tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-339536002012-01-28T18:36:35.720Zas simple as it needs to beRannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.comBlogger1851100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-80769666645375165732009-06-30T13:38:00.002+01:002009-06-30T13:41:49.592+01:00

The new home of the Simple Strength blog & Kettlebells Scotland is here -www.simplestrength.comThanks for your patience while I got the new site up!Bookmark the new site for regualr updates.

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-58481415333402258502009-06-22T10:57:00.004+01:002009-06-22T11:16:09.391+01:00

Scotland's Highest Ranked Civilian Krav Maga instructor, Marcus Houston, is now offering a regular weekly class in Glasgow. I have written before about the exceptional classes that Marcus runs in Edinburgh. I can't recommend the opportunity to train with him highly enough.7.00 til 8.00 at the ARC - details here...http://www.kravmagaglasgow.com/Do yourself a favour and get along there!

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-21946062091240457182009-05-29T17:34:00.003Z2009-05-29T18:01:43.587Z

Kick start the summer with an complete introduction to Kettlebell basics, body weight conditioning and mandatory mobility! Learn how to use the ultimate outdoor gym...Join Top 5 RKC Instructor & IKFF Advisor Rannoch Donald and find out how to create structured, effective, results driven workouts that will get you back in shape, FAST. Kettlebell training offers fatloss, muscle building, endurance

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-50463748956852096052009-05-25T11:44:00.005Z2009-05-25T11:58:11.792Z

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-50315368707695475612009-05-13T18:11:00.006Z2009-05-13T18:22:31.109Z

Think about that for a moment. That's the year this gentleman was born. Bob Breen will be 60 this year. And he could kick our collective butts in a heartbeat. Watch how he moves, wonderful stuff. But the truth is, freedom to move is available to anyone who is prepared to put in the work...are you? If you are lucky enough to live in London, go train at the Academy. If you can't do that pick up his

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-17714322951391571122009-05-11T22:32:00.003Z2009-05-11T22:51:03.671Z

Thomas Lacour, fellow Kettlebell instructor, professional MMA Coach and BJJ Purple belt will be joining us at Combat Ready to teach 2&1/2 hour intensive on clinch work, submission grappling and the open guard game. Regulars at Combat Ready unfamiliar with this area will find an incredible opportunity to hone some new skills. For those who regularly attend the CR Combat Sport class, this an

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-27894429469775616142009-05-01T09:15:00.004Z2009-05-01T09:22:36.501Z

Check out Mark, of Gaijin Kettlebell and his interview with Jan Kaszuba, K1 Competitor, athlete, trainer and coach. Fellow Simple Strength advocate Mark is undertaking his own journey into the fistic arts and it sounds like he's landed himself one hell of a teacher...Gaijin Kettlebell - Sportspeople in Japan

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-26301514120277244702009-04-30T16:39:00.005Z2009-04-30T19:37:53.573Z

"Through the disciplined precision of our efforts, we’ll come again and again to our edge—the difficult places beyond which we’ve previously been unable to move. Through the willingness to soften and surrender to what is, we learn that we can gradually move beyond that edge. It is only through this interplay of hard and soft, of effort and letting be, of will and willingness, that we learn to our

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-41064244872731977022009-04-29T09:33:00.006Z2009-04-29T10:35:34.779Z

There is nothing like a terrorist threat to take your mind off the bloody invasion of another country. Then along comes a financial crisis to divert out attention from those peskie suicide bombers. No sooner have we bailed out the banks with our magical money printing machine than we get some relief in the form of an piggy pandemic.Check out Seth Godin's latest Blog post-More people are killed by

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-11821432223113589342009-04-27T14:30:00.008Z2009-04-27T14:48:08.270Z

Whatever excuses you have for not getting on with it this week, check this clip, then think again. You know who you are...Thanks to Ross at Ross Training for flagging this up.

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-72558513899089374362009-04-24T19:58:00.003Z2009-04-24T20:00:34.553Z

At Close Rangeboldv3 At Close Rangeboldv3 ranski Publish at Scribd or explore others:

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-31563427373510242082009-04-22T12:29:00.007Z2009-04-22T12:54:48.262Z

Kettlebells Scotland presents a Level II WorkshopPlaces Limited - Booking Essential3 Hours of Expert Instruction from Scotland's Kettlebell Authority, RKC / CKT Certified Instructor.Find out what's beyond the Swing and the Turkish Get Up. There's more, so much more.With summer is just around the corner it's time to take command of your training with new tools, new drills, new energy.K2

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-78754558875838670922009-04-20T07:39:00.018Z2009-04-20T13:00:01.610Z

London Kettlebells Instructor CertificationJune 6th & 7thEnergy Gym, EdinburghScotlandA long, long time ago, in a... Muscle Media Jan/Feb 2002 - This magazine changed everything for me. Amidst the supplement ads and sun tanned models it contained an article by Pavel Tsatsouline that outlined a training method using only two drills. Back to basics - the pistol and the one arm push up. In the

