Kokoro 21
My name is Billy Fletcher. I am 45 years old and am the owner of
Crossfit Alliance and Alliance Jiujitsu in Greenville, SC. I had
several reasons for attending Kokoro camp. First, there were some
questions I had about myself in terms of mental toughness. I wanted
to believe that I was mentally tough but wanted a true test to know
for sure and believed Kokoro was it. Kokoro was what I was looking for
and more. I also, wanted to use the experience to learn not only
about myself but to learn things I could take back to my students. I
am still processing all of the things I learned but am very pleased
with what I have been able to take back. One of the great things I
really began to appreciate was the the support from everyone. My team
at Kokoro, my family, and my students all played a role in getting me
through Kokoro. I did not want to let anyone down and I could feel
there support when the going got tough.

As far as my preparation for Kokoro, I have been doing Crossfit and
training Brazilian Jiujitsu for years but I began incorporating
SealFit about 6 months before the camp. At first I continued my
normal Crossfit and BJJ training during the week and then a group of
us would pick a SealFit WOD that we would do together on Saturday.
Then with about 8 weeks before Kokoro we changed to doing an operator
WOD on Tuesday and Thursday with the longer WOD saved for the weekend.
I continued with BJJ training and one other shorter Crossfit WOD
during the week. I also incorporated some extra running and hiking. I
have arthritis in my hips which has effected my range motion and made
running uncomfortable. I am planning on having hip surgery sometime
this year which was part of my motivation to schedule Kokoro when I
did. I wanted to make it through Kokoro before surgery. Having said
that I definitely felt running was the weakest part of my preparation
and if I had to do it over I would do more running during preparation.
Although the rucking was a stronger evolution and a turning point for
me I would still do more rucking in preparation as well. One of the
best things I did in preparation was to attend the One Week Academy
prior to Kokoro. The academy was physically demanding and I was
concerned about the physical fatigue going right into Kokoro. The
positive of knowledge gained in the Academy far outweighed the
negative of the fatigue. Much of what we did in Kokoro we had already
been exposed to in the Academy. The coaching during the Academy was
excellent. Coach Miller’s coaching on the Olympic lifts was the best
I have received. Coach Allen also was extremely helpful especially
with helping me with some modifications to work around my hip issues.
Coach Jeff was excellent in helping us with Pose running. Of course
Coach Divine’s lectures were great and the academy and Kokoro gave us
an opportunity to apply what we learned almost immediately. The
interns Collin and Eric were also a great help during the academy
often training along side us. I remember the first run and as I began
to struggle Eric running beside me and encouraging me to focus on
controlling my breathing. Focus on controlled breath would become
very important during Kokoro. It is one thing to discuss the
importance of breath as we did in Coach Divines lectures but having to
put it to work gave me an entirely new appreciation of controlled
breathing. We also began to learn to work as a team during the
academy.

During Kokoro we had to learn to work as team also. The believe the
log pt was where we began to really work together. The mountain recon
was an evolution where I felt we really came together. For me the
mountain was a true turning point in a lot of ways. I was concerned
how I would make it up the mountain with my hips already bothering me.
My teammates encouraged me and I focused on my mantra as I took one
step and one breath at a time. I knew we had to at least make it to
the top and was very pleased and surprised when we finally got there
because I had no idea how close we were. On the way down some people
began to hallucinate and this was really the first time I felt I could
really help take care of some of my teammates making sure they did not
venture off the side of the mountain.

Overall my experience exceeded my expectations. Kokoro was everything
that it was said to be. I was looking for a life changing experience
and got it. As I mentioned the ruck up the mountain was a big turning
point for me. As I look back it was somewhat of a spiritual awakening.
Speaking with with one of the coaches afterwards and telling him my
feelings about the mountain he told me he was wondering how I was
going to get up the mountain after seeing how I was struggling with
the running. Reflecting back that is definitely where the spirit had
to kick in.

