Thanks to a connection I made through Brian Petty, an RKC based a few miles from my home, I have been training a local Emergency Response Team. Their Captain then introduced me to a Fire rescue Company in which he is a Lieutenant, and I began training them. And over the holidays, I made contact with a Marine Sargent who had me teach a 90 Minute workshop to the Marines who worked under her in the local Toys For Tots detail. These last few months have seen me make HUGE leaps sin my professional and personal life. I have been training the very people I set out to train, with Kbs, of course, and I have grown my business into a mobile exercise school with classes at 5 separate locations, not including the corporate accounts with Johnson & Johnson companies. So what is all this horn-tootin' about? I'll tell ya". I want to give it all back.
At the Combat Applications Specialist seminar in June of 2005, I received a toolbox. It contained tools from the arsenals of the finest KB and strength instructors out there. Over the course of the seminar, I inquired to Jeff Martone and Pavel as to how Joe Trainer (Not Joe Sarti, mind you) may become connected to Police, Fire/Rescue, and Military personnel. They all said the same thing. It only takes one guy with a bit of influence. Actually, Pavel additional stated that most of the military and law enforcement agencies he was working with had come looking for him. I am not yet at that stage of my career, but someday I should be.
And they were both right. Through this one connection, this one Police Captain with alot of influence, I have spread my tentacles across the surface of the local LEA. They do not ALL train with Kbs, and I haven't trained them but a handful of times, yet I feel this thing growing. And I want to make it happen a little easier for everyone else out there who craves men in uniform swinging kettlebells. I know that sounded a little bizarre but get your mind out of the gutter, please.
My intent is to write a business plan that caters to young KB trainers who would like to apply the benefits of kettlebell training to the ones who need it the most. The ones who guard our coastlines, the ones who march into a firefight so we may live free, the ones who break down doors and rush into a burning structure so we may survive. But how can I make that happen? How can I streamline the process, and put it on paper when it fell into my lap? I knocked on alot of doors and made alot of phone calls, but this thing did not begin until Brian generously offered to introduce me to the Captain. So what's to do?
First, i create a list of necessities for the trainer. In no specific order, these are a few of the things that a trainer would need to make it happen.
Kettlebells. And I mean lots of them. At least a pair of 6-32kg kettlebells. If not more. Two people can work on one kb at the same time, but how realistic is it that they will have a group of people whose strength level matches up exactly with the number of kettlebells they have and the kgs they have them in? Save money, Buy kettlebells.
Mobility. Not shoulder and hip mobility, a Vehicle. A reliable vehicle that can transport your equipment.
A connection! That one guy who can get you in front of ten other guys who are ready to have their asses beat.
a facility. if the weather is clear, take those boys outside. But, if you live where I live, and it's shitty from December to April, you will need a roof over your head. Try local gymnasiums at off-hours or Yoga studios that rent space to trainers by the hour.
The Knowledge! I am aware that the likes of a Combat Applications Specialist seminar may never be seen again. So it is your responsibility to gather your own toolbox and continuously fill it up with better tools. Try Pavel's Rapid Response video set, and finding out what the physical fitness standards are for the men you will train.
Experience. Have you seen that Old Spice commercial about experience? If you have none, everyone seems to know? Well, if anything in this world was true, it is that statement right there. Do you know how many times I was slapped and made to drink beer/do push ups when I was a boot in the Marine Corps simply because I had not been in long enough? Well, neither do I because they smacked me so hard I cannot count properly anymore. For real though, you have to carry some sort of weight in your belt if you want those who Protect and Serve to open their minds to you. If you teach Kettlebell classes to civilians, practice some tactical Kettlebell training on them. Put them in formations that you will use for the operators you hope to train. Simply put, do not walk into a room full of cops/firefighters/military men without knowing how you're going to run it. They'll smell your fear from the moment you roll in.
Additional things include a TAPS Bar (God's gift to us all) and jump stretch bands to hook on the bar for those men and women who cannot do a full pull up. Some towels for towel swing of both the instructional and rotational variety. And finally, the will to do this on a VOLUNTEER basis. Oh hell yeah, you didn't think I got paid for this did you? Brothers and sisters, if you kick up to these guys, it will ALL come back in spades. Time in always equates to something. Whether it's a cop who buys training for his wife, or a Free t-shirt that Says ENGINE ^^ on the back, they will take care of you.
