Living the Way

Workshop Cancelled!

2011-09-11T15:38:00.000-07:00

We now have a....

FREE PLAY DAY

Sunday September 25th 8 to Noon
Way of Strength Training Center

All RKC's and HKC's are invited to attend! We will work on whatever we want to work on. Come and network and get play with hardstyle concepts. We will have a Master RKC and two team leaders on board!

Jeff O'Connor Lifelong Strong Workshop

2011-08-30T03:35:00.000-07:00

Sunday September 25th

8 to 5

Way of Strength Training Center

Hopefully with your blessing, I will skip the introduction of what everyone's favorite Master RKC can do for you and your clients. I will also forgo the introduction of Jeff himself....as it would be nearly impossible for me to believe that anyone reading this blog would not know who he is and what he brings to the training floor. Just in case you can check out his site here. This workshop is targeted at inductee's into the RKC School of Strength.

Ahem...kinda nice just getting the facts without the monster truck marketing so prevalent in our industry....ehh...

Jeff will cover his FMS Fortified patented (only if) mobility and athletic prowess progressions. This is his "zero to hero" material that will be of immediate next morning use for you and your clients. Attendees will be expected to have a solid handle of RKC principles and thus the workshop will only be open to RKC's, HKC's or those who have trained with them. Note that RKC's and HKC's get a discount! Also, if you sign 3 folks up with you then you can come for free! Seriously this is great material that we need to get it out there!

Included in the price is a manual and as a bonus Jeff has agreed to free up the afternoon a bit for attendee directed material! That's right,your folks call! So when you sign up, type up what you would like to see in the "additional comments" section and we will do our best to work it in! We will do Jason's Deli boxes for lunch and you can sign up for the workshop below:

RKC Discounted Price is just $149.00 [paypal link]

HKC Discounted Price is just $179.00 [paypal link]Discounted Price is just $199.00 [paypal link]

3 + 1 Deal...
Get three people to sign up with you (same time) and you can come for free!

If you have any questions feel free to email me at dustin(at)wayofstrength(dot)com or call my cell at 405-517-8866.

One more thing...

We are holding an HKC the day before on Saturday the 24th if you or any one you know is interested send 'em here:

DRAGONDOOR HKC INFO

I screwed up....

2011-05-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

I was supposed to end the extreme early-bird price for the Summit on Friday the 6th....but I did not get a chance to inform everyone of the change. Between the new facility, the upcoming state sporting clays championship, RKC and CK-FMS duties I fell behind on the web-side of life.

So here is what I am going to do....I am extending the extreme early-bird deadline until May the 20th!

You can still qualify for the super cheap rate here: www.summitofstrength

Many Thanks to RKC Team Leader Delaine Ross for...

2011-04-27T06:44:00.000-07:00

This:

Time for a few more updates....

2011-04-25T05:16:00.000-07:00

...Then off to St. Paul for the RKC weekend. (I can hardly wait to meet Team Rippetoe).

Agenda for today:

Answer PM and email inquiry's [Thanks for the questions, btw!]
Order Vans for shuttle service. [We try to make travel super-stress free. All attendees have to do is make it to the host hotel]
Finalize T-Shirt Design and contact the shirt folks. [Everyone loved last years design and wanted to buy extras which we didn't have. This years is better.]
Edit the Summit page. [I am obviously not a professional editor....do what I can. Does Ad Copy matter anyway? With the low price and over the top quality it kinda speaks for itself.] www.summitofstrength.com
Lift some heavy stuff repeatedly.
Prep teaching material for RKC!

Grow Stronger,

Dustin

Summit of Strength 2011

2011-04-22T02:54:00.001-07:00

This years SOS is in full blown prep mode...we had 20 sign-up before we officially announced the event (a little bonus we gave last years attendees).

The event will be a blast and better in many ways than last years. Considering the positive comments we received last year that is something.

I will be blogging "behind the scenes updates" here frequently so stay tuned...

www.summitofstrength.com

Sayoc Kali

2011-01-22T03:15:00.000-08:00

I recently started a couple of new disciplines: Sayoc Kali and Traditional Archery. I will blog about Archery a bit later. The adoption of both these practices came at the urging of Master RKCs. I know, I know I need more stuff to do but there is something to be said for continually development. For some reason, Kenzie seems less annoyed when a get into a new past-time when O'Connor or Uncle Tamer thinks it would be good for me....something to remember!

