Home About Karol Personal Training Massage Therapy Yoga Therapy Martial Arts Mindfulness & Meditation Online Training NLP Coaching Retreats Testimonials Contact
← Back to FitwellX
Est. 1970s Southeast Asia Worldwide Edition
The FitwellX Chronicle

"Life is a journey, not a destination. Learn to enjoy the ride."

Movement Mindfulness Transformation

A Life Dedicated to Health, Movement & Mastery

From Hawaiian Islands to Southeast Asia: Four Decades of Holistic Wellness

Early Years: A Family History of Health and Physical Culture

Karol Sr. - original Superman cartoon model from the 1930s
Karol Sr. - Model for original Superman cartoons, 1930s
Karol Sr. vintage family photo
Family legacy of physical culture

A native of the Hawaiian Islands, Karol grew up surrounded by the elements and the beauty of nature. A history of health and physical culture ran deep in his family: his grandfather, Karol Sr., was a career wrestler and the first model for the original Superman cartoons in the 1930s. He later became a sought-after personal trainer and coach for actors, celebrities, and executives of the era.

Karol's own journey into fitness and physical culture began in the late 1970s. As an awkward, unconditioned kid with a "girl's name," he caught his share of bullying and schoolyard scuffles. That became clear motivation to change course. A friend led him to a gritty, old-school iron gym: basic equipment, loud music, dust, sweat, and steel. He started spending every spare hour there, eventually working off dues by helping with day-to-day tasks and assisting members.

By his mid-teens, he was performing power lifts at a state level and classmates were asking for personal fitness training tips and coaching and support. This was the spark that later became a profession in movement therapy and practical mindfulness around training.

Karol Krauser then and now - fitness journey comparison
Then & Now: A lifetime commitment to physical excellence

Airborne School and the Beginning of the Mind-Body-Spirit Connection

Young Karol Krauser during U.S. Army Airborne training
U.S. Army Airborne, age 17

Training discipline and good genetics made it easy for Karol to max out the U.S. Army physical fitness test and pass basic, advanced training, and airborne school at 17. He was encouraged to coach other soldiers to maintain mandatory standards, providing early proof that he could teach, not just perform.

During this time, exposure to martial arts, yoga, meditation, and mindfulness deepened his interest in connecting the physical with the mental and the spiritual. That mind–body awareness, forged under pressure, is the foundation of his approach today: integrated martial arts principles, breath, focus, and practical stress reduction that transfers from training to daily life.

Teaching and training at Martial Arts schools and gyms in America's Pacific Northwest led to experience in fitness management and program design for Martial arts, Self-Defense, and Yoga based stretching. Interaction with clients and students from a variety of backgrounds and age groups always provided a continual chance for growth and learning.

A Search of Knowledge: Wherever You Go, There You Are

Karol Krauser practicing yoga at marina
Yoga practice
Young Karol Krauser demonstrating high kick
Martial arts mastery
Karol Krauser practicing Tai Chi by the ocean
Tai Chi by the sea
Karol Krauser doing yoga headstand in Asia
Training in Asia

In the years that followed, Karol studied in temples, schools, and camps across the U.S. and around the world. Holistic healing, bodywork, yoga therapies, and meditation balanced his evolving martial arts and sports-medicine studies. He immersed in silent practice and moving meditation in Buddhist settings; he trained in martial arts and yoga throughout India, Asia, and the Himalayas, and continued to explore indigenous systems in Southeast Asia and the Philippines.

The education never stopped. He practiced medical massage and sports medicine, adding traditional bodywork from Asia and Polynesia. The result is a blended approach that includes yoga therapies, corrective bodywork, and mindfulness coaching, all rooted in tradition while applying modern mechanics. In Thailand and Phuket, this is the kind of grounded, multi-faceted work he's known for.

He has trained across Asia, from the Himalayas to Southeast Asia, becoming known as a yoga teacher in Thailand, the Maldives as well as a movement and martial arts coach. Immersion into silent practice and moving meditation in Buddhist temples led to his reputation for guiding mindfulness in Thailand and abroad.

Mother Nature's Gym and World Travel

With no better teacher than experience gained first hand, a variety of challenges of the mind, body, and spirit have been embarked upon. It's an intriguing area of study and practice ranging from trekking through the Himalayas, competing in triathlons, trail runs, marathons and various martial arts competitions. Working and training for extended periods of time in diverse conditions such as the Bering Sea, or travelling on international tours have been a memorable part of the journey.

That breadth led to serving clients at many levels: individuals and families, corporations, and celebrity entertainers. Depending on the need, Karol wore multiple hats: trainer, massage therapist, Yogi, personal assistant, even close security. The through-line is the same: movement, mindfulness, and practical stress reduction that hold up anywhere, from a resort spa to a ship deck.

Karol Krauser with Mick Fleetwood
With Mick Fleetwood during Fleetwood Mac's Unleashed World Tour (2008-2010)

It's a fortunate life which enables learning and interacting with people from all backgrounds and walks of life on a very positive level. It's also a great platform for the continual journey of discovery and growth.

Becoming Your Own Patient

Self-care became part of the path. Mindful nutrition, structured fasting and detox, and corrective exercise protocols he'd used with clients were tested on himself. In 2017, after a ten-meter fall, he rehabilitated a fractured spine and other injuries. With focused mobility work and movement therapy, the pins and screws in his compromised spine were removed in half the normal time.

X-ray showing spine surgery and recovery
Spine X-ray and surgical hardware, removed in half the expected time through dedicated rehabilitation

Regaining range of motion demanded pain management, research, patience, and honest coaching with himself. This is the same approach he brings to clients seeking injury recovery, pain relief, and long-term transformation.

