| 1. Amazing Adventures in Thailand | | | | Dollars). Naturally, this person must be getting |
| A few years ago, I decided to migrate the | | | | some major dental work done to spend $1,000 or |
| majority of my efforts, lifestyle and long-term | | | | close to it to fly to Thailand to see a dentist. |
| ninja training programs to Thailand. This decision | | | | However, Thailand is famous for those looking for |
| was based on number of pros as compared to | | | | high quality medical care for a low price. I often |
| our original California program. First, I like change | | | | catch myself saying, "I will wait till I am back in |
| and I like to stretch what we can offer to | | | | Thailand to get that checked out." Many people |
| students. I have run programs in Europe, the | | | | have a poor view of Thailand when it comes to |
| United States and now Asia equally. | | | | health care. Yes, you don't have to get a |
| Does it mean that California or the United States | | | | prescription when you want some medicine to |
| does not have a lot to offer? No, it just means | | | | fight off a major virus and you don't have to get |
| there are other options and I have a lot of pros | | | | 5 screenings before you can see an expert. All of |
| to talk about for the Adventurer that can | | | | the facilities I have been to in Chiang Mai, |
| financially manage a long term trip to the U.S. or | | | | Bangkok, and even the island of Koh Samui have |
| Europe. | | | | been top notch locations with modern equipment |
| Thailand has a lot to offer serious students and | | | | and English speaking doctors. I would wager that I |
| adventurers. Especially those participating in our | | | | received more attention and better care than I |
| long-term Martial Arts Training camps. | | | | have in the States. |
| There is a popular commercial in Thailand called - | | | | As a martial artists and adventurer - it is |
| Amazing Thailand. It highlights the plethora of | | | | important to know that when I am traveling that |
| adventure and fun that is available in one small | | | | there are up-to-date medical solutions in the |
| location. | | | | event of an accident. |
| In Bangkok for example, you can spend time | | | | 9. Culture of new locations |
| shopping in a 7 story mall (even purchase Ferrari | | | | I once heard that there was more culture in |
| in one of the stores), visit historical temples (feel | | | | Yoghurt than there was in the California. This |
| like a king in the Grand Palace or say hello to the | | | | might be why websites like are springing up |
| emerald Buddha), or perhaps enjoy an endless | | | | supporting life outside our borders. Some people |
| variety of nightlife (have a drink on top of the | | | | are looking for more than freedom of speech. |
| world overlooking the city). Bangkok is an | | | | Now I love California and I am proud to be an |
| internationally known pit-stop and great for | | | | American, so I will not have much to say about |
| students to spend some time adjusting to the | | | | negative concerns. However, having run |
| Asia before heading out to see what else Thailand | | | | adventure programs for the better part of 20 |
| has to offer. | | | | years and teaching students for the same |
| For me, the major draw to Thailand was the | | | | amount of time, I know where they can get |
| tropical outdoor options that are available. I have | | | | more for their money. |
| taken students to the mountains of Pai near | | | | An exciting part of travel and adventure is |
| Chiang Mai to the warm blue waters of the | | | | meeting new people and learning new languages. |
| Andaman sea. We have trained on beautiful islands | | | | Going to places like Thailand will offer a NEW |
| like Koh Samui and climbed some of the best | | | | approach and with that comes a benefit that is |
| rock climbing available in the world in Krabi | | | | hard to measure. If you live in the United States |
| province. When you are not training in the martial | | | | already, traveling to another location in the U.S. will |
| arts, there is plenty of adventure in Thailand. | | | | not offer much variety. It is hard to grow if you |
| Enjoy a fresh and extremely healthy coconut on | | | | are not challenged to adapt to new locations, |
| the beach, or go snorkeling and diving for a price | | | | meet new people and learn new languages. |
| that you can feel great about. Feel like checking | | | | 10. Friends in Asia |
| out the bridge over the river Kwai or exploring | | | | Naturally, you can meet friends almost anywhere |
| the Erawan Waterfall in Kanchanaburi? No problem. | | | | you go, but there is something unique about |
| How about taking a trip to Hua Hin where the | | | | traveling in a country with others of like mind. |
| King lives and enjoy the long ocean strip. You | | | | When you are abroad, you will meet others that |
| name it, adventure is abundant and access to that | | | | have taken the time and have the time to spend |
| adventure is made extremely accessible. | | | | - people from all over the world. In California, you |