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-59863858279780579562009-04-11T10:33:00.003Z2009-04-11T10:48:15.441Z

Kettlebells Scotland heads to Aberdeen for a K1 Kettlebell Basics & Body Weight Essentials workshop, slap bang in my old neighborhood. I will be at the Mastrick Community Centre thanks to an invitation from fellow Kettlebell enthusiast and strongman Willie Morison."...what Rannoch delivered was above and beyond the basics in mobility and strength. His holistic insight into personal health and

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-85809102929201816262009-04-08T18:39:00.003Z2009-04-08T19:24:48.274Z

Words of wisdom from Bob Breen,* instructor and teacher - par excellence."Go slow and grow"I might add, go slow and flow.In our haste to be bigger, faster, stronger we often miss out the essential steps required to own our practice. The short cuts we take may get us there sooner but we arrive unprepared.I'm putting the finishing touches to a new Simple Strength that will incorporate all the

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-6125106645966308302009-04-07T09:13:00.004Z2009-04-07T12:09:43.058Z

This tip from Mark Magill made me smile. Apply it to everything. Why not?Don’t cheat: “If you’re counting the breaths, for example, don’t let it be Enron style. An honest accounting works wonders for the spiritual bottom line.” - Tricycle contributing editor Mark Magill Also this from Philip Ryan - "Don’t expect too much. One of the good things about Buddhism is that it is very efficient at

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-19343294033617657112009-04-04T21:31:00.006Z2009-04-07T12:10:46.606Z

Tuesday evening saw the next stage in the Combat Ready Essential Workshops.There is a logical progression to the way these work shops are being presented and irrespective of participant experience they provide a highly focused environment to concentrate on the absolute fundamentals of combat. We get easily seduced by exotic techniques and drills when we've sometimes not mastered the core skills

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-63940066574244994752009-04-02T09:10:00.004Z2009-04-02T09:35:35.578Z

This dropped into my email from the folks at Tricycle - "Give yourself a break. That doesn’t mean to say that you should drive to theclosest bar and have lots to drink or go to a movie. Just enjoy the day, yournormal existence. Allow yourself to sit in your home or take a drive into themountains. Park your car somewhere; just sit; just be. It sounds verysimplistic, but it has a lot of magic. You

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-48322111143154138602009-03-30T10:00:00.005Z2009-03-30T10:15:03.658Z

COMBAT READY Krav Maga – Lorne StreetKickStart Tuesday 31st March 19.00 – 21.00 A Two Hour workshop focusing on creating a solid base, generating power, developing speed and effective footwork for Low Line Kicks We will cover CR Conditioning minimum & mobility followed by -Bodyweight & Kettlebell drills for optimal performance.The Basics & Fundamentals of - Dynamic Movement - Shadow

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-89352774860575059762009-03-26T13:59:00.009Z2009-03-26T22:44:41.146Z

So, Marcus Houston of Combat Ready Krav Maga-Edinburgh kindly invited me to co-host a workshop with him. The brief was simple - to establish a base from which to strike, create a kinetic chain and then use that base to deliver powerful strikes at close quarters - real fighting range. Lee got the guys warmed up with some dynamic drills and then we started with Mobility. Because as you now know,

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-58179952357730675352009-03-21T07:27:00.007Z2009-03-21T14:53:27.180Z

Sparring - Strategy - Tactics - Technique There are teachers and there are craftsman. And every so often there is someone who uniquely combines the two. I've been lucky enough to train with a very few of them and the gift of expert ability and exposition is rare.Even more unusual when it comes to putting those ideas and concepts on paper in a form that actually allows the reader to effectively

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-61563136644229789342009-03-19T19:10:00.002Z2009-03-19T19:20:12.920Z

Krav Maga Edinburgh - Combat Ready - Kettlebells ScotlandTuesday 24th MarchSpecial Two Hour Workshop as a thankyou to all the regular people who turn up each week FIREPOWERSee you there!

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-29909477732026850222009-03-18T21:18:00.004Z2009-03-18T21:35:16.383Z

Here is a beautifully coherent piece on the state of health & fitness from Frank Forencich of Exhuberant Animal. Frank has been writing about and promoting human play and movement as core aspect of physical and mental development for quite some time. Take good looked round Exhuberant Animal and you will find something that is often a missing in the world of fitness and wellbeing, a sense of

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-77674221809416701622009-03-13T20:13:00.008Z2009-03-15T08:26:15.912Z

“The grass must bend when the wind blows across it.” – ConfuciusVery recent conversation with friend and fellow traveller Mark, of Gaijin Kettlebell ,got me thinking about my own practice and how things evolve.For a very long time I felt physical activity had to be accompanied by blood, sweat and tears. Mine, or someone else's at least. Surely that was the endgame, push yourself to puking point

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-47120719236579503022009-03-13T17:13:00.003Z2009-03-13T17:22:15.865Z

Mike at LifeSpotlight (He's the guys behind the IF Life blog) has an interesting piece on Stress.He references a Newsweek article I meant to flag up last month Who Says Stress Is Bad For You?1 hour til food...I am mildly stessed.

