Workshop Updates:

12 10 2012

Quick heads up on some workshop details for the remainder of 2012:

This weekends Kettlebell workshops in WG have been cancelled, I have some family stuff to attend, but I’ll try and get another on going before the end of this year.

November 1st – Rapid Response Knife defence Skills:
Once again I’ll be putting down the fitness coach hat and teaching a self defence workshop.
This is a 6 hour, very physical, no nonsense look at knife defence skills. The methods have been developed and taught in the real world. The system was originally shown to me by Pat O’Malley who licensed me to teach.
Here’s what some said about the last workshop:
“I found this 6-hour module to be extremely well-structured and well-paced and very clear in its objective. It was made clear from the beginning that the point of the workshop was not to train heroes or to instill in us a false sense of confidence or security against a knife attack; it was a lesson in how to respond quickly and effectively to an ‘end-of-the-line’ situation. Emphasis was given not only to blocking and striking techniques but also to methods of creating distance and space from the attacker to facilitate escape. I think the realism of the final pressure-drills – which were designed to train our ability to interrupt or disrupt the flow of a frenzied attack – rattled everybody, but were all the more valuable for that. Dave is a born educator and gave exceptionally clear demonstrations and explanations. His mordant sense of humour also went down very well. I am very keen to see how this module develops and certainly intend to take it again. I was also happy to meet a super bunch of people. Thanks to Dave and all who took part for a very enjoyable day, for the bruise-badges of honour, and for a good workout!

Shane McMahon”

 

10th November – Bodyweight Workshop, Galway Kettlebells
Last time I ran this in Tramore where it was very well received from a group including several other coaches.
The day revolves around proper technique on the basics, looking to move towards more advanced versions of the Push Up and Squat.
We then move onto more fun and seldom seen Animal and Martial Arts based movements that train the whole body.
The workshop is detailed, so a pen and paper is useful.

 

Kettlebell Workshop – Crossfit Causeway
Still waiting on the guys finalising the date for this, but it looks like early december.
This will be based on Kettlebells for general fitness, with the emphasis on beginner level technique. This means that while beginners can come along and learn proper kettlebell technique, more experienced lifters can brush up on technique and coaches can get the teaching ques and methods I use daily with hundreds of people.

For more details on any of the workshops, or to see about hosting me at your own facility, please drop me a  line on +353 87 672 6090 or email info@wildgeesema.com

 

Regards

Dave
http://www.wg-fit.com





Bodyweight & Kettlebell Workshop dates announced:

11 06 2012

The next few Wild Geese workshop dates have just been confirmed:

Due to popular demand I’ll be running a Bodyweight Training workshop.
This will be held at my friend Gan Power’s gym: Tramore Kettlebell Fitness

The workshop will cover (but not limited to):

  • Push Up variations to work every aspect of the body
  • Squat variations
  • Unilateral training
  • Martial Arts strength training secrets
  • Integrated core training
  • Total body conditioners
  • Agility
  • Bodyweight for explosive power
  • Mobility

Why bodyweight?
Why not? Using your own body to move and become strong is the most fundamental yet most often overlooked aspect of today’s fitness training.
No other training modality will give the coordination, balance and body awareness  epitomised by Martial Artists, Gymnasts and Wild Animals.
Time to get beck to natural movement, No Equipment, No Excuses!

Date:  Sept 8th,
Times: 1000 – 1600
Location: Tramore Kettlebell Fitness,
unit1,1 riverstown, business pk
Tramore, Ireland

Cost: €50

Click Here to book

The next Kettlebell Workshops will be the Levels 1 & 2.

Instead of me trying to sell you, have a read of these:

It was really great, very detailed and no beating around the bush. You gave clear, precise pointers on the different moves which were easy to follow and implement. 

I feel that what I learned I will remember easily and can put into practice at home.

You welcomed plenty of questions if we had any and you were very clear that your way wasn’t the only way and that the more you practice the better you get. 

Thanks again and see you in April,

Maeve

Hi Dave,

Many thanks for sending on the docs so quickly. I had a quick look at them and it looks like they are really easy to follow guides. Perfect for practicing the exercises at home. I actually can’t wait to get a couple of kettlebells for myself now and get started.