| It might sound silly, but many of my students | | | | are likely to meet more people just like you. This |
| found that renting a moped and cruising around | | | | can be boring. My first trip to Thailand I made |
| the islands to be one of the best experiences. | | | | good friends with people from places like Holland, |
| Simple adventures like taking a long tail boat from | | | | England, Norway, Australia and of course Thailand |
| one island to another can be quite thrilling. | | | | itself. |
| Adventure is often equated to new experiences | | | | 11. Time to play in Thailand |
| and Thailand has plenty to offer. | | | | One of the reasons I created my long-term |
| I believe Thailand offers the best of Southeast | | | | program was to offer a lifestyle that is against |
| Asia, but one of the added benefits to being in | | | | the grain of modern society. If, for example, you |
| Thailand is that with a hop, skip and a jump you | | | | come to a typical city in the United States, you |
| can be in experience new adventures in Vietnam, | | | | will meet people that are more than likely following |
| Malaysia, Laos, or Cambodia. You can stretch that | | | | a very specific path. They are working, going to |
| just a bit to visit China, Singapore, Hong Kong or | | | | school or busy with their family or business. |
| further to places like Taiwan and Japan. When you | | | | Long term students can however get together |
| are in Thailand, other locations in Asia feel closer | | | | easily to take a road trip almost any time to |
| and you are more likely to explore. | | | | either explore a new location, go rock climbing or |
| What Thailand has to offer is of course amazing. | | | | take a road trip. The same ability to meet new |
| However, the real benefits of Thailand hit when | | | | people and adventure with them spontaneously is |
| we get practical and this is determined by how | | | | available in Thailand. This is because Thailand and |
| much of a hole any trip will have on our pocket | | | | places like Bangkok is an adventure hub of the |
| book. | | | | world. |
| 2. A big reason students love Thailand is financial | | | | In a typical city in the U.S. you are more likely to |
| As with any functional service - money is an | | | | be challenged with schedules and a tight work |
| important tool. Students that attend my | | | | week. In Thailand and for students and |
| programs, often do so for long periods. Many | | | | adventurers alike, the weekend is whenever they |
| students prefer 1-12 months of training as | | | | want it to be. |
| opposed to weekend seminars or weekly courses | | | | 12. Moving to Thailand |
| that often cost far more. | | | | I ran my long-term martial arts program in |
| Another benefit of a long-term program in | | | | California for more than 5 years. I have not had |
| Thailand is the students lower personal costs as | | | | one student of hundreds, move to California |
| compared to what they would pay in the States. | | | | (other than to train at our camp) for a new |
| There are too many discounts to list here, but | | | | lifestyle. However, with only a few years in |
| here are a few to consider. | | | | Thailand, I have had already three students that |
| 3. Cheaper Food in Thailand | | | | are trying or have tried to move and set up life in |
| You can pick up a decent healthy meal for about | | | | Thailand (outside of our program). Is it because |
| $2.00 in Thailand, and that is in a restaurant. On | | | | their American dollar will go a lot further? Is it |
| the street, you can get a filling bowl of noodles | | | | because they have additional freedoms they are |
| for 50 cents. In California, you are lucky to get a | | | | excited about in a new country? Is it because |
| meal for $5.00 (though Subway helps with their | | | | they can escape the almost forced social |
| $5.00 foot long sandwiches) and 50 cents might | | | | strategy that is pushed in the U.S.? Any of these |
| buy you a candy bar. I also tip a minimum of | | | | might be true, and they are a few reasons that |
| $5.00 in restaurants in the States. A tip like that in | | | | so many foreigners attempt to set up life in |
| Thailand would be outrageous, even 20 Thai Baht | | | | Thailand. Even if it is just for a change of pace |
| is high and that is less than a $1.00 | | | | and a break from the typical norm. Many might |
| 4. Entertainment can be costly, but not in Thailand | | | | head home in a year or two refreshed and ready |
| In Thailand, you can see a movie for about $5.00. | | | | to settle down in their home country. |
| In California, a movie ticket can cost you closer | | | | My last visit I met a man that was to only be in |
| to $10.00. In addition, the quality of movie | | | | Bangkok for a few weeks decide to move and |
| theaters in Thailand is often superior to what you | | | | live there. He was only there to organize |
| find elsewhere. For example, you can choose to | | | | shipments of gems to the U.S. and realized he |
| sit in a reclining mini couch, and choose your seats | | | | could spread his wealth and live like a king as |