As far as advice I would offer any candidates, I would recommend to
prepare well by following the SealFit workouts and spending some extra
time working on your weaknesses. I would also recommend attending the
Academy if possible and Coach Divine’s Unbeatable Mind program as
preparation. Once you get to Kokoro I would give the same advice I
received from coaches that I hung on to and found very valuable 1)Take
one step and one breath at a time 2) focus on the evolution that you
are currently on not in the past or the future 3) know that it will
eventually end 4)most importantly what several coaches continually
pointed out and what Coach Miller brought us together to tell us
during the Academy to say it was the most important thing is “Just
don’t quit”.

Thanks to Coach Divine, all the coaches, my fellow members Kokoro 21,
and everyone else who helped make Kokoro a great experience.

Billy Fletcher

Kokoro 18
Hey Coach!

Its Jay from this last August’s academy and kokoro. First I’d like to say thank you so much for the awesome experience at SEALFIT. I learned so much from you that i will most certainly apply when I go through training. I feel far more prepared for the challenges ahead now that I understand myself on a deeper level. So thank you again. The good news is I have earned my SEAL contract with excellent scores and am getting ready to ship on May 14th. Exciting!

Jay

Kokoro 20 & 3 week
Commander,

I realize that it has been a few weeks since the academy/Kokoro ended. I have to tell you that I am still processing everything that happened. What an experience! Those 3 weeks really changed by attitude in many ways. I now look at and handle so many aspects of my life differently. I am more capable mentally and physically for both daily life and the long term . It must be noticeable since several people have commented on my changed in attitude. What you have there is a great program.

Also, I have been working on a journal and thoughts during those 3 weeks, but it is not finished yet (I keep adding stuff to it because I want to retain as much as possible and be able to refer back to it when I need it). If you are interested, I will let you know when I am done.

Don’t stop what you are doing, you got something great going on over there.

Alan Moore
Kokoro 20
Dear Commander Divine
I would like to express my gratitude and thankfulness for all the remarkable and soul embedded life enriching lesson learned and experienced that I will carry into eternity with me.

May God Bless you and your family and Sealfit Business for the rest of your remaining journey on this broken world. Your leadership and True Warrior Spirit has created a legacy to those warriors seeking the true purpose for their creation on this planet.

I thank God for allowing me this journey to Warrior Self mastery and I am honored and privileged to have met and serve under your leadership . I will continue to grow and enrich my Kokoro Spirit for as long as I live on this planet

The journey of The Tue Warrior never ends ,
Hooyah!!!!
Pierre Assor

Kokoro 20

After getting some time to reflect on the kokoro camp (and relocating to NYC!) I just want to thank you so much for all the help and encouragement before, during and after the camp. I’ll say it flat out: The camp was one of the best experiences for me ever, packed with tons of lessons and character development. I’m still pretty beat up from the camp, but nothing serious (and it would not have been nearly as rewarding if it had been easier and filled with less problems). Quitting was not an option!

All the best and good luck in the future!

Sjur Omdal/”Norway”.

Kokoro 20

Hi Coach,

Hope you are well. Again, thank you for the life changing experience you provided. I’m a richer man now than I was before. I’m here for whatever you need. Please let me know how I may be of service. I am happy to volunteer and help out during future academies and camps. I would like to be very much continue being part of the Sealfit community.

take care,

Jose A. Jimenez

Kokoro 19

Coach Black (FitDeck)

I just wanted let you know that I attended Kokoro 19 this weekend and had a great experience. The weekend gave me an opportunity to see where I stand and what my strengths/weaknesses are. Coach Divine and the other instructors were very impressive and I learned a great deal from them.

Best,
Joe L.