Now based in Southeast Asia, with deep roots in Phuket, Thailand, where he is recognized as a trusted personal trainer in Phuket, and with extensive guest-practitioner experience in the Maldives, Karol works with clients worldwide. His expertise is sought after across regions, from individuals and families to executives, athletes, and luxury resorts. Whether in-person or through online training and coaching programs available worldwide, his focus is on resilience, balance, and lasting transformation.

Life is a journey, not a destination. Learn to enjoy the ride.
Karol Krauser

Certifications & Experience

Knowledge accumulated through time, tests, and experiences. Forever the student, continuing to learn and expand.

Experience

  • Taught and developed classes and programs in Tai Chi, kickboxing, self-defense, integrated martial arts, yoga, and personal fitness training for over 40 years
  • Traveled with clients both domestically and internationally, performing duties as a trainer, massage therapist, and personal security professional
  • Delivered health, wellness, and mindfulness programs for individuals and groups across the globe
  • Served as Personal Assistant, Security, and Massage Therapist to Mick Fleetwood during Fleetwood Mac's Unleashed World Tour (2008–2010)

Meditation & Mind-Body Studies

  • Studied meditation and Eastern thought in Monasteries and Ashrams throughout Asia and India
  • College course work in psychology and human relations
  • Various workshops and seminars in personal improvement and alternative thought
  • Continuing work and studies in NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and Hypnotherapy

Integrates knowledge in meditation, psychology, NLP, and hypnotherapy to guide clients toward focus, stress reduction, and personal growth.

Sports Medicine & Personal Fitness Training

  • NASM – National Academy of Sports Medicine, Personal Fitness Trainer
  • ACSM – American College of Sports Medicine
  • ACE – American Council on Exercise

Applies expertise in personal fitness training and corrective exercise to support strength, recovery, and performance, integrating movement into holistic wellness systems.

Yoga Studies & Yoga Therapies

  • Yoga Alliance 500-hour RYT and 200-hour ERYT Teacher Certification
  • 500-hour teacher training in Maui Hot Yoga and Kickboxing
  • Training at Agama Yoga Institute, Rishikesh, India
  • Instructor certification with Yoga Fit Training Systems
  • Served as Yoga Teacher at Atmanjai Detox and Wellness in Phuket, Thailand
  • Served as Yoga and Wellness Manager for Absolute Resorts' 180 Wellness program

Specializes in yoga therapies and mindfulness practices that enhance mobility, balance, and holistic wellness.

Massage Therapy & Holistic Healing

  • Licensed medical professional, massage therapist, and bodyworker
  • National Board Certification, United States and State of Hawaii
  • Thai Massage Training – International Thai Massage Institute (ITM) and Lek Chaiaya Nerve Touch Massage School, Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • Advanced Lomi Lomi Massage – with Kumu Karen Carroll, Hawaii Healing Arts College, Kailua, Hawaii
  • Certification in Malaysian Healing Massage
  • Usui Reiki, Level 3
  • Program Supervisor, Yoga Director, and Alternative Healing Therapist at Atmanjai Detox & Wellness, Phuket
  • Wellness Manager, Yoga Teacher, and Therapist at 180 Degree Wellness, Absolute World Group

Combines massage therapy, yoga therapies, and mindfulness coaching to create transformative healing experiences.

Martial Arts Certification & Experience

  • 6th Degree Black Belt / Master Certification in Eskrima, Eskrido, and Pangamot from Grandmaster Cacoy Cañete, Cebu City, Philippines
  • 6th Degree Black Belt in Kali, Pangamot, and Silat from the Filipino Academy of Martial Arts, under Grandmaster Chris Petrelli
  • Awarded the title of Pendekar "Full Instructor" in Silat-Tua and Kuntao, from Pendekar Zainal Awab Boonson, Penang, Malaysia
  • 2nd Grade Black Belt / Full Instructor, Wu Ying Tao Karate and Kung Fu, Master Rick Johnson
  • Over 25 years of practice and teaching Tai Chi Chuan
  • Provided integrated martial arts instruction for members of the U.S. Army 75th Ranger Regiment
  • Supplemented core practice with submission grappling, Muay Thai, Boxing, JKD, Wing Chun, and traditional Southeast Asian martial arts

Delivers martial arts training and coaching worldwide through personalized online programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Karol Hasegawa began his wellness journey in the Hawaiian Islands and served in the U.S. Army Airborne. He has 25+ years of experience in personal training, 35+ years in martial arts, and 30+ years in therapeutic massage, having worked with clients on five continents.

Karol has worked at Forbes Five-Star and MICHELIN Key properties including JOALI BEING Maldives (June 2026), Amilla Maldives, and Jumeirah Group resorts. He was also the personal assistant and massage therapist for Mick Fleetwood on the Fleetwood Mac Unleashed Tour 2009.

Karol holds certifications in personal training, massage therapy, yoga instruction, NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming), and hypnotherapy. He trained Filipino Kali-Eskrima directly in Cebu, Philippines with Doce Pares masters.

My path began through personal injury, recovery, and decades of hands-on experience in movement, martial arts, and bodywork. Over time, this evolved into a purpose-driven practice focused on helping others regain strength, confidence, and freedom of movement.

Helping individuals move from chronic pain or physical limitation into confidence and self-trust has been the most meaningful part of my work. Supporting long-term well-being through improved movement, reduced stress, and mindful awareness is what continues to inspire my work.