Book and Workshop Reviews

Review from MBodystrength in California

Ron,

I know it has taken me forever, but I finally got around to finishing your book. I wanted to give it my full attention and reflect on the variety of messages it contained.

As you can imagine, Marcus and I have read many, many books concerning self-help and fitness... by far, your's is the most memorable. Aside from the obvious size and design differences from the majority of books (both of which we enjoyed), it also contained the simple principles that we try to live with and train our clients to do as well. I especially like your take on diet in regards to disconnecting emotion from eating. We're big fans of the KISS principle and your takes on diet, exercise, and life in general seem to follow it.

Every aspect of your book embodies our general emphasis on unconventional fitness... from the graphic design to your training methods to your bizarre imagery, this book is a perfect fit for our website and company in general. We actually keep it in the front room of our new kettlebell gym in Brea, CA.

MBodystrength

Mark de Grasse

 

This book by Ron Morris is not only awesome, its important. The truth about our well being has been so expertly masked from us by fitness and nutrition giants, that leading a life of vitality, strength, energy, peace, and well being seems an impossible task amidst the virtual compost pile of hazardous misinformation and falsities. Another book on fitness simply won't have the guts to make any headway through this confusion. That's why Ron Morris has unsheathed his sword, and mercilessly slashes through the lies and confusion of the modern fitness dilemma. This is NOT just another fitness book. When I first opened this precious tome, my senses were brought to attention as I was bombarded by the most unique concept I've ever seen. The large pages dance with incredible artwork from Ron himself, and each page is decorated with precious little gems of information that will change the way you view personal well being forever. Hanzo will adjust one of the most ignored elements of fitness...your attitude. Hanzo treats the entire person from mind to body so that you come out the other side a believer; in yourself, in your strength, and your ability to finally make change in your life. This book is not about senselessly kicking your butt until you curse the very name of so called "fitness." It is about adjusting your mindset, and approach so that results are an inevitable side-effect of your newfound strength, mentally and physically. This book reads like your favorite movie, you'll want to read it over and over again as Ron's wildly entertaining tone makes you feel like he's a good friend right there with you. Hanzo: The Ultimate Self Help book is what it says it is, because it's the last "self help" book you'll ever need. It is the kind of book that will cause a tipping point in the industry, where the followers of Hanzo will soon out number the lost souls eternally toiling on a tread mlll and there will be revolution.

Alexandria VA

Clint

 

I started my training with Strength for Living and the Hanzo philosophy in November of 2007 with Instructor, Angel Obert. I just wanted to take a moment to describe my experience - When I first met Angel, I knew what kettlebells were but I didn't know much about them and from what I read they looked cool - I wanted to try it. However, I was not ready to commit just yet- I liked thinking about them, but using them was another story, it was fear. Several weeks passed and I called the Ron Morris Strength for Living Center and got a hold of Angel, she recommended I come to the school and check it out. After experiencing the school and meeting the crew, Angel and I made arraignments for private lessons. I knew enough to know that this training was not like a gym or anything else I could reference. You could really do some damage to your body if you did not have the proper training. This is not something to learn from a book or DVD; you need an experienced instructor.

That's where I really lucked out! Angel knows precisely what she is doing and she is an expert instructor. Angel led me through the very basic so I was able to build a foundation to work with. From there, we moved into more advanced movements and worked on daily routines I could practice; my progression was quick and the results immediate. We also talked in depth about diet and the Hanzo philosophy, I really took to this and it seemed to be a natural flow. After about 30 days of work, I found myself about 25 pounds lighter, way stronger and happy (key word: HAPPY). After my private training Angel recommended that I join in on Saturday group classes with Ron, wow, was I up for an experience.

The initial training that I had with Angel prepared me for the growth and process of self-learning with Ron's training. This is the ultimate tool for finding my true path and gaining a real trust in myself to let go of my self-set limitations and fears. I continue my education twice a week and recommend it to anyone with a desire to change his or her life.

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge Angel and Ron!

Forest Lake MN

John Peterson

Ron Morris' Hanzo Philosophy is for anyone ready to make a change in his or her life. Throw the pebble into the water and release the possibility of change. Life gets so stagnate and routine that we forget to enjoy it. What is our purpose? Who are we? Has anyone ever asked you, "What do you want?", or for that matter, have you asked yourself, "What do I want?" Try and answer that question; I bet you can't.

You try to imagine what you think you can have and not what you really want deep down. Be honest! This concept, as simple as it seems, is very difficult.

Learn how to spend time getting to know yourself and your own passions. It's easy to look at someone else and help them, but what about the ultimate way to help yourself. Burn through insecurities and create an awareness of your habitual thoughts and transform them. Learn through the physical how to open your emotions and create freedom in your life: freedom from an ego driven life, freedom from what you think you are or should be, and freedom from what you have been told that you are.

Learn how to follow and trust your instincts to be on your path of truth. You will find that things are not what they seem and that letting go of anything familiar is the key- letting go of attachment to self, others, and things.

