Ameiko
02-20-2008, 08:19 PM
Here is the not so long awaited review of the Atlanta boot camp of February 15-17, 2008. Before I continue, I wish to note upfront that Matador and Kosmo are incredible not only as PUA's but also teachers who are kind, patient, and incredibly generous. They gave far more than I expected and went above and beyond what was advertised. They had SO much to give and worked very hard to download all this incredible information into our brains.
The day classes were quite intriguing. As expected, the Venusian Arts model was taken apart and looked into great detail. To have mPUA's to speak on it and answer questions brought a level of understanding and illumination beyond what mere reading could reveal. Have a question? Ask. Still not sure? Matador and Kosmo will explain with patience and skill. Word of warning though: don't tell Kosmo that you are going to "try." He doesn't buy that word. Like Yoda, he believes in do or do not and damn, he's right.
Quite a bit of the camp was Matador's "Way of Being." By creating an attractive identity and becoming it, you become not only more attractive to women but a better person overall. It sounds hokey but seeing men like Matador and Kosmo living will make you believe and it was the single most important lesson that I took from this class. Even if you do not become a PUA, this will make your life a better one.
I could go on for a very long time about the day classes but I would just be using the following words over and over again: informative, incredible, deep, and transformative. Why belabor the point? On to the nightclub training!
I had mixed feelings on the nightclub training and I must take a large amount of responsibility upon my own shoulders. I did not want to approach the first night- I just could not do it. Kosmo, again incredibly patient, just threw me into sets with the advice: say something, say anything. Don't worry about lines- just get past your fear. I opened one set and then another, and then another. Guys, girls, mixed sets, whatever- I didn't game so much as I just interacted and it was helpful. Indeed, by the end of the night I was having some nice conversations, had significantly lower approach anxiety, and was even approached by other who thought I was the club owner because I walk talking to so many people.
On the downside, I did not personally see the instructors demo that much nor did I work directly with them as often as I should have. I attribute this to either mis-communications between the instructors and the students or that I missed critical information since I left prior to the nightclub training to go home and change for the evening. In the future I would strongly advise that all students be given clearer instructions from the staff to maximize their benefits. An example might be to: "stay with your instructor for the first 15-30 minutes and you will watch them demo." After that, determine how the instructor will spend his time with each student- perhaps he will open three sets with one while the other students open other sets.
Obviously the best-laid plans often go astray, particularly in a crowded nightclub. Also, each student will have different needs and those needs may not be apparent until extensive time in the field. Still, stressing to the students that the instructors are there for you and having some type of plan I think would be beneficial. Above all else, let the students know to not hesitate to approach the VA instructors in the field for help as long as they do not interrupt another student's set. I was intimidated to do so at first despite their generous nature. I believe Matador realized the first night I had some problems since he asked me later in the hotel with great concern if I had received enough attention. Unfortunately I had a personal crisis at the time unrelated to the boot camp so I was not able to give him the best answer.
Still, I had an overall solid night. Why? Because I went from unable to approach at a nightclub (I had been approaching in day game) to at least *feeling* like a social butterfly. Heck, I was even giving advice to shy men to go out there and talk to a pretty girl!
The second evening classes I took far greater advantage of instructors and it went well in some respects. Unfortunately, the intensity of the camp took its toll and my energy levels flagged quite a bit towards the end so that I stopped approaching for a while.
Another issue I found was that much of the second night's club was quite loud and many of my sets went awry because I could not communicate as clearly as I would have liked nor could I hear very well. A skilled PUA would overcome this but a beginner will find such a situation more difficult to surmount. I would suggest moving to another venue later in the evening that might be quieter and also keep the place from being sarged out by beginning PUA's who flub their lines a bit… like me!
The last part I am hesitant to write since I do not want it to reflect poorly on Matador or Kosmo who I think the world of. With greatest care, I would note that in most boot camps it may seem obvious to some club goers that *something* is going on. In Atlanta however, between Kosmo's fame (he was recognized quite often) and Matador's sheer presence, quite a few people realized that PUA instruction was occurring. I was approached several times (I was peacocking in a white blazer and black shirt with silver threads) with questions like, "so this is the pick-up show, right? Where are the cameras? How did you get to be on it?" I didn't mention it much to the instructors and I probably should have. I apologize for this.