Kokoro 18

Coach Divine-

I’d have you know it took exactly three days after we secured from Kokoro before I could once again hold a steady thought for longer than ten seconds; and it took an additional three days before I felt “normal” again physically! I’m back in the box now, operating at full-speed and I feel great! For me, Kokoro was three days of teamwork, overcoming adversity and extreme introspection. The camp itself proved every bit as challenging as I hoped it would, and the sense of accomplishment I attained upon its completion ranks in the top achievements of my life. Truthfully, this came as no surprise because I knew it would be a tough mountain to climb- literally! What I didn’t anticipate however, is the clarity I’ve since gained about myself and my place in this world. The “little things” no longer have the annoying impact they once did. Conversely, through Kokoro I have truly met my “unconquerable spirit” for the very first time. I haven’t felt this empowered in over twenty years! I can do anything! Of equal significance, SEALFIT has been a game-changer for me. Along the way, I learned that SEALFIT is much more than a tough workout, it’s a lifestyle and I fully subscribe to its meaningful & rewarding values. Kokoro is in my past, and I am quite proud to be an alumni. To be “SEALFIT,” however, is a quality which I will continue to hone until I breathe my last breath! Thank you for this awesome gift!

Brandon Bonser, Age 42

Kokoro Camp 18
Coach,
I wanted to thank you one more time for Kokoro Camp 18. It’s barely been a week and I’m still only beginning to marvel at what myself and my other teammates accomplished together!
Sincerely, Alexander Ditkoff
Kokoro class 18
Coach,
It’s been 5 months since I graduated from Kokoro class 18. Currently I am in BUD/s prep in Great Lakes, Il. I thought long and hard about my decision to follow the pipeline of the Navy SEALs, and it took until today to realize that what I went through in Encinitas was the best thing to ever happen to me. I had no idea how much your program could benefit my mind and body until we had our first Hoo-Yah PT. this PT was only a little over an hour, but it threw me right back into Kokoro. The instructors and coaches had us constantly moving, chaos all around and yet I was able to stay in the front of the pack and put out the whole time no matter how much pain I was in. Because of your program and what you have taught me I feel 100% confident that I will make pre-buds an easy 6 weeks. I cannot thank you enough for what you do. It goes beyond words the benefits I have gained from it. Every day is a grind, yet I take it one step at a time. Hoo-yah coach. I’ll see you in February when I come to BUD/s.
Very respectfully,
SA Donald Dirkinb

Kokoro Camp 17

I have begun to internalize Kokoro and have realized my utter willingness and ability to stay in the fight, no matter what. The ability to recognize any workout is a good workout because you actively put aside time to “sharpen your blade” and that time, regardless of any immediate satisfaction, will be added to your arsenal of life preparation and harnessing an offensive mind set that will most definitely be a part of any future benefits one reaps.

My SEALFIT Academy and Kokoro experience not only smashed any and all of my preconceived limitations from my physical mountain, but from my mental, emotional, and intuitional mountains as well. Not a day has gone by in which I haven’t reflected on the academy and our triumphant Kokoro experience. — Jared, Academy 7 & Kokoro 17

Kokoro Camp 17

Hi Jennifer, thanks for everything. Would we please forward this message to the coaches from Kokoro 17? Thank you.

Hello Coaches
I just wanted to take a minute, now that I can think clearly and walk almost normal, and say thank you for all the lessons you guys taught me over the weekend. The program you guys put forth was above and beyond my expectations. When I signed up for SEAL fit Kokoro a year ago it was about having a personal goal to see if “I” could complete the program, it was for “me” to see where “my” limits were and to find out if “I” was mentally tough enough to stick it out. Well, I walk away from last weekend with a totally different experience than I had planned on. It wasn’t about me at all. There was no I, there was no me and I loved that. To work with a group of like minded guys and overcome tough stuff together with encouragement along the way is truly awesome. I took so much more from this camp than I gave and I thank each and every member of the cadre for that.

I have been in some kind of a search for the past 10 years after I left Football. I’ve been looking for personal challenges and knocking them down. Even after my Ironman races and Open Water distance races I would not feel satisfied. I couldn’t put my finger on it. That all has changed since Kokoro. Its not about “me”, its not about what can “I” do. Its what can my Team do, how can I help someone else get there, can we all put out as a team to get this evolution accomplished? That’s what Kokoro did for me. It opened my eyes, opened a new door in my life. It showed me the very piece I’ve been looking for. It opened me to the bigger picture and that’s my new fuel. That’s the motivation I was looking for. Kokoro uncovered a burning desire to see others succeed and I’m going to take that gift and run with it. I found myself looking for opportunities to aid others immediately after kokoro. I was excited to hold the door open for an elderly couple at the airport, I picked up others trash as I walked down the street. Kokoro brought out the desire to live a life with Honor and integrity. I have become a better man and again I say thank you.

