Sunday, May 04, 2008

Danish RKC : Finito.

Well although I am typing this at 4 am Copenhagen time I did manage to get some sleep last night after not sleeping for two nights in a row. I mean NO sleep. Ugh.Suprisingly I didnt feel that bad other than laying awake for 7-8 hours in a row waiting for sleep.I havent stepped on a scale but I wouldnt be suprised to see 155 lbs,lol! Can't wait to get home to my beautiful bride( who as always, was the talk of the cert)and my normal routine.
Even though I changed the batteries in my Flip camera just prior to the day they must have been duds because the damn thing crapped out as I taped the grad workout. I did manage to get some vids of Team Rif after they crossed the finish line and some strange video of Doug Nepodal doing some snatches after the cert in his Kilt~!Just abit this side of bizzare but hey, what would you expect,lol.
The day was great, as they tend to be after two very intense days of constant training, teaching learning and practice. Team Rif rose to the occasion and Thomas LaCour( Kenneth Jays boxing coach)won the team technique contest for us with an incredible display of the strenth and finesse.I also had the pleasure of working with and teaching Dr Vadim Kolgonov, Sambo Master of Sport. what an amazing man and athlete.He's someone I won't soon forget.Here's the video of these incredidle new RKCs as they just finished their grad workout( 20 seconds of walking see saw presses, 10 sec rest,then 20 seconds of swings)

Everyone purported themselves with great strength and spirit and pushed themselves from start to finish. As usual,people rose to the occasion and taught as well as they trained! Even my seven Italian members who spoke very little to NO english managed to teach the Danish 'victims' who came out for a kb lesson with sign language, words and phrases they had prepared the night before(!)and just incredidle heart and determination. I am so proud of all of them. Five members who had failed their snatch test the previous days made their numbers!
All passed except one who will make his numbers very soon.
The RKC experience is a VERY special one and manages to touch everyone who goes through it in a unique but unforgettable way.This is true for every cert I get to go to. Unreal.So many report this is one of the most amazing experience of their LIVES! It was for me, no doubt.
This has been an incredible trip for me in so many ways and I will miss the amazing hospitality and warmth of my new danish friends as well as the my new RKC friends.As is usual the case I am sure we will stay in contact. The RKC is more than just a certification but a community; one which goes on long after the course is over.
And now, for your viewing pleasure Doug Nepodal does some 24 kg snatches inhis "utili- kilt"


some more video of my fantastic assistant Jacob Sonnenguard attempting a 32 kg bottoms up tgu! So close! This man is one incredible athlete and amazingly smart trainer.


datsit for me. time to get on a plane and get back home.

8 comments:

Guarden said...

Brother.
So cool to hang out with you.
And thank you for the words about me as instructor.
It takes one to know one ;-)

/Damien

Mark Reifkind said...

Just made it back in. What a trip on so many levels.
Dude, one of THE highlights for me was getting to meet you and then being able to work WITH you was nuts. Your insight and knowledge of training and coaching as well as your own physical ability is incredible.Great eye too. Plus, you're nuts,which I appreciate :))
hope to work with you again soon.

rif

Iron Tamer said...

I told you it was awesome! Glad you had a great time.
Welcome home.

Mark Reifkind said...

thanks David, talk with you soon.

Jordan Vezina said...

Looks like a good time. That bottoms up TGU was unsane.

Geoff Neupert said...

Thanks for NOT posting pics of Doug doing the GU in his kilt...

Mark Reifkind said...

yeah geoff, no kidding,lol.

Franz Snideman said...

That is sick!

Nice job Jacob!!!

215 x1, 220 x 1 (barely) 210 x 1 x 4 ( 2 misses) band pushdowns, laterals, rear delts

 My attempts to create more starting speed failed. Rushed things, did not get or keep my legs stiff. figured it out though 175 x 1 195 x Mis...