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SEAL Fit Class 2 ended Sunday without much fanfare, just a "your secured" from Coach Ord and the look of utter disbelief and relief from those still standing tall after the 48 hour non-stop ordeal.

Trainees ran, humped, swam, jumped, climbed, squatted, lifted, pushed, pulled and enjoyed pain together in this crucible event designed to teach the mental toughness and proper training principals through a 48 hour intense physical training regimen.

The following note is from one of the more spirited trainees, a police officer we affectionately nick-named "spaz:"

Coach Divine,

This is Earl 'Spaz'. I'm back at home and missing everything about the camp. I miss the pain, the encouragement, the discouragement followed by inspiration and motivation I previously had no idea was there, The beach, the mountains, and the instructors constructive criticism.

Like I said in my essay prior to the camp, I've never quit anything in my life that I set out to accomplish. This camp was no exception, however, my only regret is that I performed poorly on several of the events. That eats me up inside and creates a fire inside that burns with intensity. I want nothing more than to improve immensely in my athletic performance through new techniques I
learned through cross fit in the camp.

I've been good at most everything I've ever done in life, and sometimes the best. I guess I've never been around truly exceptional people, with all heart, pure athleticism, and indomitable warrior spirit. I was sincerely impressed with yourself, Coach Ord, and the rest of the amazing staff. I feel blessed to have been a part of the training. I learned about a whole new world, opened my eyes, seen the light, whatever you want to call it. It was well worth the money and I'd do it again.

I attended the camp because I've had a dream of becoming a navy SEAL for as long as I can remember. I've always been athletic and able to perform PST's at the excellence level and figured that was all you needed to get through BUD/s. That and a brass pair. I now know there is so much more needed to successfully complete a course as tough as BUD/s. I found that my conditioning was actually poor when compared to instructors, and some of the studs I was beat down with. I found that after several hours of getting smoked at the beach on the first day, my legs were already done. I pushed and pushed further than I ever have before and then found every damn muscle in both legs cramped up making my runs incredibly difficult. I still ran and completed every event that was thrown at me, but my performance was severely effected.

Before I left for the camp we spoke while I was doing the P90X workout, if you remember. During that conversation I told you about my dream and you ensured me if I attended the camp, I would at least be pushed to the point where I would find out if being a SEAL was what I really wanted. I got to say, I thought it would be tough, but I guess I didn't believe you.

During the camp I got exactly what I payed for. I look back now and actually miss the beating and feel a little depressed that I'm back to my normal life. I look back and think about some of the events I performed so poorly at, or with so much pain on my face and think, god, what a pussy (excuse my language). But, the camp did push me to my darkest point yet in my life.

I specifically remember during your lecture about kokori (Mark's note: Kokoro is a Japanese term meaning "indomitable spirit" and is a key concept we teach in the SEAL Fit camp), I was standing in the back seriously contemplating my plans for the rest of the camp. At that point, the bad dog was getting all he could eat (Mark's note: this from a lecture on watching which dog you feed...you will have to come to the camp to learn more!). I was tired (I actually slept 0 hours on Friday), hungry, physically broken, knew there was at least a 20 mile hump coming up and whatever other beating still to come, and just felt like I had nothing left. The disgusting thought of quitting crept its ugly self into my brain and corrupted my motivation.

That was when I asked Coach Ord if I could use the head. I went into the bathroom and looked at myself in the mirror to my soul and had a come to Jesus talk. I felt sorry for myself for maybe five minutes then started throwing a feast at the courage dog. I picked my weak ass up and sat back down and really listened to the rest of your lecture. I gotta tell you I was inspired when it was done. I was ready for anything you guys could throw at me. I may not have been the fastest or best at that point, but damn it, I was gonna see the finish line. Whatever it took.

The camp taught me so much about what the human body is capable of through beatings, and well thought out and deep philosophical lectures. A good example was the last smoke session we faced when all of us had to hold the sand bag above our heads or when we held them while our feet were six inches off the deck. On both occasions it didn't seem as if anyone of could complete the 10 seconds on the first try, yet succeeded after about the 15th try; go figure. But, somewhere deep inside, each one of us found the strength to put out. What a great feeling. It's one that I crave.

