My HKC Experience - by Kevin Knapp HKC
Since high school I have tried just about every method of training a person can think of to "get in shape." I’ve been in and out of gyms, tried every machine that a gym has to offer, and even tried one on one sessions with the gym's personal trainers. I've also trained at home, read bodybuilding books, fitness magazines, you name it. It wasn't until I discovered the kettlebell that I finally realized what I had been doing wrong all those years. I had trained my body as individual pieces, isolating each muscle group one by one, then adding in some "mindless cardio" for good measure. What I quickly learned after I started training with kettlebells is that the body is best trained as one whole unit, and the kettlebell simultaneously builds strength and cardio in ways that traditional free weights and machines just can't match. Once I learned the fundamentals of kettlebell training, My results sky rocketed, my body changed, and I truly have full body functional strength.
“Tension is strength; relaxation is speed and endurance”, “mobility, stability then strength.” These are quotes from Chief Instructor Pavel Tsatsouline and the Master/Senior RKC instructors. Concepts such as the hardstyle lock, moving from the hips, hinging, bracing, and packing the shoulder are just some of the principles taught at the HKC. Learning to focus on quality, not quantity is the cornerstone of their teachings--Less is more. The goal is to establish a solid foundation in the basic drills, focusing on mobility, stability, and then strength.
The HKC key exercises consist of the Kettlebell Goblet Squat, Swing, and the Turkish Getup. I was humbled with the wealth of knowledge that was put into each exercise, making them much more than just a movement with some weight. For me the most insightful component of the entire experience was in the corrective drills. I have found that most people suffer from some sort of asymmetry in their movements, and at the HKC you will learn multiple drills for each exercise to correct these issues. I literally could not take notes fast enough while watching Pavel and his instructors correct the attendees. The training and expert interaction with the instructors is unparalleled.
The HKC is for anyone wanting to take theirs, or their client's training to the next level. The principles they teach can be applied to all forms of strength and conditioning training. It will be the sharpest tool you have in your tool box. These are invaluable lessons for anyone young or old, in shape or not. It is the perfect stepping stone to really understanding kettlebell training, and a great head start for anyone with their eye on the RKC.
I would like to thank Kenneth Jay MRKC and Dustin Rippetoe RKC II who were my team leaders for the HKC. Andrea Chang RKC and Kristine Gill RKC of Kettlebility, who continue to train, teach, and prepare me for reaching my goal of becoming a RKC. Luka Hocevar RKC of Hocevar Performance, for answering my questions and co-hosting with Kettlebility to bring Master RKC workshops here to Seattle. Also thanks to Adam Glass RKC II whose training session opened my eyes to strength. It is motivating and inspiring to be around such an amazing community.
HKC St. Paul MN - by Shannon O'Neil HKC
A couple weeks ago I attended the first HKC hosted by Dragon Door. It was such a great experience. I was happy to be apart of the positive energy that Pavel and his instructors have. Meeting RKC masters is an inspiring experience. To see their strength and listen to their knowledge showed me I did have a long ways to go but also increased my own knowledge in one day. Meeting the other attendees was another great part of my trip. Everyone at the HKC weekend was excited to be working out with kettlebells and to meet others within this community.
Thanks to Andrea I was over prepared for the weekend. I was relieved to figure this out. The HKC was very focused on form of the three basic kettlebell movements and you were certified once you proved that not only you could perform the movements but also teach them. I was reminded when I left that the RKC would be a more difficult physical challenge. I hope I will be over prepared when I go back to St. Paul in April for the RKC.
Having Pavel instruct you for eight hours is also an experience in itself. His sense of humor and military style of instruction were a perfect mix. He made you laugh just a bit but at the same time you did not want of step out of line. I highly recommend an HKC weekend to anyone that has the chance.
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