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-37063712663758549482009-03-13T13:23:00.004Z2009-03-13T13:45:03.803Z

"As skillful means we can employ whatever is useful, whatever is truly helpful. For each of us at different times, different traditions, philosophical constructs, and methods may serve us, either because of temperament, background, or capacities" Joseph Goldstein - One DharmaIt's easy to read the words on the page. Inhabiting them is a whole other thing. We all have the answers, we often simply

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-15224062780361356232009-03-09T12:07:00.002Z2009-03-09T18:14:40.330Z

On the back of this weekend's K1 workshop, here's a timely piece from Craig Ali of Total Health . Craig has a unique, holistic approach, and embodies the kind of integrated approach I personally advocate. Craig took our participants this weekend through some breath work at the end of a hard timed session. Craig is currently editing a DVD on Breath Work which will be out soon.Sustain Energy &

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-87765694306841151852009-03-06T22:19:00.007Z2009-03-06T22:31:12.034Z

Check out this clip of Harold Koning, aged 73, teaching a Silat workshop. Yeah, 73 years of age. I am sure you know someone who would benefit from getting a little more activity but who tells you they are past it. Sometimes, when you've been inactive for a long time even simple exercise can seem like a major undertaking. Well the news is good. Infact the news is fantastic. According to a

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-7327812515190598982009-03-05T18:29:00.003Z2009-03-05T19:07:02.994Z

The following turned up in my email this morning compliments of Tricycle's Newsletter -"Try making a commitment to getting into the meditation posture at least once a day. You don't have to sit for any particular length of time, just get on the cushion. A lot of times, the hardest part is getting there. Once you're sitting down, you think, 'I might as well sit for a few minutes,' and more often

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-85020946506841145122009-02-27T20:29:00.000Z2009-02-27T23:32:23.318Z

“In properly organized groups no faith is required; what is required is simply a little trust and even that only for a little while, for the sooner a man begins to verify all he hears the better it is for him… Accept nothing you cannot verify for yourself.” -G.I. GurdjieffThe fires rage and burn. People like to go down with their dogma, all flames and gnashing of teeth. Personal experience is

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-86519750613671247022009-02-26T11:12:00.008Z2009-02-26T12:22:23.228Z

MARCH WORKSHOP NOW BOOKINGI've had a number of enquiries about the Simple Strength t-shirts that were available through CafePress. I decided to simply produce one t-shirt rather than a bunch stuff.The Simple Strength shirt has the sumi-e logo on the front and a small logo like the one below on the back.If you are interested you can pick one up Here

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-73859932644483014262009-02-24T20:32:00.006Z2009-02-25T19:00:23.063Z

You know you are getting a little older and wiser when the plain brown DVD package that turns up in the mail contains the title "Recovery & Regeneration" and you get excited about it.We are either moving towards wellness or away from it. There is no stasis. I am a collection of compensations and the only defence I have are my own efforts. Would you seriously leave something this important in the

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-48381049771908408282009-02-24T12:28:00.004Z2009-02-24T13:12:37.925Z

I am in the process of putting together a number of new features for the Simple Strength & Kettlebells Scotland network. There will be regular video updates of drills, tips and interviews. So I am interested to hear from anyone who has particular questions.I am also writing a brief E Handout on the 100 Reps routine which will be available to anyone who signs up to the new newsletter (More details

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-20705925781853084492009-02-22T20:10:00.003Z2009-02-23T21:53:14.255Z

I snapped the picure above on my phone last week. This is an actual book section in WH Smith. Right next to "True Crime" you can pick up a copy of this weeks tragic life story. Meanwhile the tabloids seemed gripped by "Celebrity Cancer Victim" Jade Goodie's wedding. It made me wonder if Celebrity Cancer is different from regular cancer. If you are going to get cancer I guess the celebrity kind is

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-58766797354781590612009-02-21T12:16:00.008Z2009-02-26T12:25:36.005Z

It's workshop time again!Inspiration+Perspiration=Progress"...what Rannoch delivered was above and beyond the basics in mobility and strength. His holistic insight into personal health and conditioning was as much a part of the workshop as the kettlebell techniques. Priceless. "Instead of attempting to do everything, focus first on a few things and become absolutely excellent at them."... he's

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-52679244021999356052009-02-18T14:31:00.013Z2009-02-18T20:20:28.171Z

This weekend past the International Kettlebell & Fitness Federation rolled into Edinburgh. No sooner had they hit the ground we had Scotland's first Kettlebell Certification. This started as an idea 5 months ago whilst exploring the Art of Kettlebell Lifting and snowballed into the largest single KB event in Scotland so far. Judging by the collective response there's much more to come.It's tricky

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-3167793936538636302009-02-14T23:05:00.003Z2009-02-15T22:40:09.335Z

Chirs Highcock, author of the much referenced Conditioning Research Blog and fellow kettlebell and bodyweight enthusiast did me the honour of asking me a bunch of questions. I have to thank him for the opportunity to think. I'm a great advocate of questioning. But it was great to be reminded of the value of questioning yourself, your own thoughts and your own motivations.You can read the end

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-18754675486229553442009-02-08T21:05:00.004Z2009-02-08T21:44:21.724Z

In a few days from now fellow RKC Denmark Instructor Jason Dolby will touch down in Edinburgh. Jason was part of Team Du Pain, the picutre above is his hand after the final day. Jason is the real deal. I was amazed that he'd flown all the way from Los Angeles to do the RKC when it was available in his own back yard. But Jason wasn't prepared to wait the extra few months til the next US RKC.

