Thank you for another sold out year of the 2011 Yamabushi program. The next Yamabushi will start in March 2012 - the application deadline is February 10, 2012.

Yamabushi (山伏) - Forest warrior monk.

The Yamabushi were ancient holy people from pre-recorded history who sought enlightenment through asceticism in the mountains. They were known for their shamanic powers of healing by the laying on of hands and the use of plants. The Yamabushi achieved deep philosophical knowledge and super natural powers through the study of self and nature. They had a fierce reputation for extreme feats of endurance and were respected for their arduous lifestyle, martial techniques, and in-depth mastery in the use of such weapons as the bow and arrow and the lance.
The PAST Skills Yamabushi Residency Program is a six month long course. Class will be taught three days a week from 9:00am to 6:00pm, for three weeks a month, with multiple longer trips a field during the program. The program will be based in Bozeman, Mt for most class time, but will include trips to other locations and states. All courses, lectures, and field trips, will be taught exclusively by Bill McConnell with the occasional visiting expert from certain fields of study. We are blessed to be close personal friends with some of the finest practitioners of primitive skills on the planet and we will be inviting in special guests from time to time.

The PAST Skills Yamabushi Residency Program will be experience oriented, and very hands-on and in-depth. In other words, you will learn a skill and then go out and use that skill. The sacred arts of philosophy, awareness, survival, and tracking, will be focused on and lived for six months. There is too much book knowledge and not enough experience out there, so if you are a dedicated individual who wants to live these skills, not just study them, then this is the program for you.

The bottom line is we want you to use what you have learned, to feed yourself, clothe yourself, warm yourself, and enlighten yourself with past skills.

Additional Information:

  • Enrollment: Limited to 15 students
  • Eligibility: You do not have to be an expert at these skills to apply, the only required prerequisite is PAST Skills I, or comparable course
  • Dates: Course runs March - August
  • Course Cost: $6,500 ($2,000 deposit due upon acceptance into the program)
  • Lodging: Each student is responsible for finding and providing their own lodging during the six months of the program.

Application Procedure:

  • Click Here to download an application or call (406)-570-0520 to receive a copy in the mail.
  • Applications will be reviewed as they are received.
  • Please include a recent photo with your application.
  • Applicants will be promptly notified so lucky applicants can start planning their stay in Montana.
  • Application Deadline: Nov 1st

** Please feel free to call or email us with any questions regarding the program, course content, or housing.