| in advance (even pay less depending on where | | | | opposed to just getting by in the States. |
| you want to sit). In the States, if you cannot | | | | One of my students made the comment the first |
| choose your seat in advance you are forced to | | | | week I introduced him to Thailand that he had |
| arrive early to get a good seat and also be | | | | seen enough to know he never wants to come |
| forced to sit through previews and commercials. | | | | back - that same person is now living in Thailand |
| This savings extends to almost every sector of | | | | and has been for more than a year now. It only |
| entertainment, whether you want to rent a | | | | took another week to convince him that his |
| motorcycle, go to a nightclub or ride an elephant, | | | | typical Untied States views of Thailand were way |
| the costs in comparison are outstanding. | | | | off base. |
| 5. Shopping in Thailand | | | | Do students want to live in Thailand? Some might, |
| Although students and adventures may not have | | | | but the point is that for a long-term program to |
| shopping on their mind, it can still be a factor for | | | | be successful, you need to be able to survive in a |
| those that like to buy and why not save some | | | | location long term. As a child, living on a tropical |
| money in the process. Thailand is famous for | | | | island was a dream and a goal. Living on an island |
| getting a great deal on your purchase and has | | | | in Thailand is not as challenging as some might |
| shopping streets all over the country. You can | | | | think. |
| pick up designer jeans for $20 as opposed to | | | | Our program also serves as a stepping-stone for |
| $200 or invest in a work of art. I managed to | | | | introducing students to a new life. I too am able |
| buy gifts for Christmas for everyone in the family | | | | to fully appreciate the good with the bad. As I am |
| in Thailand and spend the same amount (including | | | | from California, I am spoiled with majestic |
| flight, hotel and gifts) as I would have spent just | | | | mountains and National Parks like Yosemite. |
| on the gifts themselves (judging from my normal | | | | However, I have found that I appreciate the |
| spending habits) in California. I also am able to buy | | | | wealth the United States has to offer by living |
| items that are unique and not just another gadget | | | | abroad. |
| to clutter their closets. Many people have made | | | | 13. Freedom to be YOU |
| their short term stay in Thailand into a business | | | | As a U.S. citizen you truly have a lot of freedom, |
| and fund their new lifestyle by purchasing items in | | | | but you will only begin to respect your real |
| Thailand to sell in the States. | | | | freedoms when you travel to a country where |
| 6. Travel in Thailand | | | | you have even more opportunities to do what |
| You can travel from the mountains of Pai (north | | | | you want and how you want to live. In Thailand, |
| of Chiang Mai) all the way south to the islands of | | | | for example, if you want to live in one location for |
| Koh Phi Phi (where they filmed the movie the | | | | a week or months, it is very easy to do so |
| Beach) for about $60. This would cost you in the | | | | without the hassle of paperwork, credit checks |
| hundreds in the States. When I lived in Pai, I would | | | | and other headaches that limit you from actually |
| fly to the city for only $30. The bus ride down | | | | feeling free. Naturally, every country has |
| the mountain is about $5 and takes 2 hours. This | | | | limitations and Thailand has many. However, for |
| travel savings extends to almost every type of | | | | the long-term martial artist or adventurer - |
| travel in Thailand. You can take a taxi anywhere | | | | Thailand has plenty of options to make you smile. |
| you want for about $10 an hour or hop in a tuk | | | | Consider being able to pick up a moped in a |
| tuk for $5.00 and take a scenic route. Students | | | | matter of minutes, or rent a 1 month serviced |
| have rented mopeds for an entire month in Pai | | | | apartment without anything other than your |
| for only $50 or $150 in more expensive locations | | | | passport (and the ability to pay of course). In the |
| like Samui Thailand. If you want to jump on a | | | | States, most houses or apartments that you rent |
| short flight to Cambodia to see the Angkor Wat | | | | (other than outrageously expensive hotels) charge |
| (a wonder of the world) or take a train to | | | | you first month's rent, last month's rent and a |
| Malaysia - no problem, and it won't hurt your | | | | security deposit. Many only charge a security |
| pocket book. I often fly to Singapore from | | | | deposit, but this is usually the same as the rent. |
| Bangkok and it costs me less than it would to fly | | | | In Thailand, there is a lot of flexibility with how |
| from city to city in California. | | | | you decide to use your rental space too. Usually |
| 7. Housing and accommodation in Thailand | | | | you are not charged more if you have more |
