Modern Day Knights Program
What is the modern day Knights program teaching men about masculinity?
The modern day Knights program teaches men to be "civilized savage servants." This philosophy encourages men to be civilized individuals who demonstrate courtesy and respect by opening doors, saying please and thank you in their daily interactions with others. At the same time, the program emphasizes the importance of accessing one's inner savage - the ability to be fierce and strong when circumstances require protection. The balance between civility and protective strength is complemented by a servant mindset, creating a holistic approach to modern masculinity that combines respect, strength, and service to others.
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NBC News
01:31 - 01:45
What is the Modern Day Knights Project and what does it promise?
The Modern Day Knights Project is an exclusive three-day program costing $18,000 that promises personal transformation for male participants. The project makes a commitment to men that they will experience significant personal growth through its intensive boot camp structure. Specifically, participants are promised they will emerge as better friends, better fathers, and better leaders through the challenges and experiences offered during the program. This transformation-focused initiative aims to help men reclaim their edge and redefine their sense of masculinity in the modern world.
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00:19 - 00:30
What is the philosophy behind the Modern Day Knights program?
The Modern Day Knights program operates on the principle that personal growth comes through confronting discomfort and suffering. As entrepreneur Michael Chernow explains, "Some people have to walk through the fire to know that a burn is not going to kill you." This three-day boot camp emphasizes that meaningful transformation occurs when men face their fears directly rather than avoiding them. The program's philosophy combines physical challenges with emotional vulnerability, teaching participants that actions speak louder than words. By embracing difficult experiences, men learn resilience and develop stronger emotional foundations that help them build better relationships and redefine modern masculinity.
Watch clip answer (00:10m)NBC News
03:33 - 03:43
What controversy surrounds the Knights project since its inception?
The Knights project, a men's boot camp started in 2019, has generated significant online attention and controversy regarding its purpose. While the program has conducted 20 sessions since its inception, it faced serious scrutiny after a tragic incident in June 2020 when a participant died during a session. This led to a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the participant's family, who alleged that the organization failed to provide necessary medical care during the program. The controversy reflects broader questions about the balance between personal transformation and participant safety in such intense experiential programs.
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01:01 - 01:18
What is Michael Chernow's approach to personal growth and how does it relate to his past trauma?
Michael Chernow embraces a warrior mindset, intentionally running toward difficult challenges as opportunities for growth. When facing hard situations, he finds himself in a vulnerable state that allows for deeper introspection and personal development. This approach is partly rooted in his history of having a violent, abusive relationship with his father, which motivated him to seek father figures elsewhere. Despite his successful life as a businessman with a decades-long marriage and two children, Chernow participated in the Modern Day Knights program in 2022 as a physical challenge to address unresolved trauma and continue his journey of personal transformation.
Watch clip answer (00:41m)NBC News
01:54 - 02:35