workshop experience

PCC Holland: A Celebration Of Unity

October 4, 2016 By Danny Kavadlo 8 Comments

Danny Kavadlo one-arm pull-up

No one ever knew it would go this far. We believed, we hoped, we dreamed. But nothing could have prepared us for the outpouring of passion, dedication and intensity from the global calisthenics community. In fact, when we launched the Progressive Calisthenics Certification just over three years ago, we knew we were providing the first and the best bodyweight training workshop of its kind. We just didn’t know how badly the world wanted it!

Thanks for showing us.

Two weeks ago, when the PCC returned to the Netherlands for the third time, I saw once again how incredibly talented and committed you guys are. It was a life-changing weekend that I’ll never forget!

Amazing feats of strength were performed, numerous PR’s were set and profound mental focus and fortitude were on display. But beyond the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of bodyweight strength training, is the extraordinary community. As discussed in the Kavadlo Brothers’ most recent Dragon Door publication, Street Workout: A Worldwide Anthology of Urban Calisthenics, the coming together of so many cultures and backgrounds from all over our great Earth, may be the most amazing part of the calisthenics movement.

Never before has a physical discipline united so many citizens of the world, from so many corners of our planet, in such a harmonious jubilee of strength, balance and love.

In addition to the native Dutch Masters of Holland, this particular event drew calisthenics fanatics from Sweden, Ireland, the United States, Scotland, Columbia, Germany and even as far as Lebanon! There was also an entire team of self-defense instructors from the Czech Republic. (No surprise there, as our host and PCC Instructor, Martijn Bos, is the world’s #1 ranked Krav Maga practitioner outside of Israel.)

That means that there were attendees from nine countries, spanning four continents. Incredible! Like a bridge over troubled water, calisthenics connected international borders.

The men and women of PCC brought the energy, skill and passion. A celebration of push-ups, pull-ups and pistols was on full display. When so many different people are brought together by the love of calisthenics, something truly spectacular happens. Each individual’s energy is magnified tenfold. The whole group is even greater than the sum of its parts. The written word could never do justice to this collaboration of excellence, as it simply cannot be described. PCC must be experienced to be truly understood.

This was a weekend of sharing, growing and learning from each other. So many different styles, disciplines and skill levels came together. We trained, we sweat and we hugged. There were even a few tears.

It was also a huge deal for me, on a purely personal level, to have connected physically with so many names and faces that I knew from the internet and other social media. To share our stories and our journeys face to face and to train side by side with you guys is my favorite part of PCC.

PCC Instructor (and Street Workout World Cup Champion) Emiel Gobel making it look easy.

I’d like to congratulate the newest group of PCC Instructors. Welcome to the family! Spread the word, walk the talk and show the love. The posse’s getting’ bigger.

Keep the dream alive,

-DK

Holland PCC Group Photo

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Danny Kavadlo is one of the world’s foremost authorities on calisthenics, nutrition and personal training. He is the author of the Dragon Door titles Strength Rules, Diamond-Cut Abs and Everybody Needs Training. Most recently, he co-authored Street Workout with his brother, Al Kavadlo. Danny is known for his minimalist philosophy, simple approach and motivational talents.

A true in-person experience, Danny is a Master Instructor for Dragon Door’s Progressive Calisthenics Certification. He has been featured in the NY Times, TRAIN, Men’s Fitness and is a regular contributor to Bodybuilding.com. Learn more about Danny at www.DannyTheTrainer.com

Progressive Calisthenics Returns to Australia

September 27, 2016 By Al Kavadlo 2 Comments

pcc Australia back lever
I just flew home from Australia and boy are my arms tired…from teaching the PCC, of course!

Last weekend the Progressive Calisthenics Certification returned to Australia for our first ever event in Sydney, and it was one for the ages!