Thank you for allowing me to experience this awesome program. There are so many tips, sayings and lessons that all of you have given me. I know the cadre really cared about us as a group. That we really understood why and what we were doing. So many times I was stopped by a coach who would take the time to explain the finer points of different movements to me, Coach Smith and Coach Dan I will never forget where my knee position should be while doing an overhead squat or that I need to “Close the Gap” during my runs, not to mention the finer points of the no armed burpee. Coach Glen has an amazing presence and I know we all could tell that he and Coach Snowboard really wanted us to do well. Ya we all got beat down but we got built up higher. Coach Mc Cloud was always in my ear with tips and advice from nutrition to stretching and all the other Coaches were always there in between the beat downs to offer a word of encouragement. Awesome. I could go on and on but this might already be the longest letter I’ve ever written.

Coach Divine, there was one moment in particular that I will never forget and I’m sure others will say the same thing. When you were teaching us Yoga and you did the breathing pattern with the bow and arrow stretch I almost ran out of the room because I thought the intensity you were generating might just blow the place up. Amazing. I’ve been around a lot of strong guys and good athletes but I’ve never seen focus like that. Again, just another example of how I took more than I gave. I look forward to learning from all of you in the future. If I can ever help out in any way with anything at any time, please let me know.

Derek “Close the Gap” Price (Kokoro 17)

Kokoro Camp 14

Dear Coach,

Hello from Zurich!

While running I’ve written so many “Thank you Coach, Kokoro was a life-changing experience” messages to you in my head the past month that I’ve lost count. It’s also caused me to delay writing a real note because I wanted to say everything, the right way, all in a compact message! I decided tonight just to abandon that thinking, keep it simple, and send a note now.

You’ve created an amazing life experience and I’m honored and grateful to have had the opportunity to live it. I draw on the experience every day in so many aspects of my life — in my thinking and reflection, relationships, training, teaching and coaching, pro-action/action/reaction, business, etc. While I’ve completed some relatively sizable endurance events in the past, several of which have touched my soul also, none of those experiences comes even close the holistic takeaway from Kokoro Camp. Not even close.

I know when I’ve had a great teacher in life in that their voice and lessons stay in my head and are re-applied in new situations. It always amazes me that they can continue to teach even when we are separated by distance and sometimes even years or decades. You’re in that small circle of mentors now and I thank you for that.

I’d like to also mention that I’m very much interested in returning to California in May to intern at a Kokoro Camp and to attend the SEALFit coaching course. Please let me know if you’ll accept me and I’ll go ahead and secure the flight arrangements.

Best regards,
Jeff (Kokoro 14)

P.S. Recovery from Kokoro 14 took right at one month. For some reason I didn’t think through the fact that I’d need more recovery time than a week or so. I took one week off from training and tried to restart full-on with SEALFit WODs at about 10 days. Mentally I was there — but almost to a fault as my body needed more time than my mind would allow it. Lesson learned — re-entered wisely and by week 4 the injuries vanished and I felt fully recovered.