Kenzie and I went to Nashville for an HKC, tattoos and hang time with Mrs and Mr Irontamer this past December. Among the fun and food and frivolity, David and I started talking all things martial (not uncommon) especially Filipino Martial Arts. I have very, very little exposure to FMAs. Talk lead to contact (not uncommon) and something clicked. The Sayoc system came up and got the Uncle Tamer devil horns of approval. We "played" a bit more and I was hooked. [One notable occurrence was the utter destruction of my blackberry screen despite being in my coat chest pocket and expensive protective case from a well placed thrust of a training blade.]

When I got back to the sooner state I began a search for instructors and not only found one but found one next door to my previous training location. Jason Epps at Premier Martial Arts. Weird how the universe works...oh yeah he was looking for some Kettlebell info/instruction...yep, weird ;) I will talk about '"arm-twisting" O'Connor had to do on me for the Archery habit in a future post.

A little background on Sayoc [The Following is from the wikipedia article on Sayoc Kali]:

"Sayoc Kali is an edged weapon based style of Filipino Martial Arts. It is a family system, headed by Christopher Sayoc, Sr.. The motto of the style is, "All Blade, All the Time".

The Sayoc family lineage links back to General Licerio Topacio, of Cavite. General Topacio was the military engineer of the Katipunan secret society and was among the first Katipunan members to urge Supremo Andres Bonifacio to wage a revolution against Spain.^[1]

Sayoc Kali is taught as part of the more general Sayoc Fighting System, which includes sword, stick, tomahawk, karambit and whip. Sayoc Kali emphasizes the use of the blade. It includes techniques for single knife, multiple knives, projectiles, and secondary support to firearms. Empty hand training is under the Sayoc Silak curriculum.

Sayoc Kali presents itself as an evolving system. The Sayoc family hosted a number of Filipino Martial Arts masters who travelled to the east coast of the United States during the 1970s and learned Filipino Martial Arts from them. Interaction and training from these Filipino Martial Arts masters gave the Sayoc family the idea of creating Sayoc Kali."

21 Goals in 21 Days

2011-01-21T05:16:00.001-08:00

I set a new 21 day challenge on Facebook yesterday. The rules are simple make a list of 21 goals and complete them in 21 days. The goals can be big, small, ugly, audacious, simple, ambitious, private or public! JUST DO THEM AND START NOW!

"Vision is more important than planning if you want change it only happens now!" --Somebody Smart

By the way, one of my goals was to begin blogging again...check!

Spreading Hardstyle Love...

2010-01-04T01:56:00.000-08:00

Working with Brandon Hetzler RKC to bring about the first HKC in Missouri on April 10th! Should be a great one as SrRKC Jeff O'Connor is leading. It gets even better when you consider that on the Sunday after we be a RKC prep/Advanced Athletic Applications workshop....hardstyle indeed.

Speaking of Mr. O'Connor and all things Hardstyle, I'm heading down to Lubbock with the man for the first TEXAS HKC hosted by Jason Marshall/Lonestar kettlebell! 2010 is going HARDSTYLE!

Making Time for Time

2010-01-01T02:04:00.000-08:00

I have made a huge personal breakthrough in time management over the last two week that I wanted to share with folks. About a month ago I stumbled across the Pomodoro Technique by Francesco Cirillo. Yes, I know Pomodoro is Italian for tomato...hang on I will explain. Since using this method. I feel I have gotten more done with less. Less time....less stress....more focus....and more fun (really!)

I will cover more of the technique, how I use it and what I have discovered about myself over the next few weeks. In the meantime here is a link to a free cheat sheet describing the technique!

Why are the intervals called "Pomodoro's?" Mr. Cirillo originally used a tomato shaped kitchen timer to mark his sessions!

One final thing, this is totally free! No affiliate links. No marketing. Mr. Cirillo and thousands of others have made major changes in their productivity and lives and wanted to share...so did I.

The main site is here!

New Website up!!!!!!!!

2009-12-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

THE SITE

"Women Shouldn't use Kettlebells"

2009-12-20T04:17:00.000-08:00

Is something I would never say to Sara Cheatham Sr RKC!

Way of Strength is proud to host Sr RKC Sara Cheatham February 2010! This is an intro level workshop covering the core elements of Hardstyle Kettlebell, Z-Health and women's self-defense. We have options for attending one or both days!

