Ajarn Chai came to State College to do his first seminar with CPAMMA in 2009. We had close to nothing after being kicked out of our previous location, due to a switch in ownership. All of our remaining money went to paying our instructors so they could get by, and we were left with a lot of uncertainty.  We were able to find a space, but with no money, had to lease the mats, in addition to paying rent and equipment fees. I was looking for any way to hopefully cover these expenses when I asked Ajarn Chai if he would do a seminar for us. He declined, saying “I am no longer doing seminars.”  I explained the situation we were in, and he agreed to come to State College and do a seminar.  At the end of the seminar, when I gave him his check, he gave it back to me and said, “please put it towards the school.”  I honored his wishes. That seminar ended up being the only one that year.

Ajarn asked how else he could help the school. I told him how much he had already helped by agreeing to do a seminar for us and that the seminar dues, t-shirt sales, etc. were going to be able to pay for the mats we had leased, along with the rent and utilities for the rest of that year.

He said, “Suppose there is anything else I can do for you, you let me know.” I thanked him, and as a token of my gratitude, gave him a few TBA State College t-shirts.

Before leaving that weekend, Ajarn Chai said, “I’m going to wear this shirt to all of my seminars to help with the school.” I didn’t really know what he meant, but over the last 12+ years he has worn TBA State College T-Shirts almost exclusively to all of his seminars and camps. They have become one of our top selling items (especially at seminars) and now I understand that was his motive.

I will forever be indebted to this man and I hold him responsible for providing the financial springboard we needed back in 2009 to “keep going.” He has inspired me to do the same and help others out in every way I can and to encourage them to do the same for generations to come.  Ever since, I have given him ever penny that comes in from his seminars at CPAMMA.  We have hosted the East Coast Instructor Camps for the WTBA at no charge.  The TBA apparel sales have helped us be able to do this.  Thank you for helping support CPAMMA by your purchase of TBA State College Apparel.

~ Ajarn Ryan
Head Instructor