The workshops were absolutely brilliant and very inspirational, too. I think everything was very well explained and demonstrated. Time just flew by and I could have gone on and on.  I think I really learned a lot during that relatively short period of time, and also realised how much there is still to learn. I’ll definitely be back for the level 3 workshop and will also try out your beginner’s kettlebell class very soon!

Anyway, thanks again for the brilliant workshops!

Regards,

Rabea

Level 1 and 2 will be run on the 14th October.
Level 1 starts at 10am till 12pm
Level 2 runs 12.30pm to 4pm
Both cost €35 each or €60 for both.
Pdf manuals will be emailed out on completion of the course.

Click Here to book

Regards

Dave
www.wg-fit.com





Last Kettlebell Workshop for 2011

6 11 2011

On the 4th December 2011 I’ll be running levels 1-3 of my Kettlebell workshop series.

This is a full day, 6 hours, of detailed instruction and practice on the most important lifts and training tactics for anyone involved in or wanting to be involved in kettlebell lifting.

Level 1 will run from 10am to 12pm.
This is the base level, no experience of kettlebell lifting is assumed, meaning that if you are a beginner, or you teach beginners, this is the ideal time to learn how to get started with the bell.
Information covered:
Joint Mobility, The Swing, The Press, Squat, Power Breathing and basic workout principles.

Level 2, 12pm – 2pm
Building on the information in level 1, this takes the lifter to the next stage in development.
All the principles from Level 1 are revisited, some of the techniques are advanced and others are introduced.
Information Covered:
Further Joint mobility, 1 hand Swing, Cleans, Turkish Get Up, Push Press, Workout Principles.

Level 3, 2pm – 4pm
This is the most technical of all the workshops. Only two lifts are covered, the Jerk and the Snatch. These are the two most technical and most effective of all the kettlebell lifts.
If you are looking to enter into kettlebell sport, this is the workshop for you.
Information Covered:
Loaded Mobility, Jerk, Snatch, Anatomical Breathing, Timed Sets, Training Principles.

Each level has an accompanying PDF manual which will be emailed after the workshop.
But I still recommend you take notes of your own.

Cost of the workshop:
Individual level: €35
Two Levels: €60
All three: €70

Date: 4th December

Location: Wild Geese Martial Arts & Fitness, 14 Magennis Place, Pearse St, Dublin 2

Book by emailing to info@wildgeesema.com or use this form:

 





Upcoming Kettlebell Workshop

2 10 2011

Right, here’s a date for the diary:

Sunday, 16th October.

Disecting the Swing - Level 1 & 2

This could be the last time this year that I run my Kettlebell workshops, so I’m doing levels 1, 2 and 3 on the 16th.

You see there is a lot going on at the moment between family events, training, seminars and even a weekend away with the Missus, I’ve very few weekends free to teach seminars on.

So, I’m now open to bookings, on a first come first served basis for the 16th.

The day will look something like this:

10am – 12pm Level 1: Joint Mobility, Swing, Squat, Press, Power Breathing.
12pm – 2pm Level 2: More Mobility, 1 Hand Swing, Clean, Push Press, Turkish Get Up
2pm – 4pm Level 3: Loaded Mobility, Jerk, Snatch, Anatomical Breathing.

Each level on it’s own costs €35 and comes with a copy of the appropriate PDF manual. If you book 2 levels the price will be €60, or €70 for all three.
Now that’s a good deal!

Places are limited to ensure quality, there will be no more than ten people allowed and three places are already booked. Get in touch ASAP.

 

I’d also like to share this with you, I got it from Mike Boyle’s page:

This is great piece  written by Anthony Donskov that I wanted to share:

Disecting the Press / Push Press / Jerk - Levels 1,2 & 3

Does that not sum up everything about being coach?

Does your coach live up to the Creed?

When I worked out of a commercial gym a few years ago I never saw a single trainer live up to these words, I think this was part of the reason I couldn’t make it in the commercial gym environment.
Since launching Wild Geese 2 years ago I have been able to teach, train and coach my own way, it’s got to the point where I now regularly turn people away, sometimes because I’m full and sometimes because I genuinely don’t believe I’m the person they’re looking for.

 

Regards

Dave
http://www.wg-fit.com





What to do between Boot Camps

30 09 2011

Another Boot Camp ended. Another 4 weeks done.

But that’s not an excuse.