Day 1 is for everyone and we will be covering the fundamental Kettlebell and Z-Health Drills!

Day 2 is for Women only! We will re-cap day 1 and move into women's self-defense in the afternoon.

Where: 180 Personal Training, Edmond Oklahoma
When: February 20 and/or 21
Cost: For details and options go here!

Sara Cheatham....'Nuff said!

2009-12-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

Kenzie is finishing up some gift certificates for Sara Cheathams February Workshop. If you are a woman or know one and you/they would like to move and feel better then you should check them out.

Seriously, great opportunity to learn and be around the best!

Convict Conditioning

2009-12-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

This book by Paul Wade is beyond awesome....(back to reading)

Hardstyle Life...

2009-12-08T03:48:00.000-08:00

Oklahoma's First HKC is in the books and it was a blast. If you are interested in taking the initial steps into the RKC Kettlebell world and you missed this opportunity. Check the HKC page for more dates. Jason Marshall RKC II, CK-FMS (and general awesome dude) is hosting Jeff O'Connor in January. I'll be there will you?

On other fronts, I'm re-reading Spark by John Ratey. Great book about exercise connection to the brain/emotions. Of particular note is the completion of the flight/fight stress response as THE remedy for our lifestyle of stress.

I'm eagerly awaiting my copy of Convict Conditioning to come in.....

Crossroads

2009-11-30T07:23:00.001-08:00

Things are coming together! I'm backing off from my day job the next three months to focus on Way of Strength. Big things ahead:

HKC this weekend and still spots open!
I have 3 new spots open on my private client list.
We are having our 4th Foundation Workshop on December 12th
May make a visit to Texas to spread hardstyle love at Lonestar Kettlebells.
Heading to San Diego in January (and February) for Z-Health R Phase.
Sara Cheatham Z Health and Kettlebells in February.
even more....?!?

Wisdom from a master...

2009-11-18T06:09:00.000-08:00

You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself, any direction you choose. - Dr. Seuss

Barefoot and cold...

2009-11-15T12:09:00.000-08:00

and exhilarating pretty much sums up my barefoot walk with the dog a bit ago. For your health's sake take off the shoes and let your feet breathe and grow smart and strong.

On another note....Had a great talk (always) with SrRKC Jeff O'Connor. We were discussing how pleased we are about the interest in the HardStyle Certification Course we are hosting December 5th. Still room left come join us. The importance of Swings and Get-ups may have come up as well...

Oh and MR. Brody, this means you!

Third time around...

2009-11-12T04:34:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 12th from 10 to 1 at 180 Personal Training. Way of Strength Kettlebell Foundation Workshop #3 Learn the Fundamental Kettlebells Skills and start the path to a more mobile, stonger, leaner YOU. This is also the mandatory entry point for ongoing Kettlebell Classes.

Foundation Workshop #2

2009-11-02T03:06:00.000-08:00

Saturday November 7th from 10 to 1 at 180 Personal Training.

Way of Strength Kettlebell Foundation Workshop #2

Learn the Fundamental Kettlebells Skills and start the path to a more mobile, stonger, leaner YOU. This is also the mandatory entry point for ongoing Kettlebell Classes.

Great Review of the Foundation Kettlebell Workshop!

2009-11-01T07:34:00.000-08:00

We have a new kettlebell convert after yesterdays Foundation Workshop! Tony A. was kind enough to let me share his email comments here:

“Hey Dustin,
I had a great time at the introductory to kettle bells class today. Matt, Steve and Ryan are awesome! …I have to add that I feel a little bit sore but I really feel that I have what I have been looking for and cant wait till I get a regular schedule for training with kettle bells and your staff.”

--Tony A.

We are planning another Foundation Workshop this Saturday at 180 Personal Training. Come join us from 10 to 1! Contact me here to register.

Hardstyle Oklahoma Page Up!

2009-10-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Its up and it looks awesome! Check it out here!

Great Review of the Oklahoma Kettlebell Workshop!

2009-10-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Brandon Hetzler RKC attended the Senior RKC Workshop with David Whitley and Jeff O'Connors Way of Strength hosted a few weeks ago and recorded his experience on his blog:

www.simplykettlebells.blogspot.com

Brandon agreed to an interview about his work with a force plate and a battery of swing/snatches from some of the most experienced RKC's look for it here soon!

Beautiful Chaos

2009-10-28T04:43:00.001-07:00

= Life in pursuit of Vision.