Attendees traveled from all parts of the continent in order to be part of this incredible event. We had folks from Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and even Perth come to Sydney to partake in progressive push-ups, pull-ups, muscle-ups and more. As usual, there was an eclectic mix of calisthenics enthusiasts including personal trainers, martial artists, yogis, dancers, and many others. The Aussie crowd had amazing energy and PR’s were happening faster than we could keep up with!

The PCC attracts candidates who love both bodyweight training as well as helping others. Everyone got to do a lot of both throughout the weekend. The egos were left at the door as this group of energetic enthusiasts egged each other on towards unbelievable feats of strength and athleticism. From L-sits, to pistol squats, to muscle-ups, we ran the entire calisthenics compendium, and had a blast doing it.

PCC Australia L-sit
This was Dragon Door’s first time partnering with the Australian Fitness Network to produce an event, and I think it’s safe to say it will not be the last. The progressive calisthenics movement continues to grow in Australia and it just took a giant leap forward! If you missed us this time, keep an eye out for more PCC events down under in the years ahead.

Hey hey hey! We’re Working Out!

-Al

PCC Australia 2016 Group

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Al Kavadlo is the lead instructor for Dragon Door’s Progressive Calisthenics Certification and the author of several books, including Street Workout and Pushing The Limits. For more information visit www.AlKavadlo.com.

Be Prepared for the Time of Your Life

July 26, 2016 By Shari Wagner 13 Comments

Shari Wagner With Al Danny Kavadlo at the NYC PCC

Where do I begin? I guess the best place to start is to say that if you haven’t been to the PCC yet, GO! I’ll wait while you go sign up. You won’t be sorry.

I had the PCC on my workshop wish list for quite some time. I was maybe halfway through the first day, my mind already being sufficiently blown away by what we were learning, when I thought “geez, what on earth took you so long to do this?”

The PCC was different from any other certification I have attended. There was a certain energy in the air amongst the participants from the moment we walked in the door. A lighter energy, an inherent sense that this workshop was going to be a lot of fun.

I think the fact that the workshop starts with Al Kavadlo essentially telling us that he had no expectations for what we could and could not do immediately releases any nerves the participants may have. He tells us to have fun and try new things, but that some skills take months or years to achieve at their highest levels of progression.

NYC PCC Danny Al plank demonstration

The name of the certification embodies the very principles of this method. Everything is progressive. But because everything is progressive, at the same time everything can be regressed. As such, everyone can participate in some way, to the level that is appropriate for them on that particular day.

The energy amongst the participants, however, is magnifying, inclusive and inspiring. As you’re working within your small group or with your partner, you suddenly hear an eruption of cheering next to you as someone reached a personal best on something they have either been working on, or with a skill they just tried for the first time. Sometimes, you find that the cheering is for you. Often you find the courage and the encouragement to try a skill that may have scared you.

Shari Wagner Dragon Flag

The participants don’t just cheer when the achievement is met, they cheer for each other as they make these attempts. This is all in an effort to try something new and to learn what each progression of an exercise feels like. If you try but don’t achieve the skill, they still cheer for you just for trying.

The skills themselves look like feats of superhuman strength, and some definitely are. But at the same time, they are playful. This playfulness just adds to the fun energy in the air. Each day is wrapped up with tallying all of the personal records on each skill that we learned. To see how many hands are raised for the PRs and to see them posted on John Du Cane’s Facebook page is that much more empowering and inspiring for the next day and for the future.

Of course, just like all the Dragon Door certifications, you always make new friends at the workshop. That’s another thing that the Kavadlos tell you from square one. That you will make some deep connections with people and leave with a bunch of new friends that are all part of the PCC family. Perhaps you’ll even find yourself practicing some of your new-found skills with your new family on the subway one evening after dinner!

NYC PCC Subway L-Sits

When you go to the PCC, be prepared to accomplish things you never thought possible. Be prepared to learn how to advance your own skills while bringing back a host of smaller chunks that you can use with your clients. Be prepared to look at every street sign or every kind of pole or bar in a new way. Be prepared for the time of your life.

