If you haven't read or heard about the controversial events surrounding the Black Box Summit I attended in Austin over this past weekend, you can read about it here and here.
The Black Box was undoubtably the best CrossFit related function that I have ever attended. And I have attended many CrossFit functions including the level 1, level 2, endurance, nutrition, mobility and recovery, and olympic weightlifting seminars, as well as the Norcal qualifiers, 2008 and 2009 CrossFit Games. The Black Box was so informative and inspirational, I truly feel privileged to have been able to attend it. It will do more to improve our training, our community, and our business more than anyone can fully realize at this point.
Freddy Camacho, owner of CrossFit One World, resigned as a trainer for Certifications immediately after the event because of how much it inspired him to make One World the best affiliate it can be. I believe everyone coming back from that seminar felt the same way. Inspired and passionate about going back home, and doing whatever it takes to make their facility as great as it can be.
Based on my experience and witnessing the events unfold this past weekend, I believe Robb Wolf's and Greg Everett's account to be VERY accurate. This is an extremely sad day for CrossFit (maybe the worst week in its history), and hopefully it is a wake-up call for them to start getting their shit together. We'll see how they respond (and they need to respond soon), and I hope for everyone's sake they don't make the situation even worse than it already is.
That being said, we are not HQ. And while I am loyal to CrossFit.com for all the opportunities they have given me these past 3 years, my biggest loyalty is to our own athletes here in Ventura. Our methods, service, and community will continue to improve, and the unfortunate actions of HQ will not change that one bit.
Change is ugly, but necessary. Hopefully this whole ordeal will lead to a better, more open, CrossFit.com
Let me preface by saying - I'm completely out of the loop. However, I'm curious about your development as an athlete and a trainer/business owner. Are the changes related to my (hopefully constructive) criticism of CrossFit, e.g. lack of progression, lack of periodization, not accounting for individual weaknesses/goals, and sagittal plane dominance?
Posted by: Brian S. | November 25, 2009 at 02:24 PM
Awesome post, Colin! I have no doubt you and Huff will continue to make CFV an amazing facility that develops incredible athletes, regardless of how the HQ drama plays out. Thank you for all that you do.
Posted by: Lindsay | November 25, 2009 at 02:28 PM
DRAMA is right. Dave Castro sounds like he was out of control!
I'm just glad the drama was a small part of it. I'm truly happy it was such a great weekend for you. CFV ROCKS!!!
Posted by: jenny | November 25, 2009 at 03:25 PM
Well said bro. CFV stands alone!
Posted by: Major | November 25, 2009 at 04:35 PM