This video contains some action from when I trained the Marines of Willow Grove Joint Naval reserve Base in December of 2006. 40 kettlebells, 20 Marines, and a warehouse. It's all I need.
Thank you again for reading my blog and comments are always welcome. And to you, strength and honor my friends, strength and honor.
20070129
20070124
Call it fate, call it luck, call it karma. . .
If you instantly thoguht of Bill Murry's "Dr. Peter Venkman" from Ghostbusters then you, my friend, are on the level. Everyone else go swing in the corner.
Sitting here entertaining my dog I had a smashingly good idea. And as you may soon determine for yourself, this is just the wisjful wish of a kid who never grew up.
Given the recent deraptures from the Senior RKC pool, I have gotten to thinking about the possibile restructuring that may result from such swift and influentioal changes. Well, I had a vision, a VISION of a new billet within the RKC ranks that will not carry the weight of a Senior RKC title, but all of the responsibility. A pool of X number trainers who have elevated/separated/distinguished themselves from their peers in the RKC certified instructors. This crew would attend all RKC Weekends in a rotation, so as to keep them fresh and well rested for thier two-or-so trips to St. Paul each year. These "RKC Instructor Trainers" would most likely be expected to uphold a set of standars organic to thier position, and be active within the community with respect to using the methods we use as a vehicle to improve the health and fitness of those willing to accept our help. Writing articles and having fully functioning websites or services, and being a presence on the DD online forum both as a giver and reciever of information is likely to help.
The Senior RKC title is quite soemthing to achieve, and to the three newly appointed SR's, Rif, Kenneth and Tommy, I salute and do snatches for you all. What I also believe to be a responsibility of EVERY RKC is to introduce "what we do" to anyone who is willing to listen and learn, as though WE ARE the ultimate representation of what DD is offering. Though I have been certified many months fewer than many other trainers, I am aware that there are far more of US, the ground pounding RKC infantry, than there are Senior Instructors. So while they have responsibilities to fulfill to themselves, theier students, and other forces in the KB universe, we are 95% of the time what your future KB convert will encounter the first time they see or touch or hear about kettlebells.
We, as a school of strength and as philanthropic sadists who ride in swinging Iron Balls must treat every moment we can as the time when you may have a huge impact on someone's life. If we elevate our game individually and as a unit, those who reach a Field General status will be just as honored to lead as they were to serve. That, my friends, is what makes a team strong.
Pressing and pulling,
Will Williams
RKC
Sitting here entertaining my dog I had a smashingly good idea. And as you may soon determine for yourself, this is just the wisjful wish of a kid who never grew up.
Given the recent deraptures from the Senior RKC pool, I have gotten to thinking about the possibile restructuring that may result from such swift and influentioal changes. Well, I had a vision, a VISION of a new billet within the RKC ranks that will not carry the weight of a Senior RKC title, but all of the responsibility. A pool of X number trainers who have elevated/separated/distinguished themselves from their peers in the RKC certified instructors. This crew would attend all RKC Weekends in a rotation, so as to keep them fresh and well rested for thier two-or-so trips to St. Paul each year. These "RKC Instructor Trainers" would most likely be expected to uphold a set of standars organic to thier position, and be active within the community with respect to using the methods we use as a vehicle to improve the health and fitness of those willing to accept our help. Writing articles and having fully functioning websites or services, and being a presence on the DD online forum both as a giver and reciever of information is likely to help.
The Senior RKC title is quite soemthing to achieve, and to the three newly appointed SR's, Rif, Kenneth and Tommy, I salute and do snatches for you all. What I also believe to be a responsibility of EVERY RKC is to introduce "what we do" to anyone who is willing to listen and learn, as though WE ARE the ultimate representation of what DD is offering. Though I have been certified many months fewer than many other trainers, I am aware that there are far more of US, the ground pounding RKC infantry, than there are Senior Instructors. So while they have responsibilities to fulfill to themselves, theier students, and other forces in the KB universe, we are 95% of the time what your future KB convert will encounter the first time they see or touch or hear about kettlebells.