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Shari Wagner is a PCC instructor, RKC Team Leader and owner of Iron Clad Fitness in Denver, Colorado. While Shari’s fitness journey started with kettlebells, she loves the results from adding calisthenics to her own training. Her clients are having lots of fun incorporating calisthenics as well. She can be contacted through her website IronCladFit.com. Follow Shari on Facebook: facebook.com/IronCladFitness and Twitter: @IronCladFitness for more info.

Fitness, Fun and Failure: What I Learned at the NY PCC

July 19, 2016 By Joe Boffi 11 Comments

Joe Boffi Archer Pull-Up

A few weeks ago I had the honor of being a student at the Progressive Calisthenics Certification in New York City. The PCC was 3 days of learning how to bend, twist and leverage our bodies into chiseled masterpieces. There was talk about being turned into PCC ninjas, which immediately had me excited. However, I was just as quickly saddened to find out that we weren’t actually going to learn how to disappear behind a ninja smoke bomb. It was then that Head Master Ninja John Du Cane quietly whispered for me to be patient.

The information of the seminar was presented in short and precise modules. Keeping the presentations concise was great because it left a lot of time for the real learning to commence through a form of play and cooperative teaching. We were instructed to pair up or form small groups to practice teaching and performing the exercises. From the start, the instructors let us figure out how to move our bodies and guided us to the techniques that worked best for us as individuals. We were encouraged to also learn the movements by teaching what we took away from the modules in our own way to our fellow students.

NYC PCC

Along with cooperative learning, a very safe, fun and familiar atmosphere was created. The environment encouraged students to try movements that they normally wouldn’t have tried. People were laughing and smiling with each other in success and failure. In fact, failure wasn’t frowned upon, it was looked at as an opportunity to apply our new knowledge and work for a new goal.

One of my favorite examples of how failure was not looked at negatively came at the very end of the weekend during the illustrious Century Test. A student of advanced age was up. He crushed the squats, push-ups, and hanging knee raises. Going into the final exercise of the test, the pull-up, he had some trouble. But he also had the entire seminar cheering him on. When he dismounted from the bar he may not have had all 10 reps completed but he did have a large grin. Missing out on the pull-up portion of the test wasn’t a moment of sadness for him. I believe that his grin was from the immense encouragement and love given to him as his fellow students and new family cheered along.

I personally had a humbling, yet oddly comforting experience while practicing a new exercise during the squat module. Throughout my fitness journey I have been performing all sort of pistol squats from body weight to weighted pistols, pistols balancing on top of kettlebells or barbells, and even carefully doing depth jump pistols (that’s a whole other story). Needless to say, when we got to this portion of the day I felt rather confident. That was until I attempted my first shrimp squat.

NYC PCC Shrimp Squats — PCC Master Instructors Al and Danny Kavadlo making the shrimp squat look easy. It’s not.

This exercise appeared to be a single leg pistol regression so I thought to myself, “I got this.” Well, I didn’t. Since I considered my legs to be very strong already, I figured there must have been something that I was doing all wrong. I called Master Al over to watch and tap into his expertise. After demonstrating my new found nemesis, Al adjusted a few very minor details and told me I wasn’t doing it all wrong and that I just need to practice. I was humbled by the shrimp squat, yet at the same time comforted by Al and the knowledge that I can take my perceived failure and add it to my box of tools and goals.

Besides the amazing exercises that were taught, my two biggest takeaways were that a safe, fun and encouraging environment, coupled with the humble expertise of quality instructors, is the best way to facilitate learning for all. This seminar also reaffirmed for me that failure is just a way to add new goals in life, and not something to be discouraged by.

And don’t forget, ninja smoke bomb training is coming….

NYC PCC Danny Al Joe Boffi

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Joe Boffi is a PCC, RKC and co-owner of Catalyst Sport in New York City, which will be hosting an upcoming SCC workshop this November. If you have questions for Joe, leave them in the comments section below or contact him at Joe@catalystsportnyc.com.

