Training, competing and an obsession with movement have been my passions and my life for the last 34 years. From the moment I stepped foot in a gymnastics gymnasium at age 14 I knew I had found home.
Gymnastics taught me a love of pure movement and an appreciation for what the human body can do. As well as its frailties. It also taught me to look at movement with a discerning, disciplined eye and an ability to dissect the body down to its core.
Endurance training taught me to breathe and to keep going on, no matter what. Marathons, ultra marathons and triathlons were tests of the mind as well as the body and showed me the power of asceticism and how much the body can really do.
Strength training and powerlifting taught me focus and power and intent. The creation of force from a single thought and how to bring that force to bear in an instant.
And how hard heavy loads can be to a simple human frame.
Coaching and teaching have always been as natural to me as breathing. I love to help others experience the joy of strong movement and physical courage.A love of science and the knowledge of anatomy,physiology, and kinesiology have helped form my training methods and ideas. Yet science without intuition has no passion. This is why the art of strength is as important as the numbers.
And now back full circle with kettlebells. All the swinging balance and weightlessness of gymnastics, the heart pounding cardio intensity of climbing hills on a race bike and the focused grinding strength of the powerlifts. And, best of all, the simplicity and purity of running, where all one needs is some shoes and some road all I need is one kettlebell and some floor.
Mark Reifkind: Images
Customer reviews of:
Mark Reifkind
Average Rating: 10.0 in 16 reviews
NOTHING BUT A COACH
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the opportunity of learning under Rif. and his team in May '08 RKC in Denmark, I was so happy and satisfacted to meet him as an example of great leader, excellent instructor and really kind person. I would like to be taught only by people like him in my life. Thanks Rif. I relly hope to see you again in the next RKC seminar..maybe level 2!
Valentina Croce - Milan, Italy
RKC in Denmark 2008
Rated 10 out of 10
I was fortunate to be in RKC in Denmark.And I was also fortunate to be in Team Rif. He is amazing person and coach with gift from good. People like him inspire. He gives you strength. I feel privelidged to know him . Rif is a diamond.
Vadim Kolganov DO. RKC - Glasgow, Scotland
There's a reason he is a Senior RKC!
Rated 10 out of 10
Mark is a phenomenal instructor. He is incredibly knowledgeable and is truly a kind, good-hearted person. I am so thankful to have the wonderful opportunity to work with him, while I prepare for the RKC. The RKC is lucky to have him on their team and I am lucky to call him my trainer. :)
Jennifer Muoto - San Carlos, CA
Simply the Best
Rated 10 out of 10
If kettlebells were StarWars, Mark would be Yoda. I've never had an instructor so filled with knowledge, passion and humility. Rif truly gives himself to his students. He is a first class instructor and a first class gentleman. If you really want to learn how to use kettlebells and how to use your body, Rif is the best.
Tim Anderson, RKC II - Fuquay-Varina, NC
Rif is truly exceptional
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the pleasure of having "Rif" as my team leader at the recent RKC (September, 2007) that I attended. He is, without a doubt, a true professional who doles out information and practical knowledge with the ease of someone who has mastered his craft. His easy coaching style helped me assimilate the seemingly endless information that was packed into the 3-day course. I still refer to the notes he gave me to this day.
He knew when to push us, he knew when to pull back; he knew when to give us a correction, he knew when to let us correct ourselves - all true indicators of an experienced and effective coach.
Humble, soft-spoken, and very approachable - the indicators of a dedicated craftsman and artist.
If you are lucky enough to be in Rif's team when you attend the RKC, you are all but guaranteed a rich learning experience from a true professional. He is exceptional, in every sense of the word.
Rolando Garcia, III (RKC) - Guttenberg, NJ
World-class instructor!
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Reifkind, Sr. RKC, in April 2006 and I've either studied under him or worked with him at the 3 RKC events that I've been to since then.
