IGX

All in all, the seminar was nearly 5 hours and probably some of the best money I've spent on this sport.

He began with a short introduction and discussion about kettlebells in Russia. No Spetsnaz mysteries here, just casual history of the kettlebell as a fixture in strength contests held during city festivals and other holidays. Sort of a brief cultural history of he kettlebell and the Russian passion for overhead lifting. Interesting stuff. He also differentiated between the use of the kettlebell for GPP and other sports and sport specific GS training.

From here he began his discussion of training and competing in GS. He stressed the necessity of mental preparation and a strong work ethic. Then he demonstrated the effectiveness of his method by knocking out 20-some easy 2x32 Jerks.

At this point he talked through each phase of the Jerk--the posture, grip, and handle placement techniques he uses--and then had each of the participants execute a few reps while he observed and corrected their form. This was the format for the instructional part of the session: A demonstration and detailed technical description of a lift followed by our attempts to synthesize it all into our own lifting techniques. We repeated this for the Snatch and the Long Cycle.

He also showed us what he considered to be the most effective assistance exercise for the GS lifts. These included the Push Press, what he called the Jump Squat (this looked more like what we would call a 1/2 Squat) for sets of 30-50 reps (or more) and the GS Style Swing, which is sort of like a hard style Low Pull. We also spent some time discussing how to sand the bell handle and the application of chalk to the bell and hands.

He closed the formal instruction with some program design suggestions. (The bottom line is long sets and frequent practice. He also advocates a fair amount of running.) Afterwards he took all of our questions, talked shit about some Russians, and fucked with Whitley a bit.

This was a really useful afternoon of instruction for me. Some of his techniques (grip. etc) are very different from the RKC style, perhaps making the Andrey quote in my signature block a true rational. Well worth learning, even if you only believe in going over the fist. His credentials are incomparable and he's a very personable guy. By the way, if you've never seen him in person before, you'll be shocked at how small he appears but amazed at how proficient he is at the GS lifts. I would highly recommend attending one of his seminars if you're interested in the sport.

Agreed in all points. It was more than worth the money and the 3+ hour drive.

I was the only guy there who had any GS experience or previous comps. VF did a great job of catering his vast knowledges to each individual regardless of GS experience IMO. Props to his friend Yuri who handled translation duties when VF's English couldn't keep up with his GS.

More detail on how to construct programs than he went into in Philly. This is why i came. The explainations of how to train were the most beneficial to me, although he did a fair amount of technique fixin' for me as well. He took care of most of my problems in Philly, but ws still able to give my little advices that made immediate differences, particularly in the snatch.

He was quick to point out in several places that the way he does a particular thing is not the same as the Dragondoor way, but he did so in the context that it was "good for health, but not good for GS".

VF is a good guy willing to share vast experince and knowledges. If you missed this, it sucks for you. If you wanna learn GS, he is the #1 guy to seek in the US.

Thanks also to Dave Randolph for setting the whole thing up and making room at his school.

It was a very informative afternoon. I learned a lot and I'm all that interested in GS. But I did find out why I struggle so much with jerks. so maybe I'll give it another go.

Glad you & Ben made it up. It was good to see you both again.

I will cast about to see if there is enough interest in Louisville for the XCountry meet in Oct. If I can get 6 or more I'll host it.

I will be in St. Louis.

Thanks for the review guys.
GS is not my thing, but there are things to be learned from it, for sure.
It's cool you all got to train with the top dog.

David Whitley wrote:I will be in St. Louis.

So I see.

I doubt I'll have enough interest for my people to put one on.

I wish there were some GS events in Germany on an recognizable level. I enjoy training in kettlebells and would like to get more involved.

Selena wrote:I wish there were some GS events in Germany on an recognizable level. I enjoy training in kettlebells and would like to get more involved.

There is. They have a national team IIRC.

Grandpa's Spells wrote:

Selena wrote:I wish there were some GS events in Germany on an recognizable level. I enjoy training in kettlebells and would like to get more involved.

There is. They have a national team IIRC.

I don't can really understand your reply? IIRC? Is there a link to their team site maybe? I look all over but found nothing.

IIRC = if I recall correctly. You may need to post to forum.dragondoor.com to get an answer. Most of the international GSers post there more frequently. My guess is somebody from the Russian Federation can put you in touch with the head of ze German federation, who can tell you where to go.

Grandpa's Spells wrote:IIRC = if I recall correctly. You may need to post to forum.dragondoor.com to get an answer. Most of the international GSers post there more frequently. My guess is somebody from the Russian Federation can put you in touch with the head of ze German federation, who can tell you where to go.

Thank you.

Selena wrote:I wish there were some GS events in Germany on an recognizable level..

you have had a Girevoy Sport World Championship 2004 in Germany, Hamburg... I guess it's pretty recognizable level....

btw, Selena, if you are in Germany, and you are interested in GS, send me an email to [email protected] and I will direct you on a right person...