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-86861096951046250022009-01-21T17:43:00.004Z2009-02-07T09:45:05.147Z

Another K1 Kettlebell Basics Workshops at The Boathouse Gym, National Rowing Academy, Motherwell...Join Top 5 RKC Instructor & IKFF Advisor Rannoch Donald and find out how to create structured, effective, results driven workouts that will get you back in shape, FAST. When used correclty Kettlebell training offers fatloss, muscle building, endurance training and flexibility - all in one brief,

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-23699384961419225682009-01-16T20:37:00.010Z2009-02-14T22:57:13.151Z

A few years back I broke my leg. Nothing dramatic. Slipped on wet grass whilst wearing flip flops. I heard a sound like a head of celery being snapped and that was it. Corkscrew fracture of the fibula. Six weeks later when the cast came off I was convinced I'd be running around as usual. Didn't happen.There I was, for the first time in my adult life, incapacitated. It had a sobering effect. The

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-43408726391304841482009-01-07T14:08:00.005Z2009-01-07T14:43:57.228Z

Forget last years failed resolutions, forget those good intentions that fell by the way, forget the unfulfilled promises you made 12 months ago that have left you feeling nothing but guilty for the rest of the year. It's simple...but it's not easy. On Sunday 18th of January I will be holding 2009's first K1 Kettlebell Basics Workshop. This is a learning workshop, not a work out. (Though we do

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-89856137363179472022009-01-01T18:17:00.002Z2009-01-01T18:53:02.588Z

Happy New Year!I have a bunch of stuff I'll be sticking up here in the coming weeks.The starting point for 2009 is Effectiveness Over Efficiency.Here's a simple plan.On any day when there is no workout or training planned I will do 100 reps. What exercise, weight or protocol is completely up for grabs. I can, if I wish, split the reps up over the course of the day (ie: Pistols). I might simply

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-81753812948663954552008-12-24T08:14:00.005Z2008-12-24T11:15:08.057Z

There is an excellent article in Tricycle this month on the Uptown Meditation Centre in Harlem. It's a perfect example of real life application. So much of Western Buddhism seems caught up in creating a whole set of rituals in an effort to make people feel special (for special you could read superior). Not so at the UMC. "apart from the Japanese gong, there are few of the traditional Zen

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-79803222465581491812008-12-22T12:33:00.004Z2008-12-22T13:01:36.977Z

OK, as headlines go, I might not choose to be seen as a "craze" but there's no denying the increasing interest in how we train. That can only be a good thing.The accompanying article appeared in the Glasgow Herald today thanks to Journalist Fiona Russell - Survival Of the Fitness Craze Now, we're in there with Yogahop, Mall Walking and Zumba but I promise not to "aerobicise" any time soon.Perhaps

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-55612014372796811262008-12-20T20:13:00.003Z2008-12-20T20:16:26.791Z

Don't believe me? Watch this space...

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-172325103682221032008-12-16T07:01:00.000Z2008-12-16T13:39:25.608Z

"Fatigue makes cowards of us all" - Vince LombardiMark Davies dropped down to take the Tactical Edge regulars through several hours of training last week. I'd meant to blog this earlier but this past week has been kind of crazy. Unfortunately I missed the first hour or so which focussed on kicking. I was there for the section on "locking" which brought back some painful memories previous

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-72139140411025899032008-12-05T11:26:00.002Z2008-12-12T17:01:33.002Z

The whys and wherefores of his blogging hiatus are catalogued at http://www.louschuler.com/ . For those of you unfamiliar with Lou, he is the honest Unlce of real world fitness. He tells it like it is, has a seasoned BS detector and is the most entertaining author in Fitness Land (wherever the hell that is).Anyway, do yourself a favour, check out his Blog, even better, check out his books. Lou

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-8091910142559422652008-11-30T08:52:00.003Z2008-11-30T09:07:41.418Z

"I have arrived - I am home - My destination is each step" - Thich Nhat Hanh Five RemembrancesI am of the nature to grow old. There is no way to escape growing old.I am of the nature to have ill health. There is no way to escape ill health.I am of the nature to die. There is no way to escape death.All that is dear to me and everyone I love are of the nature to change. There is no way to escape

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-5450875464382803692008-11-28T21:12:00.004Z2008-11-28T21:29:08.978Z

