12/1/13 Photo Journal: Russian Weightlifting Seminar w/Klokov, Kahn, Polovnikov, & Durnev

CrossFit AllStar athletes Cheryl Brost, KC Stallsmith, Christopher Matute, and Leihiwa Campbell (teenager who collaborates with CFAS and her non-profit Living in Youth) from Waimea, Hawaii....visit Russian Weightlifters Dmitri Klokov, Vasili Polovnikov, Nikita Durnev, & Yasha Kahn, hosted by CrossFit Oahu. This was one of the first rare opportunities for American CrossFit athletes to train in Russian lifting techniques. Funny thing was, these guys are AMAZING teachers, which I wasn't expecting because not all great athletes can teach what they know effectively. They were assertive, and aggressive in their teaching style, sometimes just plain pushing our bodies physically into position. And the honesty if their criticism was remarkably refreshing! They were never satisfied they always had something for each athlete to correct individually. And if you performed the lift incorrectly they usually shook their head, laughed at you, or simply said ,"No!". They werent the gentlest coaches, but when you want to make serious progress you need serious criticism, and that's a good thing! These Russian theories and techniques are coming back to the box!