Kokoro Camp 10
Hey Mark,

Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to go through the immersion camp and the kokoro weekend, it has changed my outlook on life. Going into the camp I really wanted to find out who I am and was hoping that the camp would help me do that. Little did I know at the time that the next three weeks would completely change they way I view myself. For a while I have thought that I would be able to achieve anything that I put my mind to and that I really did have the personality that involved never quitting. This trip enabled me to prove to myself that I wasn’t just bull shitting myself about who I thought I was and I was able to push myself to the limit and I couldn’t be happier with the results. This opportunity also was everything I had hoped it would be and it gave me an even greater desire to potentially embark on the journey to become a navy seal someday. The camp was run very smoothly and all of the instructors were extremely knowledgeable and encouraging. I will definitely recommend this camp to anyone that is looking for a challenge in their life and would like to find out what they are really made of. If you ever need any help in future camps I would definitely be interested in helping out. Thanks again for this amazing opportunity, it has meant the world to me. Oh and of course my mom would like to know if there is any way I would be able to get some of the pictures that were taken from the camp or the videos that were taken during it, so if there is any way I could get just a couple of them I am sure she would be extremely great full, if there is anything that I can do to help you out please just let me know and thanks again mark.

Aaron

Kokoro 9

Dear Mark,
Upon completing the Kokoro Camp many thoughts ran through my mind, the main ones being sleep, food, and pride. Those 48 hours were perhaps some of the most grueling, yet rewarding I have ever encountered in my life. As a marathon runner and a competitive athlete everything now seems like a cake walk in comparison. But, that is the beauty of this camp sure it is difficult but when you reach the end you feel as though you have accomplished something monumental. For me, a person that hopes to join the ranks of the SEAL community, I now feel I have the confidence to get through BUD/s, and with the experiences I faced in camp I can take it with me to Coronado and use it so I can help not only myself but my teammates. But, honestly even if you are person not looking to get into the service or Special Forces I would recommend this camp simply because it will push you to the limit and see what kind of person you truly are. Are you are person that listens, as they put it at camp, to the dog filled with fear and gives into weakness or are you the person that listens to the dog filled with courage that keeps going despite pain and extreme adversity.

This camp, if nothing else, will give you a sense of esteem you cannot get anywhere else. Not only that, but the bonds you will make with your teammates in those couple of days will be almost as strong as the ones you have with friends of several years. Believe me this journey is tough, and I know many of you may be thinking it is only two days but it is the roughest 48 hours you will face outside of the real SEALs, but when you finish the camp you will be filled with a sense of accomplishment and achievement you can take with you for the rest of your life. I can honestly say thanks to this camp it helped show me what I was asking for when wanting to join the SEALs, and now that I have an idea through experience it is safe to say being among the warrior elite is definitely what I want to do. I cannot say enough good things about this camp other than I feel any motivated and determined person should put this on their list to do before they die. Once again thanks Mark for such a truly rewarding and eye opening experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life. Also I want to mention one last thing the coaching staff at SEALfit are by far the best I have ever encountered , these men truly care about you and your well being. The SEALfit team is not simply out to make money but they truly want you to succeed, even if that means through failure.

Trey Fischer Kokoro Camp 9

Kokoro 8

SEAL FIT is unlike any other program in existence in that it provides an individual with both the opportunity and the capacity to succeed along the hero’s journey and does so with amazing efficiency.  To borrow from wiser words than my own – SEAL FIT enabled us to do today what others would not, so that tomorrow we might achieve what others cannot.

To anyone else that is not satisfied with being “ordinary”; to anyone else looking to get more out of life, to anyone else looking to begin the hero’s journey – SEAL FIT awaits you.

Michael W., Kokoro Camp 8

Kokoro 8

“This camp has been the greatest eye-opening experience of my life. I was pushed harder than I ever thought possible and somehow through sheer will, the ability of the coaches and encouragement of my teammates kept going and made it through the weekend. This camp will truly show you what you are made of and will put that negative inner voice to rest and show your body what it can really do when put to the test. A truly amazing experience if you’re willing to suck up a little pain and discomfort to realize your true potential. Hooyah SEALfit camp 8.”