PCC New York: A Very Special Homecoming

June 21, 2016 By Danny Kavadlo 12 Comments

Kavadlo Family

Every single Progressive Calisthenics Certification is unique and I’m grateful to have played a part at these amazing experiences. As I write this, we’ve certified over 500 trainers all over the world. Australia, Germany, Holland and California are just a few of the marvelous places that this PCC journey has taken us (and to which PCC is returning!) But like Dorothy Gale noted in the 1939 classic motion picture The Wizard of Oz: “There’s no place like home.”

You see, my brother and PCC lead instructor, Al Kavadlo are from the streets of New York. We were born and bred here. So was the Street Workout movement. It’s a very special homecoming as both our biological family and our progressive calisthenics family have their roots in this concrete jungle where dreams are made.

2.UNIVERSITY

The bodyweight beasts who showed up to lay it all on the line this weekend were every bit as impressive as this city itself! Calisthenics freaks from around the world made their way to the downtown streets of Manhattan, venturing from all over the United States, and even from as far as India and South Africa.

Emotions ran high all weekend as many spectacular feats of human achievement were demonstrated. We were witness to mighty muscle-ups, spell binding human flags and rapid fire pistol squats. It’s truly amazing every time we get to join forces with like-minded people of your caliber. Together, we always bring out the best in each other.

3.MUSCLEUP

Progressive Calisthenics is the great equalizer. No matter where you came from, or what your skill level is, you can find challenges, learn lessons and gain strength. We are not about competing with each other; we are about being the best versions of ourselves.

4.FLAG

Along that note, we do not just improve physically when we train and play together. Nor do we simply gain education when we learn from each other. We also establish deep, impassioned connections during this shared experience. Beyond the realm of fitness and knowledge is a human interaction, which is arguably the most fantastical component of all. We love getting to know you!

There is no substitute for an in-person experience.

As is always the case at PCC, an incredibly impressive group of women were in attendance. Anyone under the often-perpetrated misconception that bodyweight training is a boys’ club seriously needs to re-evaluate their position. Half the instructor team and a third of the attendees were empowered females. Like I said, Progressive Calisthenics is indeed the great equalizer!

Yes, we made many profound ties this weekend and built amazing friendships. We even brought PCC back home to New York City. But this weekend was especially wonderful for me for another reason: Sunday was Father’s Day. If you’ve read my first Dragon Door publication Everybody Needs Training, then you know that it was the birth of my son Wilson that inspired me to become a personal trainer in the first place. His existence gave me the desire to do some good for the world. Prior to this weekend, Wilson had seen me train (and trained alongside me) too many times to count, but he had never witnessed a Progressive Calisthenics Certification… until now!

Having both my father and son attend my seminar on Father’s Day was a very special experience.

My own parents made an appearance as well. Three generations of Kavadlos under one roof! It was an incredible feeling that they finally got to see what exactly Al and I do. There was also something else that made Father’s Day extra memorable in the PCC community: This was the first certification to have a father and son team in attendance. Together they shared the splendor. What a weekend!

Representing Team DiGrazia: The first father and son combo to tackle the PCC together.

It is indeed a family affair. In fact, everyone in attendance is now part of the global family of PCC. Welcome, my brothers and sisters! You are one of us! So spread the joy, preach the word and share your love of calisthenics. The posse’s gettin’ bigger.

9.GROUP

Keep the dream alive,
-DK

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Progressive Calisthenics In The City Of Angels

May 10, 2016 By Danny Kavadlo 14 Comments

LA PCC Support Press
I’m picking up good vibrations.

After two immensely successful events in Encinitas and Mountain View, CA last year, the Progressive Calisthenics Certification made its return to the Golden State this past weekend. This time, manifest destiny brought us to the county of Los Angeles. I’ve been California dreaming of this for a long time!