The Wild Geese Boot Camp may run for four weeks, it may be progressive throughout that period, there is a test at the start that is repeated at the end to ensure progress. But after 4 weeks there is a break for a week.

This scheduled break is not an excuse to sleep in and get lazy, it is a back week, a recovery week. You see I assume that if you take part in the boot camp, and especially if you complete it, then you’re on a path to serious physical fitness. Either you’re coming back to the next cycle of camp or you’re going onto something else.

The week break is to ensure that you are rested and able to go into the next training period fresh and strong, it is a way of ensuring you avoid the dreaded burnout. But it is not a week of sitting on your arse.

A back week should be spent moving lightly, doing bodyweight drills, yoga sequences, light running or playing a few games of whatever sport you like.
It’s a week where you don’t measure anything, you don’t train to exhaustion but you do break a light sweat and get the heart rate up somewhat.
It’s a week where you may eat a little more pizza, but on the  whole the diet must be kept clean to maximise your recovery.
Use the time off wisely, think about your training goals, your wants and needs. Think about what you achieved in the last 4 weeks and how you intend to beat it in the next 4 weeks.
Take a systems check, how’s the old hamstring injury, is the shoulder ok? Do I need to get down to your Physiotherapist or  Rolfer for some bodywork?

Even if you’re not a Boot Camp participant, you should still schedule in back weeks, either cut the volume/intensity by 50% every 4th week or take a week off every 6-8weeks.  Rest is an important part of your training, without it you are merely breaking the body down rather than building it up.

So enjoy this week off, I’ll see you on the 10th, bright and early!

 

AND before I forget….

Kettlebell Workshop – Sunday 16th October.
I’ll be running Levels 1,2 and 3 back to back. That’s 6 hours of kettlebell training, learning and practicing.
Due to a large amount of family commitments, I’m booked up for most weekend through the next few months so I’m not sure how many more workshops I’ll be able to run this year. So I highly recommend you get down on the 16th for one or all of the sessions.
More details on the sidebar —->

 

Regards

Dave
http://www.wg-fit.com





Kettlebell Swing Tutorial Part I – The Basics

14 09 2011

Erm.......

With more and more people jumping on what has become the Kettlebell bandwagon, it is inevitable that there is a watering down of information.
So many fitness instructors are taking mickey mouse weekend certifications that teach a dozen or so lifts in no real detail and expect only mild competency with a Kettle in exchange for a pass mark, never mind an understanding and ability to pass on this understanding.

The fitness industry is looking solely at the bottom line, and the injury rate from Kettlebell classes is going up as a result.

It’s time things changed for the better.

So over the next few weeks I’ll be posting the methods used at Wild Geese. Methods that are approved by Steve Cotter and Vasily Gincko, methods that have been used on hundreds of clients from every walk of life to get them moving better and developing strength and fitness levels that are transferable to their lives outside the gym (I think that’s called functional training?!)
These are the methods that earned me a third place at the last Irish Kettlebell Sports championships, and the same methods that helped me overcome serious back injury from more traditional weight lifting techniques.

The first video starts right at the beginning of anyone’s kettlebell journey, the two handed swing, watch and enjoy.

If you are just starting out with the kettle, I must stress that these books and videos cannot come close to getting hands on instruction from a reputable coach, but please do your homework and ensure the coach has a good, well earned reputation.

The information presented here is the same as in my Level 1 workshop, keep an eye on the side bar for the next upcoming dates, or give me a shout and I’ll come to your gym or studio and teach there.

Level 1 Kettlebell manual, includes highly detailed instructions on the Swing

Regards

Dave
http://www.wg-fit.com





Workshops & Seminars

19 08 2011

This Sunday I’m running the Level 1 Kettlebell Lifting Workshop from 11am at Wild Geese HQ.
There are a couple of spots left open if you wish to attend.
Price is €35 and includes a copy of the Level 1 PDF Manual.

These workshops are highly detailed, so it is recommended you bring a pen and paper, even though all the info is in the Manual. Nothing beats your own notes taken at the time.