We, as a school of strength and as philanthropic sadists who ride in swinging Iron Balls must treat every moment we can as the time when you may have a huge impact on someone's life. If we elevate our game individually and as a unit, those who reach a Field General status will be just as honored to lead as they were to serve. That, my friends, is what makes a team strong.
Pressing and pulling,
Will Williams
RKC
20070122
Today is my 10,226th day on this Earth.
Woke up this morning, had a Blue Moon in your eyes. . . . . . .I woke up singing the Sopranos theme song. Despite serious spasms in the muscles surrounding my neck, and a pain relieving medication induced Fog that I slept through last night, I woke up in a great mood. Today is my 28Th birthday. Hooray for my Dad for not protecting himself in the spring of 78. I'm sure he had Zeppelin II on the turntable and a 6 pack of Miller Hi-Life to set the mood, so Dad, I salute YOU today. And Mom, though you're never, ever on the World Wide Web, I thank you too. Cause without your sluggish metabolism and genetics which forced me to take up weightlifting in the first place, I would not be where I am today. And, Oh yeah, you were both really supportive of all my decisions and didn't stand in my way when I turned 18 and Joined the Marine Corps and I love you guys and All that hooey.
For the REAL meat and potatoes of this post, first get familiar with what is happening in the World of Dragon Door publications. YIKES! Woke up this morning, and received ANOTHER straight up shock. Comrade Steve Maxwell tendered his resignation as a senior RKC. Unreal, I know. The Two Steve's gone in a matter of a day. Gone to better themselves in another arena, I'm sure. Gone to take what they have learned and weigh it against other knowledge, and create something great, I'm sure. So Godspeed, Boys!
Yet I find myself concerned with the state of the Party. Should Sensei Pavel address the party? Should we all become familiar with what actually happened? Or should we thank the kind sirs for their help over the years, and let the dust settle? I think that the question I posed in yesterdays Post is now even more valid.
What can we as RKCs down in the trenches do to help the RKC System grow? Everyone who is here now, and those will are attending any of the RKCs this year are already familiar with the impact Steves Cotter and Maxwell had on the RKC program, as well as the contributions of the Recently Departed Mike Mahler and the seemingly expatriated Jeff Martone. AS well as the help given by Rob Lawrence and the Honorable SSGT. Nate Morrison. We don't need to have a funeral for those dudes, we need to honor their work, recover the fumble, and break for the end zone. I'm sure that all of the gentlemen I just mentioned wish nothing but the best for us and would love to see positions of leadership filled by men and women, no , Strength Athletes, who want to help others by teaching, leading, and also, learning.
Now is the time whjen outstanding RKC Instructors will be given more responsibility and chosen to head up operations that will further the growth of kettlebells and overall well being in this great world. Remember, kettlebells are only one ingredient in the recipe. Steve Cotter trained with KBs after earning much respect and notoriety as a martial artist. Steve Maxwell trained with KBs to become a better Jiu Jitsu teacher/competitor, and, hell, Dragon Door offers a lot more than just KB resources. Qi Gong, nutrition, and general health are also large components of the dragon door menu.
SO I raise my Earl Grey to you all, and toast the future of any and all endeavors that may help any and all of us improve ourselves, our skills, and our ability to create, deal with, and commemorate change.
Never forget where you came from, as my dad would say, drinking a Hi-Life and listening to Led Zeppelin II.
Respect to you all.
Will Williams
For the REAL meat and potatoes of this post, first get familiar with what is happening in the World of Dragon Door publications. YIKES! Woke up this morning, and received ANOTHER straight up shock. Comrade Steve Maxwell tendered his resignation as a senior RKC. Unreal, I know. The Two Steve's gone in a matter of a day. Gone to better themselves in another arena, I'm sure. Gone to take what they have learned and weigh it against other knowledge, and create something great, I'm sure. So Godspeed, Boys!
Yet I find myself concerned with the state of the Party. Should Sensei Pavel address the party? Should we all become familiar with what actually happened? Or should we thank the kind sirs for their help over the years, and let the dust settle? I think that the question I posed in yesterdays Post is now even more valid.