I wish they all could be California girls.

The word has spread far and wide, as Paul “Coach” Wade’s infamous masterpiece (and Dragon Door’s #1 all-time best selling title) Convict Conditioning has established quite a following on the Pacific coast. It’s no surprise. The systematic simplicity and results-driven program has made an indelible mark on the entire fitness community.

Convict Conditioning meets LAPD. Can’t we all just get along? — *Convict Conditioning* meets LAPD. Can’t we all just get along?

Learning to train with minimal equipment and no external resistance whatsoever continues to inspire the masses from city coast to coast, and all over the world, to get in the best shape of their lives using nothing but their own bodies, the environment around them and an iron will! Folks came from far and wide to take part. The team of calisthenics avengers who assembled for this epic event was indeed a force to be reckoned with. Human flags flew, push-ups reigned supreme, levers soared in the sky and bridges closed gaps.

This man came all the way from Lebanon and gave ‘em L!

One of the greatest components of the Progressive Calisthenics Certification is the people who attend. Whenever you get a team of calisthenics fanatics together, you can always expect inspiration, motivation and participation. It was a privilege for me to be a part of such a special group of athletes and instructors.

As always, emotions ran high at during the Century Test, so-called because it demands 100 perfect reps of the basic calisthenics staples: squats, push-ups, hanging knee raises and pull-ups. This is the when the attendees put it all on the line to prove their mettle! But the truth is that it’s not about the numbers; it’s about the experience. And the experience we beheld together was miraculous.

I’d like to offer my personal congratulations to all the newly certified PCC instructors, as well as my encouragement to get out there, teach, train and spread the word. Remember, the first rule of PCC is, You DO talk about PCC!

As we walk away from an incredible weekend, we can only speculate what the future of PCC holds. Will we see YOU at a PCC certification? With upcoming workshops scheduled in New York City, Holland, Australia and Germany, I certainly hope so. See you there!

Keep the dream alive,
-DK

LA PCC Group Photo

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Danny Kavadlo is one of the world’s foremost authorities on calisthenics, nutrition and personal training. He is the author of the Dragon Door titles Strength Rules, Diamond-Cut Abs and Everybody Needs Training. Danny is known for his minimalist philosophy, simple approach and motivational talents.

London Calling

April 12, 2016 By Danny Kavadlo 10 Comments

Danny Kavadlo demonstrates the clutch flag at the PCC London 2016

After over thirty events in dozens of cities, spanning multiple countries and four continents, the Progressive Calisthenics Certification keeps getting better and better. More personal records, more lifelong friendships and more experiences that we’ll never forget.

Every time we do another PCC workshop, I go in with big dreams, and still I find my fitness forecast is exceeded. That’s right, friends: my sky-high expectations are smashed every time. How, you ask?

Because of you.

PCC London Elbow Lever. What makes an event great? YOU! — What makes an event great? YOU!

When you guys and gals make the commitment to attend PCC, it’s your energy, positivity and strength that make it incredible. So when the team and I found ourselves in the historic city of London, England and met the PCC candidates this past weekend, we knew that together we’d make history.

PCC "London Bridge" — Historic London Bridge.

Calisthenics practitioners from over five countries showed up to train and learn from us, as well as each other. It was a fantastic group of trainers, martial artists, acrobats and fitness aficionados from all walks of life. Beyond the sheer physical prowess, the love, passion and commitment of this group were simply brilliant. Nothing stood in the way of progress. In fact, one attendee came all the way from Singapore and did the entire PCC workshop with a broken foot! (For the record, he broke his foot running a triathlon… and still won!) No excuses!

Our venue, the Commando Temple, was hands down one of the greatest facilities I’ve ever seen in the world. Beyond being a playground for calisthenics commanders, it was also a museum of strongman education, and a tribute to all forms of strength in pop culture. The members of the staff were not only amazing hosts, but also dedicated bodyweight beasts in their own right.