"Stop the insanity!"Remember Susan Powter, the platinum cropped uber fitness diva? She's still around you know. Travelling the states drinking Miso soup, doing yoga and generally being her crazy self. You should check out her blog sometime. I like the fact that she is so unapologetically wacky.She's nowhere near as wacky as this though - http://www.marpokinetics.com/ Marpokinetics sells a device

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-87107797525407220932008-11-25T15:10:00.002Z2008-11-25T15:25:27.089Z

About a year ago I came across a clip of the Y Yoga Movie. In the aftermath of 9/11 Arthur Klein walked out of his Manhattan office and into yoga class. He'd no idea why. I suspect he was simply taking refuge. That sangha became a place where he could reconnect with his body and slowly make sense of a world that had changed forever.His personal journey became a pilgrimage of sorts. The end result

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-1139723310459448742008-11-24T17:05:00.003Z2008-11-24T17:13:31.440Z

No sooner had I gotten over the Absolo when the Abjab turns up in my email box. Seriously, if you told me you'd stuck a punch ball on a spring and attached it to the end of your sit up board I'd think it was novel and perhaps you had too much time on your hands.Someone is spending time, money, effort and energy marketing this piece of crap. And someone somewhere is going to get one for Christmas

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-5862692368164874272008-11-18T07:03:00.006Z2008-11-18T10:25:09.082Z

Craig Ali of Total Health is a positive force. You only need to spend a little time in his company to appreciate his dedication to making people's lives that little bit easier.I met Craig earlier this year when he came along to a kettlebell workshop. We've kept in touch and I'd like to think I share a little bit of of enthusiasm.This Sunday, November 23rd at 14.00, Craig is hosting a workshop at

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-11695464143512244592008-11-11T21:31:00.002Z2008-11-11T21:33:09.867Z

Absolo - Solo, refering to the fact that you'll be training alone as none of your friends would be seen dead with you using this.

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-89035577409330654642008-11-11T12:36:00.014Z2008-11-11T19:18:52.314Z

So, shock, horror. By 2050 nine out of 10 British adults and two-thirds of children will be overweight or obese. (Except in Scotland where we are obviously trying to beat that by at least 5 years) Mid century we can expect to be spending £50 billion to deal with it. Interesting to note that is the amount the government offered up to bail out the banks. God forbid we find ourselves in the midst of

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-55206685879225868902008-11-09T15:17:00.004Z2008-11-09T15:29:18.442Z

The last Kettlebells Scotland, KB Basics workshop of 2008 is just around the corner. I think it's safe to say that the whole process has evolved over the last year. Anyone who's previoulsy taken part and would like a refresher is welcome. anyone who has yet to experience the Way Of The Kettlebell can join us here..."This is something completely new and I must say fantastic/hard fun"Jack

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-62526921677622408262008-11-03T19:36:00.007Z2008-11-03T20:33:58.643Z

Kettlebells Scotland presents a Level II Workshop Places Limited - Booking Essential3 Hours of Expert Instruction from Scotland only RKC / CKT Certified InstructorSo, you've got the swing, you know the TGU. But you know there's more, so much more.You want to super charge your training...What Next?K2 Workshop Sunday November 30th 12.30-15.30Energy Gym, Boroughmuir RFC Colinton Road EH12 1ASK2 will

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-76461542061959879022008-10-31T13:20:00.003Z2008-10-31T21:38:17.234Z

Marcus Houston's Krav Maga Edinburgh regulars will have the dubious pleasure of my company this coming Wedneday (5th November 18.30-19.30) when I will be introducing the unitiated to the heart of Kettlebell training - The Swing. I know Lee has been making serious inroads with club members, this Wednesday I simply want to make sure you understand just how important this aspect of your training

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-468619335512685002008-10-29T15:53:00.004Z2008-10-29T16:24:06.157Z

The name marathon comes from the legend of Pheidippides a Greek messenger. Legend states that he was sent from the town of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persian had been defeated. He ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the assembly, exclaiming 'We have won.' before collapsing and dying.Not an event I want to participate in anytime soon.At my workshops I generally ask

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-43398149182510439952008-10-25T16:22:00.003Z2008-11-03T19:36:11.690Z

Next week I will be announcing the very first Kettlebells Scotland Level II Workshop. This workshop will be open to anyone who's participated in a KBS Level I Workshop or who attended the KBLA - KBS Workshops back in March. Judging by recent emails from the KBS faithful it will be swinging room only. Places will be seriously limited. By all means drop me a line if you want to reserve a spot.I'll

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-31760391037666114152008-10-22T15:04:00.004Z2008-10-22T21:21:43.050Z

"All that we are is the result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become" - ŚākyamuniDon't worry you are not alone, turns out paranoia is on the rise. This following article focuses on maintaining a sense of perspective. Something that is all but impossible midst the media barrage we are all subject to every time we step out the door onto our city's

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-45038187057067843842008-10-19T12:22:00.003Z2008-10-19T13:06:35.816Z