Jeff S., Kokoro Camp 8

Kokoro 8

“For the first time I did not feel like the odd man out. I am often looked at as someone who is too extreme. I am very selective about who I train and demand much more out of them then the average trainer. It was great to be around like minded people who made me realize it is ok to expect a certain level of performance. The camp also made me take a serious look at the way I train. I reached a level of peace that I have been in search of for quite some time. I used to get in the ring with the young guys to prove I was still the baddest dog in the yard. I no longer feel the need to do this. Coach Cerrillo mad a statement that really hit home. ” We can not always be the warriors. We need to train the warriors of the future to take care of us. ” The camp was just so much more to me then the physical training. Before I left you told me that you have a small family and are selective as to who you invite into that family. You told me to go home think things over and keep in touch. I would welcome and love to be part of your family. I want to learn more about the process and spread the knowledge to people who need it. To athletes, troubled youths, corporate managers for team building, ROTC students and people from everyday walks of life. My back ground is diverse. I have experienced things in life that “normal people” can only imagine. I had a burning desire in my gut to teach , mentor and just make peoples lives better when I came to the camp. Now it is an out right calling in my life.”

Jeff B., Kokoro Camp 8

Kokoro Camp 7

Your staff were the consummate professionals, living and breathing the warrior mindset, while always exemplifying kokoro. I left with a tremendous amount of respect for you and the entire special operations and Navy SEAL communities. Hopefully, Justin and I can get the word out and recruit more Windy City members to take part in this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of SEAL FIT”

Brock, Kokoro Camp 7

Kokoro Camp 7

“Do this camp. If you’re not going to BUD/S, this is your ticket to self mastery. If you are going to BUD/S, nothing else will measure your stamina and build your confidence like a weekend in hell. Get off youtube, get out here and man-up.

I’ve travelled the world, played sports, graduated college early as the president of my class… blah blah blah. Absolutely nothing has empowered me more than this camp. I’ve never had a weekend as meaningful as this one. I’ve never been tested like this.

Outside the Special Forces community, this is the only look into warrior culture you’ll ever get. The coaches are quite literally the heroes of today, and some of the guys next to you will be the heroes of tomorrow.”

“Who” Kokoro Camp 7

Kokoro Camp 6

“I was part of SEAL Fit Class 6 and can only describe my experience as incredible. Despite all the pain and exhaustion, the masochist in me found it to be the best time of my life. After years of following a path of corporate drudgery that I hated, I felt dead inside. At the camp I got more personally acquainted with my soul and felt emotions to a depth I haven’t felt since childhood, ranging from fear and disappointment to exhilaration and determination. I came to realize some of the lessons after the camp was over as I reflected on the spiritual implications. I initially felt invincible, with a kind of temporary confidence that may come from achieving something difficult, but as I thought more about my experience, I realized that my insecurities did not need to masquerade as strength but that I could be confident in who I was in my soul. I felt that the camp put me on the path to knowing who I was by stripping me down to my core being. I would recommend this camp to anyone who struggles with insecurities (just about everyone), or is struggling with knowing who they are and what they are called to do in life.

Mentally and physically, the benefits were tremendous. My running time improved significantly as I came to realize that my body was capable of more than I ever believed was possible. Once I came to grips with the temporal nature of pain, I was able to shut it out and see what real effort feels like. I came in thinking I was in decent shape, but quickly realized I was very much physically underprepared. My workouts are now more intense than ever, and I have changed my focus from traditional bodybuilding exercise which injured my joints to much healthier and balanced crossfit-inspired workouts. What I learned also enabled me to stay in shape even in environments where I did not have access to a modern, globo-gym complex. Mentally, at times, I was definitely questioning how much I wanted to be there, but once I put the question of quitting out of my mind, I found that place where I could push past the pain and continue on.

Finally, I will say that my classmates were awesome and I truly enjoyed the camaraderie. I saw a lot of leadership potential and guys who truly showed me what it was to be a team player. There were definitely a lot of times I wished I could have been better, stronger, and faster for them and that motivated me as well through the camp. We were all in it together and I am very grateful for having met them. The coaches were awesome in imparting their warrior philosophy and pushing us to do our best. This is an experience that I will take with me for the rest of my life.

Smiley, Kokoro Camp 6

“I don’t really know how to say thank you for Kokoro. I’ll do my best to show you, and the entire staff who pushed us. Such an incredible experience. I now have that with me every day, every hour.”