Reviews

A week after taking the RKC1 Kettlebell course with Darius, I'm still digesting everything he taught us. He taught with great enthusiasm, humor, compassion and lots of inspiring stories. When it came down to technique instruction, he was succinct, memorable, effective. I learned to add power and speed to my KB movements and to teach those to others. One thing I will always remember he said about all the coaches out there, "don't show me what YOU can do, show me your WORK" ("Work" being what can you teach your clients to do!) So many thanks to Darius Gilbert and Dragon Door for making this experience possible! I wish I could train with Darius every week.

JUST finished the RKC cert with Darius literally about 2 hours ago and had to come write a review... he is THAT AWESOME, y'all. I have been fascinated with kettlebells for about 5 years and have had the RKC on my 'fitness knowledge bucket list' for about that long, so when the stars finally aligned for me to do it, it was a fulfillment of a long-term goal for me. This one in VA was the closest one to me, but let me tell you that working with Darius was worth the 7+ hour drive. He is incredibly engaging, knowledgeable, upbeat, personable, and has an infectious enthusiasm for his craft. You can't help but feel energized and super motivated with his guidance. I learned so many good nuances and tips with the kettlebell exercises. If I get the chance to do any more seminars or workshops with him, you better believe I'll gladly make the drive again! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!

I had the pleasure of being on Team Jones at the Philly RKC where Darius was an assistant instructor. His knowledge is outstanding and he is motivating even during the harder hours of the certification. Look up Darius if you want to learn from a top notch instructor and have fun while doing it as well. Thanks Darius!

I had been interested in kettlebells for some time. I did my research and ended up emailing Darius. He got back in touch with me. We set up for a one on one class, and let me tell you. I WAS HOOKED! Not only was the workout great, but as a instructor, Darius is excellent. His passion and joy in being a kettlebell instructor shows through and through,and after watching him with other students, his commentment and devotion to the students as well as the sport of lifting kettlebells is evident as well.

I've been lifting weights most of my adult life. I had a set of Powerblocks at home. I sold them. No need for them anymore. Now that I'm swinging kettlebells under Darius's tutalage I honestly have no need to lift another dumbell or work with barbells ever again. A arragant statement? I don't think so. Doing a thing well works only if you are TAUGHT, if you are INSTRUCTED to do that thing well, even starting out. Darius as a teacher makes swinging the bells fun as well as making you WANT to swing them using proper form and technique.

You will not find a better RKC certified instructor anywhere.

Darius was my personal trainer for about a year and a half, and it was within this time when he introduced me to the "new" exercise tool. Darius' passion for kettlebells is very apparent! His motivation and desire to see others succeed in "mastering" the use of kettlebells is such that he was the one who encouraged me (and Karen Smith, RKC) to achieve my RKC! I am so thankful for his push to get me to go to Minnesota, in that this personal challenge was one of the most memorable and rewarding challenges I've faced. Currently, Darius is working with me as I strive to succeed in achieving my Level II certification in June! Thanks D....proud to be part of your team!

Darius has been training my entire family for over 6 months. We all look forward to visiting him (a first for any of us!) His personality is dynamite! he works with each of our needs, questions, and demands. I personally have never enjoyed exercising before and now i look forward to visiting him. He takes the moves and breaks them into motions the un-athletic type can understand. Of the probably dozen or so trainers my family has worked with- Darius is the one we fight over. Only 4 Stars!!!!

AN INSTRUCTOR EXTRAORDINARE!!! BEST OF THE BEST!!! I've been training with Darius on and off for about 4 year. I've transitioned with him from the free weights to the KETTLEBELLS. He's an awesome trainer, not only with me but with all his client. His energy is so contagious. His encouragement, enthusiasm, and knowledge, gives you the motivation to give it all you got. His work out sessions are ALWAYS fun, informative, and ever changing - never losing focus on technique or safety. Darius has the ability to break down a complex moves and present them in a simple easy way to understand and perform. Darius has great patience while demanding effort and detail! Darius demonstrates a true passion for teaching and gets my highest recommendation!!

Working out with Darius is a great experience! He makes the work fun, and exciting every time I come in. He first introduced me to kettle bells a little over a year ago, and now that is the only weight lifting that I do. I get so much out of every work out! I have gained strength and speed, and really stepped my game up. He not only teaches how to work out, he teaches how to live and be healthy. He's a great instructor and I would recommend him to anyone who really wants to GET IN SHAPE!