Obviously, the people at VA are the best when it comes to instructing PUA's and have honed their skills and program to high levels. I would humbly suggest that VA consider using a mix of known and not so well known instructors in the future to lower the profile a bit (at least as low as it can be with sensations like Matador, Mystery, and Kosmo).
As this review winds down, one question to answer is: "Am I glad that I took this class?"
Yes.
It was a transformative experience. Am I some master PUA now? Of course not. That takes time. The camp has helped to open the door but I must walk through it and tread that path. I don't know if I will walk that path- I must let my experiences sink in. I did learn much, partially overcame some deep approach anxiety, ran tight game at times, and accomplished that which before I never thought I could. I also learned another, possibly better way to look at life as I ponder the question: "what do I want to be? What kind of man do I want to become?" I wish I had experience this camp ten years ago. Add in tons of fun and meeting some incredible people and what more could one ask for?
Another question is: "was it worth the 3200 dollar admission price?" That's a little more difficult to answer and ultimately depends on the individual. I have enough resources to say, "yes." Matador and Kosmo are incredible instructors and just gave *so* much. I can not begrudge them in the least.
A few final comments on the instructors, which was posted earlier:
Matador is one cool and collected cat who has his stuff together. Toss him in the middle of a bad situation (car going over a bridge, house on fire, hostage negotiation) and he just projects that he would not be fazed but would be the rock in that situation. His game is so integrated into his self that he doesn't even seem to game- he just is. He doesn't act as a rock star, he IS a rock star.
The solution for oil dependency has been found and it's Kosmos- he's a cool dude like Matador but also full of just an incredible amount of energy. Kind, generous, and isn't fazed by his new celebrity status.
I offered to send Kosmo and Matador first drafts of this review to be fair but they refused in an incredible show of integrity and confidence despite the fact that a bad review could hurt their own livelihood. On Sunday night after class was over, they decided to go out to just have fun and invited the class along. We didn't go out as students and instructors- just friends and I think it was the best night of the class. That didn't stop them from giving me advice however and Kosmo swooped as my wingman to help me game a two-set in what was the best set I had ever in my life. Just vibing with him was incredible- I felt like an equal at that moment and together we gamed like we had been doing it for years.
I would advise students interested in boot camp to keep the following in mind:
1. Remember that your instructors are there for you! Don't be afraid to ask questions, make comments, or ask for help. It's easy to feel OMG, that's Matador! OMG, it's Kosmo! Screw that- they are really open, patient, and giving men. They *want* to help you.
2. Don't give up! I'll be honest- the experience was overwhelming and I actually wanted to bail the first day (not come back after changing) since it was so outside of my comfort zone. Remember to have fun and not worry- the instructors are there to train/help- not judge. You are getting to hang and train with two of the best PUA's in the world and life doesn't get too much better than that.
3. In case the day camp goes long, have some cool clothes with you. I lost some valuable practice time since I had to drive home to change clothing. Freshening up was nice though.
4. Learn and then practice some basic approaches and routines. While the instructors will give you some good basic ones, you still need to be able to deliver them well. Getting blown out of sets for stumbling over the stories is not fun.
5. As advised by the e-mails you receive prior to the bootcamp, make at least five approaches daily prior to the class to work on approach anxiety. I followed that mostly but I still had initial problems and thus I would advise further to make many of these approaches in night clubs to better prepare yourself.
6. This camp will be transforming if you are open to its ideas and work hard. As VA says though: it is not magic. This camp is about seeing how it all works, getting questions answered, seeing the guys demo, and being forced into the field. Practice, practice, practice will be as key for you as it will be for me.
Overall, it was a great experience and, at the Atlanta lair where Matador was gracious enough to speak to us for a few hours, I spoke up to the room (and with little tension thanks to this class) that it was transformative and a worthy experience. I also thanked Matador later for everything, told him that I think he did more good than he realized, and even hugged him! I don't hug guys normally but that was how I felt- he was just incredibly giving.
