Rif says he hears it all the time... "Lives are changed"... Rif you are part of the reason.

Team Toomey was certainly "defense heavy", but enjoyed a single focus. We were all there to learn what it means to be a member of the elite group of RKC Instructors and Mark was an excellent role model. The focus in my RKC preparation was certainly overwhelmingly physical in nature with "get busy being afraid" ringing in my head. Somewhere mid Saturday, a major shift occurred, I was suddenly aware I was in over my head... mentally.

The focus and question changed, if you pass the physical tests, are you willing to OWN being an RKC Instructor? The bar is high, look around at those who dedicated themselves to teaching you all weekend. The quality of instructors at RKC was overwhelming and exceeded my expectations in both skill and character by a factor of 100. Without exception, each instructor brought a unique skill, coaching style, technique queues, teaching methods, and experience. Unanimously they brought the same level of committment, passion, dedication, and focus to teaching me ... regardless of the reasons that brought me to RKC.

Yes, I was one of the exceptions on Team Toomey, my defense experience is restricted to a conceal and carry for my Sig40... don't mess with my kids, you will lose. I may have survived the physical challenges presented and learned the techniques well enough to know where I need to begin my mastery of the techniques, but my struggle remains with the weight of the challenge ahead.... the challenge to become a respected RKC Instructor, the caliber I met this weekend.

Each RKC Instructor I met exemplifies what is required, and I speak for our entire team when I say we are very appreciative of the bar that's been set and the opportunity we have been given. Pavel, thank you for the team you have assembled as a constant reminder of what it means to be part of your team. Lives are changed, it appears to be designed that way.