Russell

Guard Captain Russell is a character in Spirit Tracks. As his name suggests, he is the captain of the Hyrule Castle guards. He resides in the training room within the castle, where Link visits him near the beginning of the game to receive the Recruit's Sword and thus be able to access the Tower of Spirits via an underground passage.

Later on, after completing the Snow Temple, Link will receive a letter from Russell inviting him to come prove his swordsmanship skills at the castle. For a fee of 20 Rupees, Link can train against three of Russell's guards, and if the young hero hits them at least 60 times before he gets hit 3 times, he will be rewarded with a Heart Container.

Link can continue to train with Captain Russell to obtain a variety of treasures: by getting between 60 and 119 hits, Link will receive a medium-rare treasure, such as a Dragon Scale or a Pirate Necklace. By scoring between 120 hits and 199 hits, he will be rewarded with a rare treasure like an Ancient Gold Piece or a Mystic Jade. Obtaining over 200 hits will reward the young hero with a Regal Ring.

Trivia
Russell's name is similar to that of Rusl from Twilight Princess. Also, both Russell and Rusl are the ones who teach Link sword fighting, though their personalities are in no way similar.