Personal Growth
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.
Watch clip answer (00:11m)NBC News
00:19 - 00:30
How does the Modern Day Knights (MDK) program compare to traditional therapy?
According to therapist Dr. George James, programs like MDK offer benefits for men's personal growth, but they should not be considered a replacement for actual therapeutic treatment. While the program creates challenging experiences similar to ultra marathons or tough mudder races that may promote personal transformation, these intense boot camp-style approaches have limitations. The program provides physical and emotional challenges that might help participants process trauma, but mental health professionals have mixed reviews on such extreme approaches to healing and redefining masculinity.
Watch clip answer (00:13m)NBC News
03:09 - 03:23
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.
Watch clip answer (00:17m)NBC News
01:01 - 01:18
What is the purpose and structure of the modern day Knights program?
The Knights program is designed with a deeper purpose beyond just suffering. It begins with a chaotic and intense phase where participants engage in physical confrontation, but quickly transitions to emotional connection where men are hugging and crying together. This intentional journey from chaos to vulnerability helps participants process past trauma and abuse. According to Instructor Steve Eckert, many attendees share common backgrounds of abuse and are searching for direction in their lives. The program creates a transformative environment where men can confront their past, redefine their understanding of masculinity, and develop deeper connections with others, ultimately becoming better leaders, fathers, and friends.
Watch clip answer (00:22m)NBC News
00:38 - 01:00