Dec. 23, 2005

This past summer I attended Valentin Kalika's wrestling camp in the Ukraine . Not only does this camp have the best trainers in the world but also it has been the best wrestling camp I have ever attended. We were trained by the 2004 Olympic champion and the Sydney 2000 third place medalist. This camp helped me improve my technique so much that when I got back from Ukraine and went to practice everyone was shocked at how much I had learned and changed my style. After a good day of training we went site seeing. I really enjoyed this part of our trip. If I have the chance to go again I would definitely go. I recommend this camp to any wrestler who wants to learn and improve their technique. It is really worth the price.

Oscar Garcia

Dec. 23, 2005

Hi coach,
Its Jason Lara from Calvary Chapel
I wanted to extend my thanks to you and your program in the Ukraine last summer and for what it has done for me. I recently went 7 wins and 1 loss at the Clovis duals.
But even better than that, I placed 8th at the Reno Tournament of champions this week. As you know this tournament is one of the toughest in the USA. And some of the toughest high schools were there. I think 92 total. There was 72 kids in my bracket (119lbs) I was not seeded and I had to pig tail into the tournament. I beat 3 seeded wrestlers 2 of which I tech'd. And the number 4 ranked kid in the CA state who is a senior.
I am only a junior at Calvary and I have my goals set for a state title.
The Ukraine trip taught me a lot and it really showed at Reno. I learned a different style of wrestling that is not offered here in the USA. It was great !
Besides giving thanks to you personally I thought you may want to pass this letter on to some of the kids or parents that are thinking of traveling with you to the Ukraine. Tell them I would go in a heartbeat. It will improve their wrestling skills, it has mine.
If there is anyway that I could help you please call me
Anyway. Say hello to Yuri for me and see you on the mat.

Your friend and student, Jason Lara

October 31, 2005

My name is Garrett Drucker, I am a Junior at Edison High School . This past summer I had the opportunity to go with Valentin Kalika and about 25 other wrestlers to the Ukraine . Before the trip, he invited us to train with him so that he could get to know us and our level of wrestling experience. During the training sessions we were exposed to the type of training we would experience in the Ukraine . Personally, the training we got before leaving on the trip was extremely beneficial; we could focus on the skills we needed to get to the next level. I was exposed to several techniques I had never seen before. These were practical moves that work well.

Our team was very excited about the trip, we couldn't wait to leave. We were told exactly what we needed to take and that Valentin would take good care of us. It was interesting at the airport meeting with the other wrestlers I had never met before. We got plenty of rest on the long plane ride and arrived eager to start practicing. From the airport we were picked up by one of Valentin's old friends who took us to our hotel in Kiev .

We soon found ourselves in the gym training with Ukrainian wrestlers that spoke little English. We had no problem communicating with them even though we did not speak their language. It was apparent to me that their training was very different from ours. It was mostly them showing us new techniques, not us showing them. The techniques I learned will make a tremendous difference in my wrestling.

Between practices we got to go sight seeing and learn about the culture and people of the Ukraine . The Ukrainians were very friendly towards Americans and we felt very safe walking through the malls and streets. We had some time to tour the cities on our own. The food there was different, and took some time to get used to. We stayed in three different cities during the course of our trip. The experience of being in another Country was priceless. Anyone traveling through a country like this will appreciate the luxuries we have here in this country.

Any serious student of wrestling wishing to advance to the next level would certainly benefit from an experience like this. I learned many new techniques I would not have been exposed to, had I not attended this camp. In practice and at tournaments I have been using many of these techniques successfully. I will never forget the experiences of the trip and the other wrestlers that I met along the way. I hope to train with Valentin Kalika in the future, and return to the Ukraine next year.

Garrett Drucker,
Edison High School

10-11-05

Re: Ukrainian wrestling trip July 2005 1 st session

As a grandfather of one of the wrestlers that took advantage of this magnificent trip of a lifetime I want to thank you for the time and effort you took placing this opportunity in front of wrestlers.

The camp gave each wrestler the opportunity to wrestle with knowledgeable Ukrainian wrestlers. These Ukrainian wrestlers (Olympic Medalist or the club wrestler) were willing to share their knowledge and experience with us. The camp was a great example of “each teach one”.