Anyone looking to gain some muscle or lose a few pounds should pay this man a visit. He gives good instructions so that you can maximize your results, also he's a good motivater.

Darius is excellent! He is professional, attentive and motivating. In a full class I feel like I recieve 1:1 training, and everyone else in the class could say the same thing. I get a bit obsessive when it comes to doing things right. Darius answers all of my questions and makes me feel confident in what I am doing. He sets an upbeat and energetic tone. Even though my face contorts, and I'm sounding like a cave woman I enjoy every minute. I have only been able to attend class once a week, yet I definately have an increased amount of energy. I look better too and the only thing I've done differently is the kettlebells.

It was amazing to be trained in kettlebell by Darius. He was always patient showing me how to do it and brought me into realizing that it is possible to gain renewed energy for over 24 hours after and during the exercises monitored by him. Darius made me be fearless on kettlebell training. I wish Darius' studio would be in Washington, D.C.

When I first started doing Kettle bell with Darius it was pretty hard but than you end up getting the hang of it and it becomes so much fun!! He made the class go by really fast and encourages you to keep going and not give up. I started off with a very light kettle bell and Darius kept encouraging me to go higher and I did which made me feel KETTLE BELL STRONG :) I was surprised at myself because I would never think I could swing such a heavy bell but it shows you just how strong you can become. I had a lot of success with his class and would recommend it anyone. It's not all about loosing the weight...it getting your body fit and looking its best and that is exactly what this Kettle Bell class does for you.
Thank you Darius for introducing this new way of exercise to me and encouraging me to get back into exercising.

When I started Kettle Bell with Darius I was so weak that I could not even do a single push up. When he asked us to do 10 push ups I was very embarrassed. Darius encouraged me tremendously and told me that I would be able to do it in no time. After only a short time I noticed that my strength was drastically improving, and I could do push ups easily! Not only did I feel stronger, but my body started to change and I felt better about myself. I believe that the Kettle Bell is a lifesaver and Darius is an amazing instructor who refuses to let you give up on yourself. His classes are packed with both fun and challenging exercises! I am losing weight, getting healthy and becoming Kettle Bell Strong! Now I look forward to doing 15 renegade rows on each hand, and I know that with an amazing instructor like Darius I can do it in no time!

Darius is an awesome instructor. His classes do not only boost my energy but it has also given me a well toned lean body,not to mention a better metabolism. I am so much in love with my body and my spirits are up all the time! I can't get enough of looking at myself in the mirror everyday!

Darius is an amazing trainer. As a professional athlete athlete and fellow trainer I am always impressed with his knowledge, professionalism and profound way of making people believe they can do it (in regards to lifting amounts of weight with a swinging bell). He is a trainer that you just want to be around because of his spirit and insight. He is very gifted and I hope to continue training with him for years to come. I'm not giving up my spot!

I began the kettlebell classes with Darius to bring more conditioning into my powerlifting focused workout routine. Since January 2008, I have seen fantastic growth in my upper body strength and noticeable improvements in my overall fitness. The physique improvements were an unexpected, but a happy consequence too! Kettlebells are the perfect compliment to heavy weight training. Thanks, Darius for keeping class powered up, challenging and fun.

Darius has helped me reach my strength goals in the shortest amount of time. I will be climbing Mt. McKinley in May and doing the Wisconsin Ironman in September and my "Spartan Workouts" with Darius have been a key part of my training. His huge variety of exercises, has ability to give me just the right size kettlebell and his constant enthusiasm and encouragement make each workout effective and fun!

I was introduced to kettlebells 6 weeks ago, I am hooked. As a frequent "gym goer", I am so excited to finally find a workout that is effective and efficient. I really can't believe how quickly I've seen results. I am stronger already and am so happy with the physical results I'm seeing. Darius has made it fun with his enthusiasm for kettlebells. I've also enjoyed the general knowledge (kettlebells vs. cardio, diet, metabolism etc.), that Darius has shared with us during our training sesssions. I'm so happy to have found kettlebells and am looking forward to seeing more results (lean, strong, & healthy).

Darius is a top notch trainer. He is extremely motivating and will push you to goals you never imagined. Darius' training has been the best workout experience. I am so much stronger, toned, defined, and have learned kettlebell moves that I van practice on my own. His kettlebell workouts are super efficient for those who have limited time, but want a good workout with fast results. The "team" kettlebell enviroment also pushes one to keep going when things get tough. Darius is very knowledgeable on overall fitness and provided gret information on the kettlebell. I will continue to do his training and will have recommended it to everyone wanting a great workout!

