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

Party Members Unite, Hail Life-Changing Rewards from Pavel's September 2002 Russian Kettlebell Challenge:

"A very demanding, intelligent, thorough, yet cohesive training. Instructors, students formed harmonious group which allowed mutual learning and exchange of the training and principles of K-Bell training. Just a wonderful experience! Wide variety —1st class instructors. Highest quality and info which you can use and apply immediately!"
— Susanna Wentzel, Duynefontein, South Africa

"This has been an extremely motivational event, which although I initially entered for my own development has now lead me to want to spread the word. The experience was demanding but incredibly rewarding. One of the most influential events of my adult life, which may just spur a career change in the near future. Thanks to all."
—Nick Fraser, IT Contractor, Shrewsbury, Great Britain

"It was a total physical, mental and almost spiritual enlightening experience. It helped me get in touch with inner strength that I could not touch in prior focusing efforts. These guys are world class, and pioneers in bringing this wonderfully refreshing approach to total body health to the United States. Long live the party "
—Timothy Cosgriff, PT, Lincoln, NH

"Kettlebell training revolutionized the way to think about harnessing and exerting power and energy. Pavel did an excellent job of getting the participants to think for themselves and analyze ways to improve others and themselves. Excellent safety tips, excellent program to teach future customers on improving form, great insight on how to run your business from Mike Mahler and Steve Maxwell, and great concentration of basics "
—Brian O'Hare, Santa Rosa Beach, FL

"I have Pavel's books and tapes and it was an honor to meet the man who changed my life. Pavel dispels the misinformation that is rampart in the fitness industry. It is unquantifiable how much value Pavel has added to my life."
—Jim Trench, Functional Conditioning, Ridgefield, CT

"I would say that this weekend has been a kickstart for renewing my zest for a fit body. A fit body kept me from dying before. Now this renewal will prepare me for life's new challenges. I have ADD and also 30 years experience in body mechanics. This means to keep my attention, the material must be fresh, interesting, and useable in my business and for me personally, and make me hungry for more. These needs could only me net with highly technical yet lay person useable continuous instruction. Quality was unmatchable."
—Patricia Henderson, Bloomington, MN

"An outstanding, hands-on program. Like the saying goes "you can't learn to swim standing on the beach." There is no standing on the beach here."
—John Hickman, Operations Manager, DARC, Olive Branch, MS

"Excellent experience, the instructors' passion comes through, will attend again for sure."
—Daniel Fahey, District Manager, Cincinnati, OH

"It was an energizing environment with lots of support. The instruction was outstanding."
—Christine Uberti, Clinical Research Monitor, Somerset, NJ

"The Russian Kettlebell Certification training was without a doubt the most informative learning experience I have had in physical conditioning."
—Lorraine Patten, Dentist, Pleasant Valley, NY

"This is tough, demanding training, which results in a tangible full body workout. The instructors were all experts at the form and function of each drill, and imparted this knowledge to the extent that each student could absorb it. I was very impressed by Pavel's grasp of both the technical aspects of the various exercises as well as the muscular physiology behind the working of these exercises "
—Russell Peele, Student, Highlands Ranch, CO

"The instructors were extraordinary teachers, athletes, and people. Each was extremely patient and knowledgeable. Additionally, every teacher was able to offer different insights based on their own unique experiences."
—Isaac Boucher, Student, Corona, CA

"All were outstanding. They all exhibited great form, enthusiasm, well spoken, and serve as incredible examples of what KB training is all about."
—Steven Baccari, Electrician, Medford, MA

"The quality of training far surpassed anything I've experienced before."
—Marc DeRome, Physical Therapist, La Crescenta, CA

"Pavel's instrucion has always been top-notch and that continued to be the case. I was impressed with all of the guest instructors in both their physical abilities and teaching styles."
—John Collis, Executive Director, The Peak Performance Center, Solon, OH

"Absolutely excellent! Pavel lived up to my expectations. I have and even exceeded this as did all of the instructors. All were excellent."
—Oscar Otuyelu, Teacher, Zürich, Switzerland

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Participants also compared the Russian Kettlebell Certification to any other training they had taken in physical exercise—in terms of quality, scope of material, and practical use:

"It doesn't compare. I have never been in the company of so many knowledgeable instructors that make themselves so approachable. They are the men! And Andrea's the woman!"
—Lorraine Patten, Dentist, Pleasant Valley, NY