Definition ; Dogs displaying this trait can be described as persevering, ready and willing, full of fight, spirited.We are literally talking about the "fight in the dog".Anyone who's trained martial arts understands that Gameness is not simply aggression. It is not about conditioning. It is not about belts or gradings or even hours on the mat. Gameness is that intangible relentless quality that

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-90458740042599388462008-10-15T13:06:00.003Z2008-10-15T13:12:02.006Z

Check out Ross Enamait's recent post...Someday vs Today

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-65404008999516744632008-10-14T15:52:00.001Z2008-10-14T15:54:47.256Z

Just a quick post to say thanks to those of you who stop by. A quick look at the Cluster map puts a smile on my face, to be able to see people from all over the world taking a peak at what goes on with Kettlebells Scotland.Thanks for stopping by. Back to normal posting soon...Rannoch

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-42685129268542112062008-10-10T19:49:00.008Z2008-10-15T12:35:44.332Z

West Coast work horse John Blair has invited us back to The National Rowing Academy for some more Kettlebell Action.John had this to say - "As a Personal Trainer/Strength & Conditioning Coach the excellent Kettle bell training that we received is going to directly impact on my on training/clients/athletes"Recent workshop participant Andy Mills said - "Rannoch possesses great knowledge and skill

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-43606254604853704602008-10-08T12:14:00.003Z2008-10-08T12:20:51.328Z

I like Seth Godin's blog. Most of the time. Alot of the posts are short and to the point. Often he simply tells me something I already know but don't have the common sense to apply. Sometimes he makes me rethink how I go about my day. Always a good thing!His latest post is worth repeating, hell it's worth printing off and sticking on the fridge!Is Effort A Myth?Check it out!

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-57247117299198416712008-10-02T13:18:00.011Z2008-10-08T13:26:27.576Z

Here's what our recent workshop participants had to say - "this is something completely new and i must say fantastic/hard fun. Rannoch is a great teacher. He keeps the whole course running along at just the right pace and his attention to detail is superb" - Jack MacGregor - Peebles, Scotland "An awesome workshop, well presented and would definitely recommend Rannoch's sessions to anyone...The

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-61863466181160551472008-10-02T08:59:00.003Z2008-10-02T09:08:29.821Z

Here is your chance to make a little difference with a simple click of your mouse.SQUIDOO, the Knowledge sharing website is giving away $80,000 to a charity and all you have to do is pick the one you want to support.We all have particular causes we like to help. For me it's Save the Children. For you? It might be The Ferret Shelter. Whatever it is follow the link and make your vote. SQUIDOO

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-40747836933409791242008-09-28T09:06:00.008Z2008-09-29T11:42:50.409Z

January 26, 1925 – September 26, 2008 “The trick of living is to slip on and off the planet with the least fuss you can muster. I’m not running for sainthood. I just happen to think that in life we need to be a little like the farmer, who puts back into the soil what he takes out.” Actor, director, entrepreneur, humanitarian. For me Paul Newman will always be Butch Cassidy.I remember sitting in

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-36276499717793222912008-09-25T07:50:00.003Z2008-10-02T21:12:41.925Z

My media diet continues. The onslaught of so called "news" still connects with me occasionally but on the whole I'm able to side step it. The intrusion of hideous headlines undermines us bulletin by miserable bulletin. And our poor reptile brain is none the wiser as to the origin of our anxiety or distress. As far as it's concerned the hormonal cascade caused by the "Blues at 10" is no less

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-32090909792773645132008-09-22T10:51:00.004Z2008-09-22T13:51:12.082Z

“...every person you have ever met, every person you will pass on the street today, is going to die. Living long enough, each will suffer the loss of his friends and family. All are going to lose everything we love in this world. Why would one want to be anything but kind to them in the meantime?”- Sam Harris - "The End of Faith" It's a day for reflection. Every day is a day for reflection.Check

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-9178391104313035442008-09-21T15:12:00.002Z2008-09-21T15:19:32.517Z

make a commitment

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-53802752915557663672008-09-19T08:47:00.029Z2008-10-24T09:37:39.319Z

"How can I show you unless you first empty your cup" - Nan-inJohn Medina tells us in the excellent Brain Rules - "The human brain can only hold about seven pieces of information for less than 30 seconds! Which means, your brain can only handle a 7-digit phone number. If you want to extend the 30 seconds to a few minutes or even an hour or two, you will need to consistently re-expose yourself to

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-79254649406351217272008-09-17T10:20:00.004Z2008-09-17T12:12:55.235Z

Great post by no nonsense trainer Ross Enamait of http://www.rosstraining.com/Check out - Training For The Fun Of ItThen go do!