My last conversation with Matador I think will convey my final thoughts on the camp: Should I continue on the path of the PUA, I entertained the possibility of teaching alongside them one day. I love the job I have but this can help other people and I would be honored to pass that on. No more needs to be said.
Be well all and the best to you.
The day classes were quite intriguing. As expected, the Venusian Arts model was taken apart and looked into great detail. To have mPUA's to speak on it and answer questions brought a level of understanding and illumination beyond what mere reading could reveal. Have a question? Ask. Still not sure? Matador and Kosmo will explain with patience and skill. Word of warning though: don't tell Kosmo that you are going to "try." He doesn't buy that word. Like Yoda, he believes in do or do not and damn, he's right.
Quite a bit of the camp was Matador's "Way of Being." By creating an attractive identity and becoming it, you become not only more attractive to women but a better person overall. It sounds hokey but seeing men like Matador and Kosmo living will make you believe and it was the single most important lesson that I took from this class. Even if you do not become a PUA, this will make your life a better one.
I could go on for a very long time about the day classes but I would just be using the following words over and over again: informative, incredible, deep, and transformative. Why belabor the point? On to the nightclub training!
I had mixed feelings on the nightclub training and I must take a large amount of responsibility upon my own shoulders. I did not want to approach the first night- I just could not do it. Kosmo, again incredibly patient, just threw me into sets with the advice: say something, say anything. Don't worry about lines- just get past your fear. I opened one set and then another, and then another. Guys, girls, mixed sets, whatever- I didn't game so much as I just interacted and it was helpful. Indeed, by the end of the night I was having some nice conversations, had significantly lower approach anxiety, and was even approached by other who thought I was the club owner because I walk talking to so many people.
On the downside, I did not personally see the instructors demo that much nor did I work directly with them as often as I should have. I attribute this to either mis-communications between the instructors and the students or that I missed critical information since I left prior to the nightclub training to go home and change for the evening. In the future I would strongly advise that all students be given clearer instructions from the staff to maximize their benefits. An example might be to: "stay with your instructor for the first 15-30 minutes and you will watch them demo." After that, determine how the instructor will spend his time with each student- perhaps he will open three sets with one while the other students open other sets.
Obviously the best-laid plans often go astray, particularly in a crowded nightclub. Also, each student will have different needs and those needs may not be apparent until extensive time in the field. Still, stressing to the students that the instructors are there for you and having some type of plan I think would be beneficial. Above all else, let the students know to not hesitate to approach the VA instructors in the field for help as long as they do not interrupt another student's set. I was intimidated to do so at first despite their generous nature. I believe Matador realized the first night I had some problems since he asked me later in the hotel with great concern if I had received enough attention. Unfortunately I had a personal crisis at the time unrelated to the boot camp so I was not able to give him the best answer.
Still, I had an overall solid night. Why? Because I went from unable to approach at a nightclub (I had been approaching in day game) to at least *feeling* like a social butterfly. Heck, I was even giving advice to shy men to go out there and talk to a pretty girl!
The second evening classes I took far greater advantage of instructors and it went well in some respects. Unfortunately, the intensity of the camp took its toll and my energy levels flagged quite a bit towards the end so that I stopped approaching for a while.
Another issue I found was that much of the second night's club was quite loud and many of my sets went awry because I could not communicate as clearly as I would have liked nor could I hear very well. A skilled PUA would overcome this but a beginner will find such a situation more difficult to surmount. I would suggest moving to another venue later in the evening that might be quieter and also keep the place from being sarged out by beginning PUA's who flub their lines a bit… like me!
The last part I am hesitant to write since I do not want it to reflect poorly on Matador or Kosmo who I think the world of. With greatest care, I would note that in most boot camps it may seem obvious to some club goers that *something* is going on. In Atlanta however, between Kosmo's fame (he was recognized quite often) and Matador's sheer presence, quite a few people realized that PUA instruction was occurring. I was approached several times (I was peacocking in a white blazer and black shirt with silver threads) with questions like, "so this is the pick-up show, right? Where are the cameras? How did you get to be on it?" I didn't mention it much to the instructors and I probably should have. I apologize for this.
