettlebells. They all emphasized with a great deal of passion the correct subtleties of how to practice technique to perform all exercises. I like how although with all their knowledge none of the instructors were afraid to say they didn't know something and allowed one of their fellow instructors to take over. And the level of professionalism from Pavel down to the assistant RKC was appreciated.

Fortunately I have had the great experience of other certifications and RKC proved to be great if not better than all those experiences. The quality in which RKC delivered the discipline and expectations of an instructor is second to none. This gives all RKC in my opinion a proper self-confidence.

I just want to really thank my Team Leader Ron Morris and all assistant instructors for their support and tough love. It really made my experience.

Samantha Mattos; Personal Trainer; Edina, MN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

MS Kinesiology, NASM, ACE
Johnny G. Certified Spinning Instructor

The RKC is the most physically and mentally challenging seminar one can take. It will push you beyond your limits and show you how to find the tools to overcome your own adversities and insecurities.

The crew was very knowledgeable and able to share and teach their knowledge with the student. They were straight to the point, making positive criticisms and corrections as well as congratulating the students when work was well done. The staff was friendly and showed their interest in their students. By making sure they learned every bit of information they could teach. RKC was not about the instructor's egos, but about teach the future RKC "family members" how to excel and increase their confidence to.

The RKC was by far the most intense physically and mentally course in which I have ever participated. But just like any other training, the student must continue to improve and search for information. In terms of practical use, quality and scope of material the RKC is among the best training courses out there.

Angela Ramos; Fitness Coach, Business Owner; Crown Point, IN

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

SSA, C.H.E.K. certified. Run fitness camps for women, owner of Inspiration Fitness, Inc. Specialize in women's fat loss.

The RKC has shown me that I cam capable of doing much more than I ever imagined. The physical and mental endurance needed to get through the weekend had made me a more powerful woman inside and out. This certification is not only about technique, it's about finding the true power hidden inside you that hasn't been tapped yet.

I was very impressed with the knowledge and helpfulness of the RKC instructors. I feel confident that I can go home and teach what I have learned. To me that is important because if I have to spend hours trying to "understand" a course due to too much medical jargon I am less likely to utilize it.

There is no comparison to any other training course I have taken. I consider myself a strong woman, but this weekend nearly broke me. I have a great respect for everyone who has or will complete this course.

Thank you Du Cane, Pavel and all the Master Instructors for being great mentors.

Lesley Brunker; Environmental Scientist/Project Manager; Haddonfield, NJ

Athletic Achievements, training background or specialty:

Brown belt, Kenkojuku Shotokan Karate. Very amateur distance runner & triathlete.

RKC training is a Shodan test for kettlebell training. It tests what you know and can do and gives you the tools to teach that and solidify your own training, plus it gives you a foundation to aspire for more for yourself, clients, business, etc.

Nice elite group — make you feel as if they care about the importance of what they are passing on —it's about the system, not them.

Gillian Gook; Student; Edmonton, AB, Canada

This weekend, I was exposed to some very knowledgeable, intelligent instructors. I was able to learn from all of them and was able to gain knowledge and a better understanding of kettlebells. I am thankful that I was fortunate to have the opportunity to be here.

All of the instructors were helpful, open honest and humble. I was very much honored to be able to have learned from them. I found the level of individual attention and instruction to be of very high quality. Pavel was great. He has such a wealth of knowledge, I am grateful he was willing to share.