Preview of things to come....

2009-10-27T05:03:00.000-07:00

This Saturday from 10 to 1 PM at 180 Personal Training is the first Saturday Orientation Workshop. This workshop will be mandatory for all those wanting to enter the Foundation Kettlebell Class series (details coming soon, I promise!). The fee for this Workshop is a steal at $99.00 considering what the fee is for 3 hours of training is with one instructor let alone 3!

Sign-up here.

Actually there may be four instructors there....hmmmm!

Special Sneak Preview offer! If you sign up for classes during this event we will deduct you Workshop fee from you 1st month of classes!

Sign-up here.

Get mobile! Get lean! Get strong! Get to 180 this Saturday!

2009-10-27T03:41:00.000-07:00

Hardstyle Oklahoma!!!!!!

'nuff said...

Sara Cheatham Senior RKC and Z Master Trainer Intern is coming to Oklahoma!!

2009-10-26T13:57:00.000-07:00

Way of Strength is dedicated to bringing you the best in hyper-functional movement modalities. Speaking of best Sara Cheatham is coming February 20th and 21st!!!!

We will be announcing the details soon on the new Way of Strength site, but I couldn't wait! What is Mrs. Cheatham and Way of Strength offering? A few details:

1 or 2 day format come 1 or both days!
Sunday is Women only!
Intro to Kettlebells....of course!
Intro to Z-Health!
Women's Self Defense!

More details coming soon. Stay tuned...if you can't wait then contact me and I will put you on the list.

HARDSTYLE!!!!!

2009-10-26T09:37:00.000-07:00

Way of Strength is proud to host the first Oklahoma Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification!!!! This is the new foundational kettlebell training course and the entry in to the RKC School of Strength. Go here for info! The event will be held in Edmond at the awesome 180 Personal Training Facility.

Spaces are extremely limted so claim your spot now.

I can't wait for this event. I had the great honor of assisting Kenneth Jay at the first-ever HKC in St. Paul last month. Now we get one in our very own backyard....THAT IS HARDSTYLE!

Heart of a Warrior.

2009-10-25T09:44:00.000-07:00

I'm embarking on my second Viking Training Voyage (or is that raid?). It has been almost a year since I have done a solid stint of VO2Max work and that is far to long. I have read and reread Kenneth Jay Master RKC's Viking Warrior Conditioning more than any other book in my library save the Tao Te Ching, Naked Warrior and Enter the Kettlebell.

The 15:15 protocol is my baby until I hit 80 sets of 8 with the 20kg. I will throw in a couple of "Brute" days with Heavy Double Kettlebell work and strongmanish stuff (nail bends, sledge levers, and flipping the 650lb tire at 180.) I will of course keep my early morning Get-ups and swings as a "system check." I am prepping for R-phase Z-Health cert so I'm hitting Z hard also...is that possible?

See you on the other side. You will know it's me because I will have the heart forged of elastic steel!

Preview of Way of Strength Events.

2009-10-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

There is a lot of great opportunities for furthering your Kettlebell Knowledge. Check out what Way of Strength is hosting in the near future at 180 Personal Training:

HKC Prep Workshop on November 14th.
HKC with Senior RKC Jeff O'Connor on December 5th.
2 Day Workshop with Sara Cheatum SrRKC in February!
and much more...to early to tell! (HooRah, broken bricks and a Strength Summit?!)

Details and links will be coming this week! We are finalizing the details for the Kettlebell Classes at 180. Any minute now we will have the details!

Reboot 2.0

2009-10-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Life is a chaotic and beautiful thing right now. I'm just trying to hold on with both hands. Way of Strength Kettlebell Classes will be coming soon to 180 Personal Training. If you want to move, feel, and look better...stay tuned! The new site will going live soon with new features and will be very, very Hardstyle!

Welcome to your Evolution.....

PS. There is a rumor that soon, very soon a Hardstyle Kettlebell Certification will be coming to Oklahoma.

Reboot

2009-08-18T13:01:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

This is the new home of Dustin Rippetoe and Way of Strength's blog: Living the Way! Pardon the mess here and on the current site. We have lots going on and everything is in flux. We will have more news and updates so stay tuned! Namely, Kenzie and I are heading to San Diego for the San Diego RKC (Russian Kettlebell Challenge) and our 10 year anniversary! (I'm sure she would list that in a different order...) Video to follow...