What can we as RKCs down in the trenches do to help the RKC System grow? Everyone who is here now, and those will are attending any of the RKCs this year are already familiar with the impact Steves Cotter and Maxwell had on the RKC program, as well as the contributions of the Recently Departed Mike Mahler and the seemingly expatriated Jeff Martone. AS well as the help given by Rob Lawrence and the Honorable SSGT. Nate Morrison. We don't need to have a funeral for those dudes, we need to honor their work, recover the fumble, and break for the end zone. I'm sure that all of the gentlemen I just mentioned wish nothing but the best for us and would love to see positions of leadership filled by men and women, no , Strength Athletes, who want to help others by teaching, leading, and also, learning.
Now is the time whjen outstanding RKC Instructors will be given more responsibility and chosen to head up operations that will further the growth of kettlebells and overall well being in this great world. Remember, kettlebells are only one ingredient in the recipe. Steve Cotter trained with KBs after earning much respect and notoriety as a martial artist. Steve Maxwell trained with KBs to become a better Jiu Jitsu teacher/competitor, and, hell, Dragon Door offers a lot more than just KB resources. Qi Gong, nutrition, and general health are also large components of the dragon door menu.
SO I raise my Earl Grey to you all, and toast the future of any and all endeavors that may help any and all of us improve ourselves, our skills, and our ability to create, deal with, and commemorate change.
Never forget where you came from, as my dad would say, drinking a Hi-Life and listening to Led Zeppelin II.
Respect to you all.
Will Williams
20070121
Inaugural Blog
Blogs. Well, I guess I finally did breakdown and set up and online diary. Since that is effectively what this is. Just because it is password protected and not stashed under your pillow does not mean this is not a diary.
Thank you all for coming, I will try to make every entry worth reading for one reason or another. Though I am a self indulgent prick sometimes, I will try not to display that here. This is just as much your time as it is mine. With that said, here is how I'd like to help you today. Stand up and stretch your self out. reach your arms up overhead, squeeze your butt cheeks tight and reach your head back as far as you can. Now go get a tall glass of water.
All set? Poifect. I am going to St. Paul in 12 weeks! I am all full of stoke for this one. This is my second time assisting at the Russian Kettlebell Challenge certification weekend, and will be the fifth time I have attended an event held by Dragon Door Publications. I have had the honor of working with Pavel, Mr. Du Cane, Senior RKCs present and past, and three or so hundred trainees and supporting players in the last 2 years.
I then direct my question to all of you out there who've attended the RKC: What can I do as an assistant that will elevate the learning experience for these fresh young victims? I am grateful for the chance to head back out to Minnesota as a helper Elf, and to re-certify, and I believe I made a difference in several people's experiences last year. However, I want to know what else can be done.
I carried water and kettlebells, and untwisted the wires of the headsets. Yet I think there may be some things that the attendees need, but are afraid to ask for. So, if you can conjure up a memory or two, and shoot me a reply, I would be in your debt eternally, and do 20 Beast Swings for every response.
Email me at will@mainlinekettlebells.com or respond to this post.
Strength and Honor,
Will Williams
http://www.mainlinekettlebells.com/
Thank you all for coming, I will try to make every entry worth reading for one reason or another. Though I am a self indulgent prick sometimes, I will try not to display that here. This is just as much your time as it is mine. With that said, here is how I'd like to help you today. Stand up and stretch your self out. reach your arms up overhead, squeeze your butt cheeks tight and reach your head back as far as you can. Now go get a tall glass of water.
All set? Poifect. I am going to St. Paul in 12 weeks! I am all full of stoke for this one. This is my second time assisting at the Russian Kettlebell Challenge certification weekend, and will be the fifth time I have attended an event held by Dragon Door Publications. I have had the honor of working with Pavel, Mr. Du Cane, Senior RKCs present and past, and three or so hundred trainees and supporting players in the last 2 years.
I then direct my question to all of you out there who've attended the RKC: What can I do as an assistant that will elevate the learning experience for these fresh young victims? I am grateful for the chance to head back out to Minnesota as a helper Elf, and to re-certify, and I believe I made a difference in several people's experiences last year. However, I want to know what else can be done.
I carried water and kettlebells, and untwisted the wires of the headsets. Yet I think there may be some things that the attendees need, but are afraid to ask for. So, if you can conjure up a memory or two, and shoot me a reply, I would be in your debt eternally, and do 20 Beast Swings for every response.
Email me at will@mainlinekettlebells.com or respond to this post.
Strength and Honor,
Will Williams
http://www.mainlinekettlebells.com/
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