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-79936484035520584162008-09-11T17:42:00.007Z2008-09-12T11:48:36.218Z

Saturday saw another superb Mark Davies seminar. Thanks to Krav Maga Edinburgh's Marcus Houston for hosting this and getting the Tactical Edge regulars up to speed for the grading afterwards.This seminar dealt with Knife threats, impact weapons and relevant ailure drills. Nursing a few injuries I applied myself the best I could but even if I'd just sat in and watched it would have been a

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-47737455829000754662008-09-05T08:17:00.008Z2008-09-05T19:46:11.921Z

Time to take stock.An Activity Audit. An Engagement Inventory. Whatever you think you are doing, it's probably less. Whatever you think you are eating, it's probably more.We've become so inured to headlines of the obesity epidemic that the words just have no power anymore. Overweight, fat, obese. It is all relative these days. But excuse me, I just can't make sense of the figures. Is it just me

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-66397214818712813132008-09-04T21:53:00.000Z2008-09-04T21:54:34.148Z

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-20331863769193814652008-09-02T15:40:00.004Z2008-09-10T08:54:51.409Z

The most comprehensive introduction to Kettlebells available in Scotland.KETTLEBELL Essentials & Bodyweight BasicsEnergy Gym Boroughmuir RFCColinton Road EH14 1AS September Sunday 28th 12.30 - 15.30(Map)SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS. Three Hours of Expert Introduction Covering -MANDATORY MOBILITY - Head to toe mobility drills to keep you injury freeBODYWEIGHT BASICS - Complete bodyweight drills

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-35822751577859275942008-08-29T09:32:00.003+01:002008-08-29T11:24:51.736+01:00

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” - Steve

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-40914771468059694222008-08-28T15:42:00.008+01:002008-08-28T21:52:27.859+01:00

A few workshoppers have asked me about diet recently. I'm not a nutritionist or a dietitian which is probably just as well, I'd be telling them to get their carbs and watch out for the fat.I've mentioned Michael Pollen's Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants philosophy before.Personally, I've eaten pretty much Paleo for the last couple of years. Before that it would have been pretty close to the

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-20812055673542303752008-08-20T11:42:00.002+01:002008-08-20T12:03:03.899+01:00

You have to check out this fantastic post from the incomparable Ross Enamait the man behind RossTraining.com .Ross provides some of the best, most effective, low tech training material out there. His site is full of great free info and his books are superb. What's more he keeps it simple..."Unfortunately, many in this industry want everything but for you to learn how to exist on your own. Don’t

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-13652917979038169432008-08-19T14:47:00.001+01:002008-08-19T15:09:25.979+01:00

"...you're not how much money you've got in the bank. You're not your job. You're not your family, and you're not who you tell yourself.... You're not your name.... You're not your problems.... You're not your age.... You are not your hopes." ~ Chuck Palahniuk, Fight Club

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-81482426718119915302008-08-18T11:52:00.003+01:002008-08-18T12:11:24.362+01:00

Flowing, Fighting, Feeding and Frolicking (and the Fear Reflex).In the spirit of performing how we train, I find myself drawn to the four F's.We are so far removed from our natural state. There's nothing we seem to like more than to have things cleaned, sanitized, neutered, disinfected, abridged and bullet pointed. We'd rather jog sweat free for 2 hours than get down and dirty for 15 minutes.I

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-47128820508303930412008-08-15T09:19:00.009+01:002008-08-15T17:24:47.920+01:00

"We're designed to be hunters and we're in a society of shopping" - David FincherLast night I had the displeasure of catching most of Trinny & Sussanah's new TV Show "Undress the Nation - Big Girls Celebrate Their Curves". It was, quite simply, irresponsible advertising masquerading a socially engaged television. Sponsored by "Littlewoods" purveyors of T & S's very own range of clothes with strap

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-78518391663362937962008-08-12T11:54:00.006+01:002008-08-13T07:47:56.795+01:00

McSifu Mark Cheng , RKC TL, said recently, if he had to choose between Batman or Superman it would be The Dark Knight. (Just as well William Wallace the Outlaw Guardian of Scotland wasn't a choice!) Mark put forward a bunch of reasons and if you know "the Doc" then those reasons all make perfect sense. Aside from the habitual ass kickin' he dishes out, Batman's moral compass is the driving force

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-29737545499344707152008-08-10T11:37:00.006+01:002008-08-18T12:10:06.484+01:00

Why is it so much easier to drag someone down than it is to lift them up?Realists are what pessimists like to call themselves. If you walk under enough ladders you might just get hit on the head. If you create enough anxiety that in turn will create fear and ultimately misery will manifest itself. Words become thoughts and thoughts become actions. Before you know it...you get what you don't

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-6481045817332307972008-08-04T14:24:00.003+01:002008-08-07T18:59:06.218+01:00

I am delighted to be conducting another workshop with John Blair at the Scottish National Rowing Academy on Sunday 17th August from 12.00 - 15.00We will cover -Mandatory Mobility - Head to toe mobility drills to keep you injury free.Bodyweight Basics - Complete bodyweight drills including the moves you need to master before you so much as look at a weight.Kettlebell Essentials - The basic lifts

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-63703487865022280612008-08-03T15:09:00.002+01:002008-08-03T15:22:30.523+01:00

"People will give up most of their culture for the assurance that the tiny bit that comes through is safe and clean. White noise." - Chuck PalaniukSometimes you simply have to ask, what is it about other people's approval that is so important?What is it you are missing that their validation provides?Nothing much I suspect...

