This was the second time I trained with Vasily. He was just as friendly, warm and fun as I remembered him.
Vasily runs courses for the International Union of Kettlebell Lifting, and it is easy to tell how passionate he is about the development of his sport and culture.
An ex power lifter, he went on to win 7 world championships in the clean and jerk long cycle discipline.
He also is a great performer when it comes to juggling with kettlebells.
Vasily really made me feel as his guest, and I hope to return the favor someday.
He booked a hotel at the Olympic center, really convenient and close to our training facilities.
Best of all, we were only 2 persons on this course, as Vasily prefer to small groups to give more one on one instruction and advice.
Everyday we would cover theory, video analysis, and different methodologies of training, supplemental assistance exercises, with the help of a textbook based on actual studies and research in the field of kettlebell sport.
Some of the subjects included training for max strength, strength endurance, explosiveness, flexibility and mobility, breathing, supplements.
After our homework, it was time to hit the gym, lifting side by side with weightlifters and other local gireviks.
The gym was stacked with kettlebells starting at 8kg ans going up in 2kg increment up to 32kg, and some big boys, weighing 40 and 50 kg.
What was interesting to see, were the weightlifters using kettlebells after their main program, doing jerks, snatches and jumps.
After the first snatch session, my left palm developed a big blister which had me worried for the snatch test that was to come at the end of the course…
Luckily, Vasily got me to perfect my technique with a slight adjustment, and I blasted through the test.
No boot camp tactics were employed here, but structured and challenging training methods.
For me, this course offered all that I needed to ensure solid progress, and pass knowledge to my students.
The technique is now solidly in place, and I do not have to guess as to how to design an effective training program.
The other very valuable thing I learned was what are proper assistance exercises for specific competition lifts.
Time wasting with experimental trial and error is a thing of the past!
I can tell you that gireviks work with a range of tools, weights, and methods you wouldn’t guess from what is being read on most internet sites.
On the subject of restitution, Vasily treated us to a massage with “hard thumbs” Natalya, and a sauna session.
I happened to turn 38 during my stay there, and Vasily kindly offered me a bottle of Riga Black Balzams. Do you think you can find a nicer trainer?
During my 6 day stay I got the chance to meet with Svetlana, a Latvian girevik which took me dancing along with her cousin. Thanks girls!
Being the only foreigner in a Russian disco was an interesting and fun experience. I also got to meet some people who , of all things, were crazy about my native tongue: French!
The last night before I was to head back to Riga, we had a meal ( I loved the food there!) with Vasily and his wife Julia.
Many jokes and ideas were exchanged, a cozy way to end my stay.
Julia arranged for me to meet one of her friends in Riga. I am thankful to Tatyana for taking me around town, which was in full Christmas spirit.
So, I’d like to propose a toast to the people of Ventspils and their cows, to their hospitality and friendliness!
I am already looking forward to going back there in August, when I’ll be representing Denmark at the international championship “Ventspils Atlants”.
As I am training and taking another Danish team member along, I guess that makes me the first and only Danish Kettlebell National Trainer!
January 12, 2009 at 10:20 am
Thierry, congratulations on your new Coach Title! Ginko is a great teacher for sure, and it’s a luxury to get that kind of attention what you can in a small group.
What was the test like?
Here’s a pic of us last February, when we were in the same course:
http://marksgs.wordpress.com/2008/02/19/gs-painotteinen-viikonloppugs-painotteinen-viikonloppu/
January 13, 2009 at 8:32 am
Hi Marko,Thanks!
the link doesn’t take me where it should, but.