Double front lever performed by PCC instructors Fitsz Dubova and Coung Hua from the Commando Temple.

As always, it was a privilege to witness astonishing teamwork all weekend long. Hand in hand, this new crop of PCC’s guided each other through the exercises and lifted each other up, never putting one another down.

The one-on-one instruction and the power of the group is something that must be experienced to be believed. We entered the room as strangers, but left as family. There is no substitute for an in-person experience.

Congratulations to all the newly certified PCC instructors. It was truly a weekend I’ll never forget. We are all grateful for the experience.

Keep The Dream Alive,
-DK

PCC London 2016 Group Photo

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Danny Kavadlo is one of the world’s foremost authorities on calisthenics, nutrition and personal training. He is the author of the Dragon Door titles Strength Rules, Diamond-Cut Abs and Everybody Needs Training. Danny is known for his minimalist philosophy, simple approach and motivational talents.

PCC CHINA—East Meets West

January 19, 2016 By Annie Vo 17 Comments

PCC China 2016

Becoming a Progressive Calisthenics Certified instructor in New York City last June was an amazing experience, but it was just the beginning. The PCC was one of the most incredible and educational certifications I had ever attended and I couldn’t wait to take it to the next level. It had been a long time since I was so excited about training and it was obvious to me that I needed to play a larger role.

As a long-standing RKC Team Leader, I had already taught and assisted at numerous RKC and RKC-II Workshops, helping scores of future RKC Instructors prove their mettle. But my first time assisting at a PCC Workshop was a brand new life experience unto itself, one that I’ll never forget.

PCC China Support Press

From the moment we touched down in the Forbidden City, it became clear that this was going to be a unique adventure. There were motorized rickshaws on the roads, steam billowed over street food carts and the energy of a billion people lined the sparsely marked streets. I saw high-rise buildings, booming shops and markets—and people everywhere. Elements of the old world blended with cutting edge modern cityscapes. There is something very special about being in a place where nothing is familiar. Not knowing what you are looking at, or understanding what is being said is liberating in a way. It forces you to make observations, be patient with yourself and be in the present. Preconceived notions are irrelevant, and so are your predictions!

Upon our arrival, our hosts, Beijing Technology Publishing Company and Ruben Payan and Cami Pipkin from Powerful Human, treated us to a world-class experience. We tasted authentic Beijing Duck from the ancient tradition and rare yellow Chinese wine brewed by monks. We learned the proper way to prepare and enjoy this specialty delicacy and delighted in all the other small dishes of dumplings, squid and sea cucumber. We were humbled by their generosity as we left with an unforgettable meal and newly acquired life-long friends.

PCC China Food

Prior to this event, I had heard that Convict Conditioning had record-breaking sales in China, but nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming turnout of PCC Beijing. There were over 40 calisthenics enthusiasts, fitness professionals, competitors and general seekers of knowledge in attendance. We had participants from all parts of Asia, including China, the Philippines, Indonesia and India. They ranged in age from 15 to 50 years old.

The Kavadlo brothers, in classic form, taught the PCC curriculum with tremendous energy, passion and dedication. They brilliantly adapted the core principles of progression and calisthenic strength training, along with the aid of master translator and fitness aficionado, Tommy Wang. Working back and forth, nobody missed a beat. The passion for calisthenics and community removed any and all possible cultural barriers. The crowd went wild.

PCC China Flag

It was very clear that these participants had read the book many times. They had practiced the moves. These men and women were here to learn. And they were prepared to throw down!

PCC China Back Lever

PCC China Uneven Pull-Up

I appreciate everybody who participated and gave from within. Prior to the event, I wondered how many participants would understand us since we are English speakers, and I’m certain many of them felt the same way. They put themselves on the line just as much as we did. With the help of our hosts, we created a space for learning and sharing, despite any and all cultural barriers, through our shared passion for calisthenics.