As a professional writer and international martial arts instructor and researcher, I know well the power of the spoken word and the importance of clear, concise communication. Reifkind not only delivers that in spades, but he also has a tremendous body of firsthand experience as a world class athlete and coach to elite competitors. As an orthopedics specialist, I can vouch for Rif's voluminous body of real-world anatomical & physiological knowledge that far outstrips that of the average physician.
Regardless of whether you're a first-time kettlebell enthusiast who's looking to lose a few extra pounds, someone struggling to come back from an injury or rehab from surgery, or an Olympic medalist, Mark Reifkind has the kind of knowledge and expertise that can help you achieve, and then surpass, your goals.
If you are anywhere in the Northern California area, make it a point to seek out instruction with Mark Reifkind.
Dr. Mark Cheng, RKC II - Los Angeles, CA USA - www.kettlebellslosangeles.com
Tough, Serious, Loving
Rated 10 out of 10
I got RKC certified in June 2007 under Sr instructor Mark Reifkind.
He has a lot of experience and backgrounds to tell and show than any other instructors, but keeps thing very simple as it is. He may look like a hard nose, old style coach, but what amazed me was his leadership and love toward his students. All nine of his group including me, made it to RKC because he lead us on the right track.
I never felt uneasy or unconfortable under his supervision.
Taikei Matsushita RKC - Tokyo Japan
This Man Knows His Kettlebells
Rated 10 out of 10
I had the pleasure of working with Rif as an assistant instructor at the June 2007 RKC. Not only did I get instruction directly from Rif but I had the great opportunity to watch him teach our group and all of the students. I highly recommend Rif as a coach for kettlebells and fitness in general. His breadth of knowledge on fitness is impressive to say the least but he balances that with the skill of getting the point across as simply and concisely as possible. Not to mention that he is a really friendly guy.
Chris Brown, RKC - Fort Collins, CO USA
Master Rifstonyogi
Rated 10 out of 10
The day arrived before he knew the Chief ordered the promotion. Mark Reifkind has been rated a Master in the program of RKC, and I am one to have seen the call made live following the Grad Workout of the UCLA RKC in 2008. From the prone position the class cheered and then popped to their feet as newly minted and veteran RKC instructors congratulated Rif on the due promotion to top rank. Though Rif was caught a wee bit off guard, the class let him know how truly deserving he was. He is the Sergeant Major of strength training. I have known Rif since 2005 and through several RKC weekends instructing and studying together, my understanding of body mechanics has deepened following every training evolution. I salute him.
Will Williams RKC - United States
Rif is DA MAN
Rated 10 out of 10
I first met Rif two months before the San Jose 2008 RKC, panic-stricken about the impending snatch test and without a coherent plan on how to prepare for the three days of pain. From his first email response to my inquiry, I was completely reassured by his kind and encouraging words. I can't even begin to comment on Rif's breadth and depth of knowledge, but I will say I appreciate him SO MUCH as a coach and mentor. Even though we only met once before the RKC, he maintained a supportive presence during my training, his generous advice always forthcoming when I was freaking out over sleep, diet and shredded hands. Rif was my first point of contact with the RKC family, and what can I say, I love the Party and I love my coach!
I am grateful that Rif is in the Bay Area and that I have the opportunity to continue to study with him. His blog has been an inspiration. I am amazed at how hard the man trains, and the dedication he puts into his yoga practice, his rehabilitative work, and of course his kettlebell regimen. I look forward to getting more tough love from Master Rif!
Cecilia Tom, RKC - San Francisco, CA
I was very lucky to have Rif as my team leader in San Diego. His experience and knowledge of strength, tension...is outstanding. He was thorough in his teaching. The Man knows his stuff--He was great with feedback and cognizant of your strengths and weaknesses. His lecture on the RKC was fantastic--I have all the notes! If you are able to rub shoulders with this man--grab the opportunity. Rif, thanks for a life changing experience.
