The special interview program organized by North Seal Academy and hosted by Yavuz Selim Kent welcomed the living legend, SAT commando and record-breaking athlete Namık Ekin. Held in a sincere and intimate setting at his own home, the interview saw Namık Ekin share many personal memories he had never revealed before, ranging from his childhood dreams and covert operations to unbroken world records and advice for the younger generation.
The program’s host, Yavuz Selim Kent, introduced Namık Ekin as “the legendary SAT commando, holder of 18 different world records, 8th dan black belt judoka, one of Turkey’s first SAT commandos, and author of 24 books.” Ekin thanked North Seal Academy for bestowing him with this honor, saying, “North Seal Academy is already moving forward with great strides and has a highly valuable team.”
From Childhood Dreams to SAT Commando
Namık Ekin described the dream that led him to become a soldier at the age of 12 with these words: “The acrobatic moves of the soldier brothers in our neighborhood in Üsküdar and the Tarzan movies that were very popular at the time gave me great excitement. This is something that exists in my soul—I wanted it to be present in my body as well.” Ekin stated that his father encouraged him to pursue sports, that they used blankets as mats to wrestle at home, and that they swam all the way to the Maiden’s Tower.
He also recounted the process of becoming one of Turkey’s first SAT (Underwater Offense) commandos, stating that life aboard the ship felt like a “floating prison,” which led him to seek a more dynamic role and apply to the newly established SAT unit in 1963. He shared the hardships he endured during the SAT course’s “Hell Week,” considered one of the toughest military trainings in the world, the tragic death of his comrade Barbaros Denizsever due to hypothermia, and his determination to persevere despite all the challenges.
Unbroken Records and Unforgettable Memories
Throughout the interview, he also talked about the stories behind his 18 world records. His attempt to stay underwater for five days and nights to raise funds for spinal cord patients to receive wheelchairs, and lifting 397 tons underwater in 24 hours, were just a few of them. Ekin also shared a memory of the late Cüneyt Arkın and how he taught him combat techniques on a movie set.
Golden Advice for Youth
Namık Ekin offered the following advice to young people who aspire to become SAT commandos or athletes: “They must first be mentally and spiritually prepared. They need to instill a warrior spirit. They must develop a soul that never gives up. In addition, they should physically prepare through long runs, swimming, pull-ups, and push-ups.” He summarized his life philosophy with the words: “Never say I regret it. The Creator always gives a second chance.”
With this special interview, North Seal Academy once again demonstrated its mission of offering inspiring content in the areas of nature sports, personal development, and the spirit of resilience. The full interview featuring Namık Ekin has been made available to viewers on North Seal Academy’s digital platforms.
About North Seal Academy
North Seal Academy is an organization that provides training and events in areas such as mountaineering, camping, orienteering, scuba diving, first aid, and survival. It enables individuals to discover their personal limits and boost their self-confidence. Through programs conducted with experts in their fields, the academy aims to inspire a wide audience.
