I would love to take part in a 3 or 4 day, multi-year-long, intensive program some day. For those who have not yet, who are you considering and why? And for those who are dedicated students, how did you choose who to study under?
Some people I'm considering (understanding that the wait list on these might make them unfeasible):
- Boon Manakitivipart
- Ryan Neil
- Bjorn Bjorholm
- Michael Hagedorn
Is there anyone else worth considering? Right now I think Bjorn is at the top of my list, mostly because Nashville is the closest of the 4 locations to MN and it makes the idea of driving with a tree seem more do-able.
Teaching style and program structure are also important characteristics to consider. I agree that access is important and to a certain extent the manner in which you would prefer to learn. Having said that, I chose to travel extensively rather than select one of the professionals nearer. With experience taking intensives from several I feel the knowledge, experience and teaching style of the chosen professional is the most important aspect. How do they relate with the student and the group?
Working with the instructors tree's is an important aspect, they have a range of development as well as a level of quality that your own trees cannot match. The skills and techniques learned are transferable to other species so I do not feel staying in one's locale is that important.
I do think the economics should be considered if choosing one would limit the amount of training you could afford to take part in.
Top professionals may not necessarily be the best teachers so talk personally with those who have actually worked with the individuals you are considering. Be prepared to adjust your expectations regardless of who you choose.
I would not assume that because a professional at one time worked with or studied with another professional that there approach, techniques and style will mirror the other! Most professionals learn and grow every day with interactions spanning a wide range of other professionals in their field of specialty as well as others.
I believe there are many others in North America that are worth considering at this point in time! names on my list to spend time with when the opportunity presents itself include but not limited to; Jonas Dupuich, Peter Tea, David De Groot, Tyler Sherrad, Bjorn Bjorholm.
I have taken intensives with Michael Hagedorn and can recommend him. A unique feature with Michael is the small group strategy that he prefers. Fewer students in a group.
I have completed the intensive program with Boon Manakitivipart, and will return to continue working with him in the near future. Boon's location was a 16 1/2 hour drive ( one way). If I wished to sum up the strength of Boon's program I would describe it this way. Where else can one find yourself in the middle of Bonsai professionals who have chosen to attend the same classes from the teacher you chose? It was, and is, not uncommon to have several visiting professionals join in on the intensives or show preparation along with Boon's regular students. I think that speaks volumes. others can share their experiences as many of his students and graduates contribute to this forum.