Our wrestlers learned a great deal about the “finer” point s of takedowns, reverses & contrs. Each wrestler that put first the energy and hard work came home with more knowledge about conditioning and wrestling that can be applied to any wrestling style.

Your camp offered the boys a fantastic chance to become excellent. The eager and motivated learned and become better. The average learned and become above average. The limits of improvement were self imposed. Those without limits soared.

In Kiev we were there for a history making weekend. The new Ukrainian Constitution was being celebrated with “Constitution Day”. The streets were filled with thousands of happy and excited Ukrainians. In Kiev we visited and explored many historical sites. Thank you, Valentin for the unique presentation of Ukraine life. The Ukrainians are eager to improve and embrace western styles. Lastly, in Kiev we went to the Opera. The Live Opera house is one of the finest in Europe and should be enjoyed.

In Kharkov we had the most intensive dual meet. The city made it a match between the United States and Ukraine . Our boys were shocked and somewhat awed by the presentation. Kharkov was a surprise and many of the wrestlers bought souvenirs.

In Alushta we stayed at the Olympic Training Center for Russia and Ukraine . During the wrestling periods our wrestlers were able to see the intensity, devotion and determination it takes to be an international competitor.

After practice we visited the sea side and tasted the flavor of the Black Sea life. Alushta is a vacation paradise pulsating with youthful energy.

Valentin, thanks again for the memories.
Oh, by the way the Ladies are “Beautiful”

Mitch

July 20, 2005

Coach Kalika has done a great job organizing and planning a great experience. He is good friends with many of the National coaches and helped train many them. His connections and understanding of the Russian style is providing our kids with an awesome wrestling and travel experience. One of the Olympic coaches is traveling with us the entire two weeks and does a lot of translating and coaching at each work out. Next time around I encourage any Californian wrestler to get involved in this camp. There is nothing like it in the states.

Take Care

Coach M. Hicks

September 19, 2004

This summer I went to Ukraine on a International Wrestling Camp and the things I experienced were great. On this trip I had the opportunity to wrestle with World Team members, one of which was the Olympic Champion at 66 kg this year in Athens.
The month I experienced wrestling in Ukraine was for sure the most impactful time I have had in my wrestling career. Not only did I get to have the best wrestling experience of my life, but I got to know a country that was foreign to me. I got to visit sites that were historical at the time when ukraine was part of the Soviet Union, and many beautiful churches, and monuments. The people in Ukraine are very different from the people in the united states, their customs are very different, and some in my opinion better.
I consider myself very fortunate to be able to have the resources to go to the other side of the world to participate in my favorite pastime.
I will never forget the time I spent in Ukraine making new friends and memories and spending my time wrestling with some great wrestlers. And I look forward to going back next year.

David Jauregui

September 21, 2004

Going to the Ukraine Wrestling Summer Camp the past two years has been one of the best experiences of my life. I got to train and learn from the best wrestlers in the world, and at the same time I have made many lasting friendships which I will cherish forever.
The city of Kiev is also one of the most beautiful in the world and I cannot wait until I go back next year.

Yuri Kalika

July 29, 2004

Dear Valentin,
I am C.J.'s mom from Vista High. I'm sitting at my desk sorting pictures from Ukraine, and am reflecting on my son, and I just had to share my thoughts with you.
Even though I am aware that C.J. experienced some negative things while away from his mommy, I am so pleased with the man that returned from the most wonderful experience of his life.
He left Vista a teenager, however a mature one, and came home a man.
From the minute he walked off the plane, it was very apparent that he has a newfound respect for me. He talks more openly, actually acts like he likes me now!!!, and nicer to his brother.
He isn't the best wrestler that ever hit the mat, but he is certainly the most dedicated. His sense of committment to working out has changed alot since the clinic, and his whole attitude towards winning, losing, sportsmanship, the "brotherhood" of wrestling, so many things - so many changes. By looking at the pictures he took of your country, I can tell he was seeing life in a very different perspective than he used to.

So, to wrap up my thoughts...Thank you for putting this clinic together and giving all the boys the opportunity to experience all that they did. I hope that your trip was as enjoyable as our boys from Vista.

Darlene Marvin