This may sound a bit strange, but maybe not. Get out of your own way and listen to your body; it knows the truth, it has just been buried under layers and layers of created ego since you were born.

Forest Lake MN

Angel Obert - Angel's ACME Body Shop

I am grateful to Ron Morris for his fine instruction, but most of all for his sincere interest in my health and his belief in my unlimited potential-physically, psychologically, and spiritually.

Joseph Bailey, M.A., L.P.

Author of FEARPROOF Your Life

Dear Ron:

I just wanted to take a moment of your time to express my sincere thanks to both you and your wonderful staff of instructors at USA Kettlebells in Minneapolis for your tremendous help and support. This past year has been an exciting year for me as I reach my one year birthday of being introduced to "Kettlebells" and your many "Strength For Living" exercises.

I can't help but remember the first time I passed into the school's doors and was surprised to see that about 90% of my classmates were women. I candidly questioned in my mind just how challenging the exercises were going to be. By the end of the first class I had found out first hand and actually got to be good friends with many of my classmates as they "carried" me to my car!

As you know, approximately four (4) years ago I had life saving cancer surgery at the Mayo Clinic during which my abdominal muscles were cut to remove all the lymph nodes from my chest. Both my confidence and spirit took a significant hit and I was looking for an exercise school that would enable me to come back into touch with my body and my spirit. Enter USA Kettlebells.

The school's philosophy of "building a strong core" got me back in touch with my body and injected a needed personal energy into my spirit by becoming friends with my classmates and all of the schools tremendous instructors. No two (2) classes are ever the same which keeps me pushing myself to try and get into better shape.

I no longer worry about my cancer checkups at the Mayo Clinic thanks to USA Kettlebells. Things are different now - NOW MY BODY IS MY ARMY.

John Corbo a.k.a Elevator Bob

Professional Student

I have had the pleasure of working with USA Kettlebells to develop a pilot partnership with USA Kettlebells and Hopkins Community Education. This partnership developed because I had read about Kettlebells through a Star Tribune article in September 2006. I thought that Kettlebells would be an excellent addition to our fitness selections offered through Hopkins Community Education.

I have found the staff at USA Kettlebells to be excellent to work with. Angel Obert has been my primary contact with the company. I really appreciate her enthusiasm, her commitment to quality and her follow through on all the things she commits to in our discussions. Ron Morris, the founder of USA Kettlebells, taught our first five-sessions and the students really enjoyed his humor, passion and expertise.

As the Adult Education Coordinator, I have been very satisfied in my working relationship with Ron Morris USA Kettlebells. I look forward to working with them to continue to grow our program in Hopkins.

Betsy Hedding

Adult Program Coordinator - Hopkins Community Center

This is my second year as the conditioning/defense coach for the University of Minnesota Women's Lacrosse Team. Early in the season, our team's president, Katherine (KK), told us about a cool new conditioning school she learned about called Ron Morris' USA Kettlebells school. Eager to see what the buzz was about, I joined her and some of the other players for one of the free Mandatory Mondays offered.

As I watched the other students run through drills and swing the Kettlebells, I was quite skeptical. It looked hard on the knees and back - and it was nothing like I had ever seen before. But after trying it myself, talking extensively with Angel, Ron, and other school members, I came to the determination that Kettlebells was exactly what our Lacrosse Team needed.

We decided to start a 5-week program for the team. The program was developed and executed by Ron and Angel, who not only taught us correct form, strength drills for home and at practice, but also stressed the importance of teamwork and team awareness.

After our 5-week session, I was impressed with our results. The team was so energized by the experience, we signed on for another 5 weeks.

Ron Morris USA Kettlebells is invested in us, like no other training program has or will be; they proudly hang a picture of the team on their wall, believe in the philosophies of our coaching staff, and sincerely care about the health of our players.

I doubt I will ever find such a well-rounded, caring school. Ron Morris USA Kettlebells has put in great amounts of time and energy into our team, and as a result I believe from our experience the U of M Women's Lacrosse Team will go to Nationals for the first time ever. In addition, the Women on the team have improved their outlook on their overall health and well-being.

Furthermore, the girls have even started an award called the "Ron Morris' Hanzo Award" given each week to a new player that has demonstrated hard work and focus on and off the field. (The award is actually crafted with the finest of tinfoil in the shape of a kettlebell) That alone, shows how much the girls have been positively influenced by the program.

We are so thankful that we got on board and made the commitment.

Morgan Kingstedt

U of M Women's Lacrosse Strength and Conditioning Coach

"I thought the event was amazing and after this busy week will be looking into continuing such training. I felt it was a great class and think it will continue to motivate us to become stronger, smarter, more fit firefighters. I felt it was good that we had time to ask questions and focus on proper techniques."

Tony Byerly

US Air Force and Mahtomnedi Firefighter

"I had a great time and thought the seminar was a challenge and very enlightening. I look forward to the next event."

Laura Pilon

Minneapolis Fire Department

"I thought the class was great! Learning to adapt and react is vital in our jobs. The exercises we went through simulated moves that we would make while responding to incidents."

Kimberly Cummings

Eden Prairie Fire Department