Darius is a great kettlebell Instructor. His techniques really gives you a powerful workout. I notice a difference in my strength and energy since I have been attending class on a regular. This kettlebell class has put me on a whole new fitness level. I taught aerobics for 15 years and I realize that aerobics don't have nothing on this Kettlebell class. The workout is so intense.

I love Darius's enthusiasm with instructing his kettlebell classes. He really is a motivator and pushes me past my perceived limits. I am a 53 y.o. female and have been taking Darius's classes for the last 3 months and I have seen my body transform greatly. I have went down one clothes size, lost 3 inches off my waist, my thighs have trimmed down, my celllulite is diminishing and my arms are getting sculpted. Kettlebell has definitely increased my strength, endurance and energy level. I recommend Darius's kettlebell classes to anyone that is serious about taking their health and fitness to a another level. Thanks Darius for pursuing your passion and being so good at it!

I have been working out with Darius Gilbert for 3 years. He is a dynamic trainer. He brings so much energy to the class making me work hard yet have fun. Kettlebells are an efficient way to work your muscles and your cardio system at the same time.

Darius is one of a kind. He is the personality that the fitness industry, and the kettlebell community in particular, has been waiting for. His workouts are invigorating and energetic and will change ANYONE's outlook on fitness. Kettlebells are by far the most efficient and powerful tool for strength training and conditioning, fat loss, and general fitness, and Darius is the most knowledgeable trainer in the metropolitan DC area. He will bring kettlebells to the country, and I couldn't be happier to be on his team!

I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I first met Darius when he was still working at Golds Gym, but I told him what my goals were, to become faster and slimmer so I could play better field hockey in college, and he did more than help me reach those goals. After Darius made the move to his own company I went with him and from then on I have been addicted to kettlebells. My speed increased enormously and I became the second fastest girl on my college team compared to the fifteenth fastest girl on my high school team. His motivation not only helped me get their but want to become faster and fitter. I'll stick with kettlebells for a very long time because of his ability to teach, motivate, and inspire.

very energetic, and excited to see people work hard. pushes everyone to their extent. Healthy and helpful worker.

Darius impressed me within the 1st 30 seconds of seeing his demonstration. I never knew you could do so much with the metal ball and handle. Once I held the kettlebell I was shocked because it seemed to be light and effortless. In just 1-2 weeks I noticed a difference. My confidence was boosted and I wanted more. Now my balance is there and my core is strong. I still have a long ways to go but I know I will reach my goal because I have never missed a class!!!!

Thank you Darius!

Darius is SUPER!! He teaches a great kettlebell class chalked full of energy! My technique has greatly improved due to his fantastic coaching! Darius stresses proper technique over reaching for that heavier bell. He is also currently training me for my upcoming RKC certification in February. Because of Darius...Im hooked on kettlebells!

Darius is one of the trainers that help prepare me for the RKC workshop in September '08. He is very fun, motivating and gives out great energy while instructing a workout. He helped me increase my strength very quickly. His kettlebell workouts are unique with a nice flow, at the end you will feel like a million bucks. I highly recommend working with Darius to achieve any and all your fitness/athletic goals.

I am a former All-Army wrestler and US National Team member. In the '80s I was introduced to Kettle-Bells while training in the Soviet Bloc Countries. I have worked with many trainers from the Army, Local Gyms and the Olympic Training Center. I have never had an instructor\trainer who was the complete package. Darius is the best I have ever worked with. He is very knowledgable of body mechanics and conditioning methods. He has mastered the kettle bell exercises, his personal fitness is a testament for kettle-bells in itself. His instructional demeanor makes you want to train and everyone has a good time doing it, no matter how hard he pushes. He has tranformed me and I am nearly 50 years old. I am now a kettle-bell enthusiast and back in good shape.

Darius is a fabulous trainer. He has this amazing energy and personality that draws people to him. I have had the best transformation in such a short period of time. Darius's Kettlebell workouts have been challenging and extremely efficient. Thanks to Darius's training and movtivation, I am back to work training my own clients. I had forgotten how much I love helping others reach their goals. So I can't say enough about how much I appreciate Darius and how great he is. Thanks for everything D!