chalambok

This is a research question for Master Chai. Last night he seriously talked about opening the camp to everyone next year. Meaning, one year not invitation only. We wish to know your opinion on this, please. Do you think it would be too big, or even doable? If it is an open camp, should the numbers be limited, and what size do you think is workable. And how long should it be? And perhaps most important, where could we do a camp like this? Thanks, be kind

Trace

I remember that last year, Ajarn Chai had to turn away about 325 people? If he opens the camp up to everyone and anyone that would like to attend, I you would have to find a HUGE place to accomodate everyone... not to mention heavy bags for that many people too. Also, the atmosphere will be very different.
By "open camp" I am not sure if you mean all of Ajarn Chai's instructors and their students, or just anyone regardless of experience or training who feels like paying to go to the camp. If the camp is open to anyone who wants to come, you additionally might have to deal with some people who might be disrespectful or out of control. Since the camp is closed and by invitation only, everyone is honored to be invited and are (usually) very respectful, on their best behavior, and not out to hurt anyone or "prove themselves".
But I think that in the end, whatever Ajarn Chai wants to do, should be done.

Dr. Chris

I think that the propasal is an interesting one but one that needs to be thought about very carefully.
While it may seem that an open camp may expose a lot of different people at all levels of training to Master Chai's expertise I think that the camp is a very special place and admission should be earned in some way.
I can also envision problems not only with finding the right size place for the endeavour but with varying levels of training the possiblity of campers not being able to appreciate the level of engagement and so increase the amount of potential injuries during the long sessions not only to themselves but to other campers.
I support the exposure but I am not sure that an open camp is a particularly good idea.
I will however support Master Chai in whichever direction he chooses to take and look forward to next year's camp.

KZL

I have yet to be to a camp, though I've been invited by Ajarn Chai. I've had a couple of rough years money-wise. I dunno if they should open it or not, but I'd imagine that it might be a logistics problem. The camp in 2005 is something that I've been considering, depending upon how cash flow works out, but I doubt that I'd wind up going if it turned out to be like getting concert tickets.

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Keith Z. Leonard

"hey, is that my toe over there??"

chalambok

It's actually kind of like winning the lotto now, but the 'open camp' is not going to happen. Getting enough heavy bags is the primary stopper, plus Master Chai is worried about providing quality instructors so everyone can get their money's worth. When we originally started the PNWMTC the hope was within 3 years to be able to put on regional camps, 6 a year, allowing Master Chai a 3 week break every other month, to reduce his seminar schedule to 6 months a year. That idea is still viable, but I can't see it happening either. Usually every other year is given over to more first-timers than old-timers. And please don't start calling the TBA office (or Master Chai's home) or sending deposit money until you have actually been invited. So everyone will know, Master Chai himself reviews all the applications to make sure he personally invited the student; then he almost always telephones those who don't make the cut for whatever reason. This year he made over 100 phone calls to explain to those who weren't allowed in. Guessing 10 minutes per call means over 3 days worth of his time. What we say here is your first 2 camps we are not sure about you, by your 3rd and 4th camp we start to feel comfortable, and 5th camp is time for you to go to work...

delbert

I think that youll get bad energy there. Inevitably you will get that guy that will have to be shut down by the more experienced(nicely or badly). I dont think that there would be enough places or people to support a really big camp without outsourcing the day to day of the camp. Just my opinion as small as it may be with only 7 camps under my belt. The family atmosphere will undoubtedly decline and that would sadden me greatly for us and for Ajarn Chai that cherishes those moments.
Kru D

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Kru Delbert

JKDFIGHTER

I say to keep it in the "family". That atmosphere is one of the things that I enjoy most about training with Ajarn Chai at seminars or the camp. It would be a shame to lose that with a bunch of outsiders that are possibly sporting a lot of attitude.

My 2 cents.

Scott Elliott
www.AFSacademy.com