"This was the best training I have ever had in every way."
—Indrananda Ishaya, Self-employed, Clyde, NC

"Very Good, Probably the most effective class I have ever taken."
—Samuel Hancock, Trainer, Greensboro, NC

"Everything else was just rearranging the furniture. Russian Kettlebell training builds a new house from the foundation up."
—Timothy Cosgriff, PT, Lincoln, NH

Clearly much better than the "WUSS" Personal Training Certs., out there.
—Daniel Fahey, District Manager, Cincinnati, OH

"Highest quality of instruction of any course. Great bunch of guys and gals many of whom I'll stay in touch with."
—Nick Fraser, IT Contractor, Shrewsbury, Great Britain

"No Comparison. Just the kettlebells themselves do not compare to other training systems. It's a class of its own."
—Susanna Wentzel, Duynefontein, South Africa

"This was by far the best, thorough workshop I've attended in any area."
—Isaac Boucher, Student, Corona, CA

"I can not think of anything I have experienced that even comes close to this incredible experience."
—Steven Baccari, Electrician, Medford, MA

"The time factor was outstanding—Pavel wasted no time. He made certain that we (I) felt we were getting our money's worth. I appreciate that consideration."
—Michael Winstrom, Teacher, Ann Arbor, MI

"No comparison. I have never taken a training class where I have only learned good habits. In the past, poor instruction has led to mediocre technique that takes lots of time to fix. This weekend will not have that problem."
—John Collis, Executive Director, The Peak Performance Center, Solon, OH

Dragon Door Discussion Site Praise for the September 2002 Certification:

"The instructors knew their stuff, knew how to teach, and were as friendly and helpful as it is possible to be. The course is highly recommended to anyone interested in teaching, and also to those who simply wish to dramatically improve their skill and strength. Pavel is a master of his craft, and he is developing an expanding cadre of acolytes to spread the word.

GO TO THIS SEMINAR if you ever have the chance. I've been deadlifting for 20+ years, and 10 minutes with Pavel added 5 or 6 new wrinkles that I must immediately add to my form. Even if you never intend to teach RKC, you can still improve your performance in any sport by applying these principles and exercises. I've been to hundreds of physically-oriented seminars in my life, and this was by far the best."
—From: Garm (Olafson) Date/Time 2002-09-23 13:25:45

"This w/e was hard work. I didn't realize how hard until my plane hit turbulence on the way home. I was too tired to tense up. I just felt like I was in a cradle.

We were extremely fortunate to have outstanding instruction from Pavel, Andrea DuCane, Rob Lawrence, Mike Mahler, Jeff Martone, Steve Maxwell, Coach Davies. I was further privileged to have Lopa as a partner. She herself is a wealth of knowledge (aside from being a wonderful person) and helped me tremendously. Grant Hansen was also a fellow student and he gave me some pointers that were invaluable.

So many light bulbs lit up and so many aHa's went off this w/e. I'm so grateful to have been among so many experts. To me, this seminar was about support, support, support. No matter which way you turned, there was another expert with gracious and friendly advice.

If there are any women out there who have been apprehensive about taking this class, I would like to report that this is perhaps one of the largest gatherings of real gentlemen I've ever seen.

I can't recommend this seminar enough. At the end of the first night, I picked up the KB and it felt like it was a part of me — not the weird, scary weight anymore. Even though the KB is now my "new best friend," we have some healthy competition to work out. But then again, the root of the word "competition" is the Latin competere: to seek together.

Thanks again to everyone!"
—From: Christine Date/Time 2002-09-23 15:39:05

Martone, and Steve Maxwell and you have some serious knowledge at your exposal. Furthermore, I happen to be a big fan of Coach Davies and to have him adding additional thoughts was tremendous. First rate crew.

Technique. This is something overlooked by many, and I was just as guilty as others before the certification. Pavel's (and when I say Pavel I mean his entire crew) attention to detail is borderline obsessive, and rightfully so. Regardless of how many times you watch the tapes and read the book, you can't replicate hearing it from the master, watching him demonstrate, and then having him critique you. Although I suffered 4 years of back problems (which I healed with Super Joints), my back is not sore at all. My legs? That's another story (see my Horror Stories post below), but that's one of the pros of good technique — protecting your back while lifting more. More safety, more power - that translates into more health and more athletic ability. Enough said.

The best aspect, from a learning perspective, was Pavel consistently calling students in front of the group and having other students critique form. The best way to learn something is to teach it. I am not a personal trainer but plan on instructing for that reason alone.