| A great thing about Thailand is that you have a | | | | people in your room. This is great for students |
| choice of stay that will meet every budget. In | | | | that are looking to adventure with friends and get |
| California, a typical hotel is $100 per night and for | | | | the best deal. If book a hotel in the States |
| a month at a basic hotel you will pay about | | | | (including Extended Stay Hotels) and add another |
| $3,000 or more. This is usually without Internet, | | | | adult, you will most likely be charged more for the |
| without food and without additional benefits. In | | | | same room and service. If anything, they should |
| Bangkok for example, you can get a one-month | | | | be giving you an additional benefit, such as |
| stay in a great hotel that will include internet, give | | | | breakfast. |
| you a great breakfast buffet (usually for two), | | | | My point is to point out the positive benefits for |
| swimming pools, fitness gym, lounge use and daily | | | | long-term students to choose Thailand as their |
| maid service all for $1,000. Not to mention these | | | | destination for growth. I expect everyone to |
| locations can be found with a small kitchen area - | | | | return home with tales of adventure and |
| much like Extended Stay of America only at half | | | | eventually settle down where they are happy and |
| the cost. Now $1,000 a month may not be cheap | | | | can make a successful life for themselves. |
| to many, but this is for an upscale location. You | | | | However, the truth is that jobs will always be |
| can also stay in a small house for as low as $200 | | | | there and family and friends will be waiting for |
| a month in many locations. I have stayed in a | | | | you to return. Therefore, while you are focused |
| $2,000 a month location on a tropical island and I | | | | on training and personal growth, you might as well |
| have stayed at a $300 a month location on the | | | | get the best adventure and experience that your |
| same island. Both locations were great and no, | | | | money can buy. |
| you do not have to live in the alley to get a great | | | | 14. Self-Power |
| price. | | | | I remember something that I either read or heard |
| All of this is very important to a long-term | | | | from a public speaker more than 20 years ago. |
| student of the martial arts. They often only have | | | | The quote or text was something like this: |
| so much money to spare and they need it to last | | | | If you want to be a success - leave home. |
| them a long time. Students that come to | | | | Thinking about my experiences over the last 20 |
| California programs often run out of money in a | | | | years, I would have to agree that my time away |
| few weeks (going out to town to eat, seeing | | | | from home has taught me some very important |
| movies, buying ridiculously pricey popcorn and | | | | lessons. Thailand has a lot to teach any open |
| hanging out with friends). Whereas in Thailand, | | | | minded individual, but the big lesson is already |
| they can stretch that same money into months | | | | available as the student must leave their country |
| and actually get more entertainment - not to | | | | and embark on a journey. This step alone is a big |
| mention enjoy the splendors of a tropical island or | | | | step for any adult and one that I believe will help |
| globally famous city. | | | | to teach them more about who they are as a |
| 8. Medical care | | | | human being. |
| One time flying to Thailand for another adventure | | | | One of the major differences between our |
| I couldn't help overhearing the couple in front of | | | | martial art system and others label based martial |
| me. They were not together but seated next to | | | | art styles is the fact that we really push |
| each other. One person asked the other why | | | | self-powered training and personal growth. It is |
| they were going to Thailand. His response at first | | | | about creating a lifestyle that you love. |
| startled me. He said he was going to Thailand to | | | | I remember traveling for the first time on the |
| see a dentist as it was just too costly in the | | | | boat to Koh Phi Phi island from Phuket thinking |
| States by comparison. | | | | how great it would be to share this experience |
| I have not seen a dentist in Thailand however I | | | | with students. It reminded me of the feeling |
| do remember a student that had a cavity | | | | Bruce Lee's character might have felt on his island |
| removed for only about 500 baht in a great | | | | trip where he was headed to deal some kung-fu |
| location off of a main Soi in Bangkok. I also | | | | fighting in the film Enter the Dragon. |
| remember visiting the hospital in Chiang Mai and | | | | What about you? Have you ever been to |
| after visiting three doctors for three separate | | | | Thailand? Have you ever dreamed of going to |
| issues (thought I would try to get as much | | | | Thailand? Do you know anyone who had been to |
| covered as possible at the same time) it only | | | | Thailand? Share your experience or thought with |
| cost me about 1000 Thai baht (about $35 U.S. | | | | us! |