PCC China Annie Coaching Bridge

This new crop of PCC Instructors showed up knowing that we didn’t speak their language, but trusted that we’d communicate with them anyway—and we did. Progressive Calisthenics is its own language. Time and time again, bodyweight training has a way of smashing boundaries and uniting our sisters and brothers from around the world.

PCC China Al Danny Kavadlo Uneven Pull Up

I want to express my deep gratitude to everybody in attendance for opening their hearts, minds and physical bodies to the experience we shared this weekend. It is our mission to continue growing with all our friends around the globe, through this universal interest in personal development.

It was a whirlwind. My mind is blown.

PCC China Group Photo

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Annie Vo is one of New York City’s most successful and sought-after personal trainers, having worked with clients from all backgrounds and disciplines, including athletes, celebrities and everyday professionals. Annie has been featured in The New York Post, NPR and Mademan.com. She is known for her no-nonsense training style and minimalist philosophy, as well as her talent for bringing out the best in everyone who crosses her path.

How the PCC Changed My Life

December 8, 2015 By Ali El Khatib 12 Comments

Ali El Khatib Support Press

For me, the PCC was not just a calisthenics certification, it was a life-changing, eye-opening experience.

In October of 2014 I traveled from my home in Egypt all the way to Haarlem, Holland to attend the Progressive Calisthenics Certification. Going into a gym full of people I’d never met from all different nationalities was an intimidating experience by itself. That was when the learning began, however–just bouncing ideas off of people with different backgrounds than myself.

Al and Danny have a great way of welcoming people. They’re both very warm, and very hospitable, but I personally believe they’re opposites. Al is more of a lighthearted, relaxed type of guy while Danny is energetic and intense. This got me thinking, if these two guys are opposites, yet both are extremely successful, what does that mean? The answer is this: there is not one way to connect with your clients and achieve success. The only way is to be true to yourself, and strive to always improve and serve your clients as best as you can. That was one of the most valuable lessons I took away from the weekend.

Another thing I realized is that Al is skinny, while Danny is more muscular. Although that might not seem like much to most people, here’s what it taught me: forget aesthetics. Yes, neither Al nor Danny look like your typical bodybuilding meatheads, but they can do feats that would put most of the bodybuilding community to shame. The things I saw that weekend–slow muscle-ups, stand-to-stand bridges, one arm pull-ups–are the true signs of strength as far as I am concerned.

Al Kavadlo Stand to Stand Bridge

The biggest lesson I learned from the PCC, however, is to forget the dogma. I’d have to admit, I was the type of person who was obsessed with “sets and reps” and “the right way” of training. What Al and Danny taught me was to expand beyond right and wrong. As Al says, “There is no right or wrong, there are only actions and consequences.”

In this age of information overload where everyone considers themselves an expert, it’s hard to come out with truly valuable information. Ironically, the message that Al and Danny taught me, which is to be open to all possibilities, got me to shut some things out. They encouraged me to start questioning things, to focus less on information, and more on quality of information.

Too many people think the way you learn is by sitting in a classroom, listening to a teacher, and getting an A on the test. Fortunately, life doesn’t work like that. Real learning happens in the application of new lessons, from getting feedback, and by constantly trying to improve.

Since returning to Egypt, I quit my corporate job, and started my own fitness company called The Movement, where I’ve been coaching group classes and training people one-on-one.

Ali El Khatib The Movement

Every time I work with a client, I’m constantly asking for feedback on how we could continue to improve the program. That doesn’t mean that I’m soft or that I let my clients off easy. They will tell you that I push them–and I push them hard–but that’s why they appreciate me. They know that I’m pushing them for their sake, and they trust me. Part of my job as a coach is to remind my clients of why they sought me out in the first place.

Though it may not be for everyone, sometimes, especially when I feel they’ve made considerable progress, I will invite my client to dinner to celebrate. For me, this is a way of increasing our rapport and it tends to create a positive association to training. It is also a good way to inspire them to eat healthier.