Brian Shane - Narberth, PA
Minnesota RKC
Rated 10 out of 10
Imagine being taught, coached, and counseled by a best friend and everything that would come with that down to earth and real kind of experience. Now imagine that friend has a limitless knowledge base and passion for kettlebells and everything else related to training with them. This is what you will experience if you are lucky enough to come into contact with Rif. As my team leader in Minnesota, he made my RKC certification weekend a perfect experience. It would not have been the same without what he was able to offer to me as a leader, coach, mentor and friend. I would very strongly suggest that if you live anywhere near Rif that you should not hesitate to seek his advice, but if you do live in his area you most likely already know that. Thanks, Rif. I won't ever forget what you have done for me.
Eric Sommers, RKC, CSCS, NSCA-CPT - Hudson, WI
A Ture Professional
Rated 10 out of 10
I discovered Mark with a bit a luck- his studio was a few a blocks from my office in Palo Alto. I used to play water polo professionally and have been fortunate to have trained with some of the best coaches and athletes in the world. Mark takes it to a new level. He is not only passionate and decidcated to sports performance, but also is a committed student of human anatomy. What distinguishes him is not only his knowledge base, but also the fact that he brings an element of balance to his regime which includes flexibility, strength, conditioning, and mental preparedeness. Many coaches become experts in one area of sports performance, but I've met very few who can integrate all aspects of training together cohesively.
It is worth mentioning that I came to Mark with a serious injury as I felt he offered a superior program and knew exactly what was happening with my body, even better than my Doctors and physical therapists. He was a godsend and often time his training sessions were the only thing that could get me through the week.
I highly recommend Mark for anyone committed to maximizing health and taking their training to the next level.
Jon S. - San Francisco, CA
One of the Best Trainers Around
Rated 10 out of 10
As a trainer and RKC you realize that when you learn and get certified in something new it is only the beginning of a long journey. I am very fortunate to work close to Master RKC Mark Reifkind. I have seen him teach at the RKC and other kettlebell seminars and I was impressed; however when I personally worked with him many other doors opened up.
I am not new to training or instructing but working with Mark shows me how far I can go. His teaching prowess,unparalleled knowledge and ability to bring confidence out of his trainees is second to none. He is the reason why I am RKC II and he is the reason why I want to be the best I can be at my profession. I look forward to working with him more in the future and I hope to be half the trainer he is one day.
Doug Fioranelli - Belmont, CA USA
Master Trainer
Rated 10 out of 10
If you read the list above this review it reads like a who's who of the RKC, with Seniors and Team leaders and RKCs all giving praise to Master RKC Mark Reifkind. The reason is obvious to anyone who meets him and works with him - he is a fantastic coach.
I was lucky enough to have Rif offer me his help prior to RKCII. I would video my pressing sessions and send them to him for his review. He would then send me my next workout and make technical corrections. To have the help of a Master RKC is one thing, but to have it from the other side of the world is simply amazing! I would wake each day to find my new workout and suggestions in my inbox and just go do what Coach said.
The net result of this was that I easily passed my press test at RKCII. I was also lucky enough to meet him firsthand and thank him for all his generous help. In person he is as polite and helpful as he was via email never once making me feel in debt or anything other than a friend he had helped out.
His knowledge of strength training is the stuff of legend and his ability to pass it on is brilliant. With clear, concise instruction he can lift your abilities to a whole new level.
Andrew Read, RKCII, CK FMS - Melbourne, Australia
Introducing a new way of training/life
Rated 10 out of 10
I had a herniated disk in my neck 16 years ago and my workouts got more and more reduced due to the muscle spasms and other muscular problems. Then Mark introduced me to kettlebell training, not really knowing how well my neck would handle the workouts. Now years later, I have the strength to do almost anything I want to, thanks to the workouts that Mark has guided me through. Now when the doctor or nurse checks my blood pressure, they are surprised to see the low numbers showing. Cardio training using kettlebells; workouts don't get any better. Thanks Mark.
Linda Walton - Campbell, CA.