In September we have just confirmed our guest presenters for an Injury Prevention and Strength Training for MMA seminar.
We have four presenters, each with unique expertise in their particular fields:

  • Paul Cox – Strength & Mobility using the Kettlebell
  • Dave Hedges – Program design and Bodyweight Training
  • Mark Sexton – Injuries, how to manage, prevent and rehabilitate them.
  • Anne Dempsey – Yoga & Somatic stretching for flexibility and mental focus.
The provisional date is Saturday 24th September.
Places will be limited, so let me know asap if your interested.
That’s all for today,  I’ve got all my computer and internet bugs sorted out so will be updating this blog on a regular basis once more.
Regards




Motivation Secrets and Level 1 Kettlebell Lifting

31 07 2011

Two things in today’s post

1 – Motivation, what gets you going?
2 – Level One kettlebell workshop

1 – Motivation.
Over the last week or so I’ve had a few people asking about motivation, how to get it, how to keep it and how to get it back. When I asked people what they wanted me to blog about, it was one of the top answers I received.

So, rather than just tell you all the generic garbage about goal setting, accountability “SMART” goals blah, blah, I thought let’s go through my address book and ask just about everyone there what their opinions were.
So I emailed and facebooked Coaches, Martial Artists, Fitness enthusiasts, a couple of councillors and even a Professor of Psychology and asked them if they’d write anything from a few lines to a few paragraphs on their view of motivation. The response has been epic, the replies are as varied as the people I’ve asked, some giving very personal stories, other more fact based opinions. Some are surprising, some my be shocking, but all are awesome.

Replies are still coming in, I set Friday as a deadline, so I hope to have it all compiled and ready to distribute by the following Friday. The guys over at My Mad Methods magazine have asked if they can distribute it, but it will also sent out to everyone who has subscribed to the email newsletter that I occasionally send out.

I’ll keep you posted on progress, but I guarantee you’ll not want to miss it when it comes out!

2 – Level One Kettlebell Workshop
I haven’t held one of these for a while, so I’m really looking forwards to it.
Level 1 assumes no experience so is perfect for those just starting out with Kettlebell training or are a coach working with beginners.

The course focuses on three key lifts, the Swing, the Press and the Goblet Squat. Armed with the three of these it gives you opportunity to train the entire body. We look at each lift in detail, how to perform it safely, how to get the most out of it and several options for programming the lifts into workouts. Including this one:

 

Of course I’m open to questions and if we have the time we can cover a whole lot more than just the course syllabus.

Everyone who attends the course will receive a copy of the accompanying PDF manual, packed with all the same info and detailed photos.

To book your place drop me an email (info@wildgeesema.com) or skip over to the contact page.
Looking forward to seeing you there.

Regards

Dave
http://www.wg-fit.com





Feedback from the Kettlebell Workshop yesterday

11 04 2011

Hi Dave,

Thanks for that and for yesterday, I really enjoyed it.

Positives on the workshops;
-Having never used a kettlebell before, I learnt a lot on the basics and felt more and more comfortable with the bell as the workshops went on -You gave great ideas on how to use it to achieve whatever anyone was looking for out of the training and also how to constantly progress -There was so much versatility and adaptability within it
- It was a lot of fun

Negatives;
-The only thing I can think of is that it ended

Thanks again! Take care.

Andrew





Kettlebell Workshops, Levels 1 and 2 – 10th April

31 03 2011

Instructing the Get Up

This a reminder that I’ll be running the Levels 1 and 2 kettlebell workshops on Sunday 10th April.

I’ve been working pretty solidly on getting together the accompanying manuals that have all the detail covered in the workshops, with a few extra bits. These will be given out to everyone who attends.
These workshops will also be filmed and put onto DVD, all attendees will receive a copy of this at no extra charge. Everyone else will be able to get it via the website as soon as we have it ready.

If you wish to take part in these workshops, drop me a line as soon as possible, places are limited.

Level 1 covers the absolute basics, the Swing, Squat and Press. With these lifts you have a complete training system, you don’t even need a do them with a kettlebell!

Level 2 covers the Turkish get up, Push Press and Clean. We also spend time refining the swing as it is the cornerstone of any kettlebell lifters training.

Refining the swing

These workshops are open to all, the level one is aimed at first time kettlebellers as well as those looking to improve technique and those looking to teach the technique.
It’s recommended that you bring a notebook and pen and come armed with enthusiasm and questions.

See you on the 10th

Dave

PS: The current Boot Camp is just finishing off, I’ve 3 spots left on the next one starting on Monday 11th at 7am. If you have what it takes to push your boundaries and make more progress towards your fitness goals than any other time in your life. Contact me ASAP








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