The group of students brought a professional attitude to the workshop. No complaining when Pavel dropped us for push ups. No fake machismo. I learned a lot from the others and made some friends to boot.

Overall the workshop is well planned. No wasting time, no confusion, just maximum training. Worth every penny."
—From: Woody (David Valentiner) Date/Time 2002-09-23 17:22:48

"If you're serious about KB training, the certification course is a must. First, the instructors — Pavel, Coach Davies, Rob Lawrence, Jeff Martone, Steve Maxwell, Mike Mahler, and Andrea DuCane — were excellent and always accessible. There's nothing like Pavel complimenting you w/ 10 deck squats to pay attention & get your form right.

For me, learning proper form & technique was worth the price of admission & then some. When I talk about form, I mean the proper application of body tension, the way to "project the force," the way to get the hip snap into swings & snatches, etc. Then there were an assortment of drills to guide your body when words were imperfect communication vehicles (there were deck squats & pushups too).

When I arrived at the course, I could "do" the exercises in RKC — and at decent weights & rep counts. But the Cert course is about doing things right, and applying what you've learned to each successive exercise and understanding that for different body types, etc, there's more than one right way. For instance, if I'd done what we did over the weekend, I'd be very stiff in the lower back. Even w/ a 3-hour airport wait & 4-hour plane ride back to the West Coast, I have none.

Now, by applying what I learned, I'll be able to do the exercises right — and just as importantly, my body will tell me when I'm not doing them right and I'll stop immediately and take corrective action — minus the deck squats ;-)

Finally, a word about fellow comrades. I've been through different kinds of athletic team training (football, wrestling, etc.), the army back when the glaciers weren't warming up but Vietnam was, and the group helpfulness and looking after one another (working with an excellent partner, Nick N. from Seattle) embodied the term "comradeship," or camaraderie. Several women showed that RKC is more than an equal opportunity for pain (Andrea DuCane demoing the rolling sit-up, shown in FRWTL made me a believer). Comrades came in from S. Africa, Switzerland, Belgium, and England. It was great to get to know them and train w/ them.

Last word: the course ended around 3:30 Sunday afternoon, but Pavel offered to stay for a couple of hours to answer anybody's questions and show them techniques for doing pistols, Jandas, FCT, etc. When The Man is willing to put in Overtime, so will you."
—From: kenfolk Date/Time 2002-09-23 15:21:04

"Like everyone else who has commented, I thought that the Certification Weekend was fabulous. The instructors were amazing in their skills, their teaching abilities, and their willingness to help. It's an expensive weekend, but it was well worth it as far as I'm concerned.

There were two times during the weekend that it really hit home with me that Pavel's techniques really do make a difference. One was on Friday night when we were working on swings. The more I learned how to use my hip snap to swing the bell, the less I felt it in my arms. I didn't realize how much I'd been trying to muscle up the bell with my arms when doing swings previously. All evening I had been using the 16kg bell. (That was the only KB that I'd had at home prior to the weekend.) Anyway - I decided to try using the 2 pood KB for a set of 10 swings. Aside from feeling heavier when I picked it up, the swings didn't feel any more difficult than when using the 1 pood. I'm sure if I'd kept going, I would have felt more in the grip, but it was cool to learn how important the hip snap is.

My second epiphany was on Saturday when we started doing presses. I was starting to tire and was having a hard time pressing the bell with my left arm. Pavel had us really tighten up from the ground up and pressurize our diaphragms. The weight felt like it had been cut in half! I was able to keep going the rest of the day."
—From: MarkWT Date/Time 2002-09-24 18:06:07 MarkWT

"In regards to all the glowing reports, count me in. If you are serious about your Kettlebell training and want to get the most out of your investment, you MUST find a way to attend a seminar. I jumped on Kettlebells when they were first introduced a year and a half ago. I bought the book, the video, followed Pavel's articles in various publications and checked in on the forum for training tips. In other words, I thought I had a pretty good idea about Kettlebell training. I was wrong!

"Drinking from a firehose"... my training partner, John Hickman (Direct Action Resource Center) came up with that phrase to describe the amount of details and the speed at which they were coming at us, layer building upon layer arriving at a correct teachable form. I was humbled by the small but critical details that I didn't know. This can only be acquired by one-on-one personal instruction. The results are worth the price!"
—From: Ironman (Rick Huse) Date/Time 2002-09-24 12:10:32

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