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-61110268431891291652008-08-02T10:56:00.005+01:002008-08-02T13:24:06.199+01:00

Shambhala Sun: How would you define crazy wisdom?Tom Robbins: The quick and easy answer is that crazy wisdom is the deliberate opposite of conventional wisdom. Like most quick and easy answers, however, that one isn’t really satisfying.For want of a precise definition, we might consider that crazy wisdom is a philosophical worldview that recommends swimming against the tide, cheerfully seizing

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-43427105070680999472008-08-01T22:15:00.001+01:002008-08-01T22:15:52.105+01:00

What About Me? Hi Res TrailerUploaded by whataboutme

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-11492202616769724232008-08-01T00:18:00.006+01:002008-08-01T00:48:14.071+01:00

You can always rely on something simple, something basic, to kick your ass. For me, the current bump in the road is the one arm push up.For a while I considered it quite simply a party trick. Many moons ago I was inspired by film of Bruce Lee to try this for myself. Overtime I nailed it but that was a long, long time ago.Pavel's "Naked Warrior" got me doing pistols but old shoulder injuries had

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-58910469451201514462008-07-30T19:01:00.001+01:002008-07-30T19:02:43.804+01:00

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-60987657154597443012008-07-27T21:49:00.005+01:002008-07-28T10:31:36.538+01:00

I am always grateful to the people who take 3 hours out of their weekend to come to a workshop to swing a kettlebell and break a sweat. Even more so when the sun is shining.So thanks everyone today. I was especially heartening to see the repeat offenders, Seona who came by motorcycle from Aberdeen and Ray who drove down, Carl, Will and Wayne who came up from Liverpool, Davie, Derek, Jules who

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-71758323088454122862008-07-25T20:05:00.007+01:002008-07-26T12:19:13.914+01:00

"Ooooh Yeah, Ooooh Yeah, oh, oh, oh, I gotta roll, can't stand still"Today I took delivery of some wonderful Kettlebells thanks to those stellar fellars at London Kettlebells.You see, I didn't realise until very recently that, like all good underground emporiums the management keep a wee stock of something special through the back, if you only know how to ask for it.Ken and Steve stock

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-32093300397590813982008-07-25T08:05:00.000+01:002008-07-25T08:06:01.719+01:00

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-29122933518693166322008-07-24T08:52:00.011+01:002008-07-24T22:55:25.887+01:00

Some years back I had a friend, let's call him Terry, who was physically gifted. He trained hard, ate cleanly and achieved the kind of physique that requires regular depilation. He also suffered from that classic of conditions...Body Dysmorphia. Hey, if you are going to have a hang up can you at least pick something that doesn't involve all that "Me, me, me" whining?Anyway, our friend decided

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-78619191846253927692008-07-21T22:25:00.004+01:002008-07-22T14:19:20.555+01:00

I had the good fortune to be invited to Mark Davies Black Belt Academy in Arbroath on Saturday. Mark is the founder of Tactical Edge, the incredible fighting system I've written about on this blog before. Mark spread the word and around 25 or so folks turned up to sample the power of the Kettlebell. There's always a concern when you are coaching very experienced martial artists (We are talking

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-22924554074095986632008-07-18T11:36:00.009+01:002008-07-18T15:15:37.221+01:00

"If you plan on being anything less than you are capable of being, you will probably be unhappy all the days of your life.” - Abraham MaslowYeah, you heard me! And you know what? I loved it... Because I am not under the illusion that everything I do has to (or even can) be "Perfect". But I wont settle for less than the best I can do today. Love may be a dance and beauty might be everything but

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-49256626619823765442008-07-17T07:40:00.007+01:002008-07-17T12:59:45.540+01:00

Time to get over yourself. You are trying get moving, not launch a rocket.So many people seem to struggle with this. If the conditions aren't optimal they simply abort.Give me 10 minutes and a kettlebell. Not so hard.For those with Workout OCD, it stops progress in it's tracks. The requirement to have everything in it's proper place prevents them from so much as breaking a sweat. This anabolic

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-81677987240546266012008-07-16T11:17:00.002+01:002008-07-16T11:25:42.656+01:00

It is not either or. Couldn't be simpler...Ha

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33953600.post-43670949181331337982008-07-14T15:38:00.007+01:002008-07-14T22:30:08.420+01:00

You cannot escape good food in France. It made me realise I have little time for people who say "I eat to live I don't live to eat". If that is you then you are missing out on one of the most valuable social activities on the planet. (What's next? Sex for procreation!?) Our local supermarket in France was Leclerc. Row's of local cheeses and hams, aisles of fresh local fruit and vegetable. It's

Rannoch Donaldhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03626186803479276281noreply@blogger.com2