I really enjoy being around a bunch of guys that are willing to push the envelope. To get the job done. I loved watching guys wrapping up jacked up feet, limping around, and still getting ready for our next all-night evolution with a HOOYAH! You don't find that very often in the civilian world. Even as a police officer; a job that I feel is imperative to have that warrior spirit.

I enjoyed the camp so much I'll be your free advertisement guru. I'll spread the word like wild fire about the NavySEALS.com SEAL Fit Camp. I truly believe that anyone interested in becoming a member of spec ops, whether its a SEAL, SF, or whatever, absolutely has to attend your course. I think it will save a lot of time, money, and wasted dreams for a lot of people. Or it will secure their desire. Either way they have to try it. I'll let my recruiter know about the place for all of the SEAL wannabes.

Well, it turns out I'm freakin writing a novel here. I'll close by saying that after just two days with you and the other instructors, I learned a lot about myself and felt like I was baptized in warrior hood. I have even more respect for SEALS than ever before. I'm a converted fan of crossfit and will continue to use it to enhance my performance. I did a little smoke session today by myself (couldn't get anyone else to do it)."

Wow - what a statement. I think Spaz said it well for all the participants. This is what a member of Class 1 had to say:

“I was a participant of SEAL Fit Challenge, Class 1. I have to first say, the instruction was top tier in every aspect. Every expectation I came in with, in regards to the instruction, was blown out of the water.

After reflecting on all that took place, I couldn't imagine going to BUD/S without first putting yourself through this training camp. No matter how hard you think you are this camp will help you succeed. It will push you to your limits and make you question yourself and your motivations; I imagine this is what happens to guys at BUD/S, constantly, and they either quit or push on. You may think you're able to make it, and some of you will be able to, but until you test yourself mentally and physically, you won't know for sure. This is your first gut check.

But the camp is much more than just one massive beat down; you will learn how to develop the warrior mentality, something 100% necessary to succeed. You will be taught the correct way to train your body, using functional movements utilizing the cross fit repertoire of exercises. Team work development is also highly stressed, as it is in BUD/S. You will be exposed to the philosophical elements of success and what it means to persevere. And then you're given tools to help silence the negative inner voice that tells you to quit. I personally, have learned that training is more than just physical, but equally mental. I was pushed to my breaking point, and made the decision to continue; which for me was an invaluable experience and one of the greatest accomplishments of my life, thus far. Now, I know I will be able to achieve more, in whatever I choose to pursue, than I previously thought possible.

I really can't say enough good things about the camp or the instructors. Just being around guys like these will make you a more motivated person. This is definitely something that will stay with you while you go through BUD/S or whatever you choose to do in life."

Well said Gents. The good news is that we have decided to do the camp 2 more times in 08, and 5 times in 09. Thus you will have several options and can plan ahead. The August camp is slated for August 15 to 17. All classes are limited to 20 select participants who will get a chance to enhance their mental toughness, learn the advanced training and coping skills of the Navy SEALs

The SEAL Fit Camp...

• Introduces and trains you on the same physical training that elite Navy SEALs units now use to chisel their bodies, compete at an elite level, and survive the hardships of special operations training.

• Teaches you the complete CrossFit training system, including Olympic lifts, Kettle Bells and high-intensity constantly varied functional movements.

• Prepares you for the unknown, and teach you to be fit across a broad spectrum of skills including Cardiovascular and respiratory endurance, strength, stamina, power, speed, agility, balance, flexibility and accuracy.

• Develops mental toughness through the principal of Kokoro - developing your indomitable warrior spirit.

• Tests your level of competence on the Navy SEAL Physical Screening Test.

• Introduces you to Warrior Yoga, our unique program of martial yoga.

• Teaches you principals of Elite Teamwork, Leadership and Humility, as well as useful skills such as night orienteering and awareness

Please visit www.navyseals.com/seal-fit-challenge-camp

Call 1-866-Navy SEAL (866-628-9732) if you have any questions NOT covered by the FAQ on the camp page

Payment in advance required to reserve your spot...remember that "Victory is Reserved for Those Willing to Pay the Price!"