Most of my clients are novices who’ve almost never worked out, so doing something fun and having a laugh outside of the gym shows them a side of training that they never knew existed. This is the vibe I got when I first entered Trainingscentrum Helena in Haarlem, Netherlands.

The PCC experience got me to tell the people who want my advice on the best workout plan to “find what works for you–what you enjoy, and do it.” People have a hard time understanding this simple sentence, and I believe I would’ve too if it wasn’t for the PCC.

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Ali El Khatib is a PCC instructor who quit his corporate job to venture into health and fitness. Ali founded “The Movement” which aims to provide people with Physical, as well as Mental solutions to achieve true health.

Technology Meets Minimalism in Silicon Valley

October 6, 2015 By Peter D'Epiro 5 Comments

PCC Mountain View Lead Photo

For the first time since its inception, the Progressive Calisthenics Certification (PCC) touched down in the Bay Area, specifically Silicon Valley, California. The land of technological innovation and gadgets was introduced to primitive movement patterns and raw strength development, through the use of nothing more than one’s own bodyweight!

Hosted at the Bay Area’s premier fitness and performance training facility, Evolution Trainers, the beautiful California weather and custom built outdoor scaffolding jungle gym allowed for a wonderful combination of indoor and outdoor training throughout the course.

PCC Mountain View Outdoor

As has become commonplace at the PCC, the group of participants was an eclectic mix that included fitness trainers, military personnel, martial artists, teachers, local tech professionals, and calisthenics enthusiasts. Attendees came from the northern and southernmost ends of California, all over the United States, and even as far away as Hong Kong.

This class was unique for me. Having attended the very first PCC in Minneapolis over 2 years ago, I was back for this one as an assistant, which provided a unique vantage point on the curriculum relative to my first time around. Not having to focus on my own performance, aches, pains and anxiety about the Century Test, I was able to view the class as a whole. Seeing all the participants work on the various skills gave me a new and different sense of the incredible experience that is the PCC.

Dragon Door typically likes to track PR’s, when students are able to perform a skill for the first time. While a requisite amount of power and stability are needed to perform the various feats of strength at the PCC, it is amazing to watch attendees who genuinely cannot perform a skill, work through the progressions during the class, receive cues and coaching pointers, and ultimately succeed in execution. From pistol squats to muscle-ups to hand balancing, it was amazing to see everyone in the room get better together as the weekend went on!

PCC Mountain View Crow

Seeing this process in action validates the well thought out progressions and regressions of the curriculum. This highlights the knowledge, communication and teaching skills of Master Instructors Al and Danny Kavadlo, along with Team Leader Logan Christopher, who also lent his insights to this particular course. It was a pleasure to coach alongside such legendary talent.

PCC Mountain View Coaching

The PCC has evolved since its inception, yet still maintains a wonderfully positive and supportive atmosphere that leads to new friendships, professional connections and gains in physical strength. It is an incredibly fun and inspiring experience. Complimenting the technical insights this weekend were individual talks by both Al and Danny about the paths they’ve taken to the PCC, the principles of progression and program design. These talks are not only engaging, but further deepen and personalize an already powerful experience for the students.

All in all, this newly minted group of PCC instructors walked away with much more than a piece of paper declaring them “certified”. They left with new skills, new friends and membership in one of the most special and positive communities in the fitness arena.

PCC Mountain View Group Photo

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About Pete D’Epiro: A fitness & performance coach in the San Francisco Bay Area for 20 years, Pete specializes in training the unique population that is the Silicon Valley executive/entrepreneur as well as junior athletes ranging from middle school to Division I scholarship athletes. Pete also volunteers his time to Stew Smith’s non-profit Heroes of Tomorrow, providing free training to candidates preparing for careers in military special operations, law enforcement, & fire. Most days of the year Pete can be found at the world-class training facility, Evolution Trainers (www.evolutiontrainers.com), in Mountain View, California.