Obviously, the people at VA are the best when it comes to instructing PUA's and have honed their skills and program to high levels. I would humbly suggest that VA consider using a mix of known and not so well known instructors in the future to lower the profile a bit (at least as low as it can be with sensations like Matador, Mystery, and Kosmo).
As this review winds down, one question to answer is: "Am I glad that I took this class?"
Yes.
It was a transformative experience. Am I some master PUA now? Of course not. That takes time. The camp has helped to open the door but I must walk through it and tread that path. I don't know if I will walk that path- I must let my experiences sink in. I did learn much, partially overcame some deep approach anxiety, ran tight game at times, and accomplished that which before I never thought I could. I also learned another, possibly better way to look at life as I ponder the question: "what do I want to be? What kind of man do I want to become?" I wish I had experience this camp ten years ago. Add in tons of fun and meeting some incredible people and what more could one ask for?
Another question is: "was it worth the 3200 dollar admission price?" That's a little more difficult to answer and ultimately depends on the individual. I have enough resources to say, "yes." Matador and Kosmo are incredible instructors and just gave *so* much. I can not begrudge them in the least.
A few final comments on the instructors, which was posted earlier:
Matador is one cool and collected cat who has his stuff together. Toss him in the middle of a bad situation (car going over a bridge, house on fire, hostage negotiation) and he just projects that he would not be fazed but would be the rock in that situation. His game is so integrated into his self that he doesn't even seem to game- he just is. He doesn't act as a rock star, he IS a rock star.
The solution for oil dependency has been found and it's Kosmos- he's a cool dude like Matador but also full of just an incredible amount of energy. Kind, generous, and isn't fazed by his new celebrity status.
I offered to send Kosmo and Matador first drafts of this review to be fair but they refused in an incredible show of integrity and confidence despite the fact that a bad review could hurt their own livelihood. On Sunday night after class was over, they decided to go out to just have fun and invited the class along. We didn't go out as students and instructors- just friends and I think it was the best night of the class. That didn't stop them from giving me advice however and Kosmo swooped as my wingman to help me game a two-set in what was the best set I had ever in my life. Just vibing with him was incredible- I felt like an equal at that moment and together we gamed like we had been doing it for years.
I would advise students interested in boot camp to keep the following in mind:
1. Remember that your instructors are there for you! Don't be afraid to ask questions, make comments, or ask for help. It's easy to feel OMG, that's Matador! OMG, it's Kosmo! Screw that- they are really open, patient, and giving men. They *want* to help you.
2. Don't give up! I'll be honest- the experience was overwhelming and I actually wanted to bail the first day (not come back after changing) since it was so outside of my comfort zone. Remember to have fun and not worry- the instructors are there to train/help- not judge. You are getting to hang and train with two of the best PUA's in the world and life doesn't get too much better than that.
3. In case the day camp goes long, have some cool clothes with you. I lost some valuable practice time since I had to drive home to change clothing. Freshening up was nice though.
4. Learn and then practice some basic approaches and routines. While the instructors will give you some good basic ones, you still need to be able to deliver them well. Getting blown out of sets for stumbling over the stories is not fun.
5. As advised by the e-mails you receive prior to the bootcamp, make at least five approaches daily prior to the class to work on approach anxiety. I followed that mostly but I still had initial problems and thus I would advise further to make many of these approaches in night clubs to better prepare yourself.
6. This camp will be transforming if you are open to its ideas and work hard. As VA says though: it is not magic. This camp is about seeing how it all works, getting questions answered, seeing the guys demo, and being forced into the field. Practice, practice, practice will be as key for you as it will be for me.
Overall, it was a great experience and, at the Atlanta lair where Matador was gracious enough to speak to us for a few hours, I spoke up to the room (and with little tension thanks to this class) that it was transformative and a worthy experience. I also thanked Matador later for everything, told him that I think he did more good than he realized, and even hugged him! I don't hug guys normally but that was how I felt- he was just incredibly giving.
My last conversation with Matador I think will convey my final thoughts on the camp: Should I continue on the path of the PUA, I entertained the possibility of teaching alongside them one day. I love the job I have but this can help other people and I would be honored to pass that on. No more needs to be said.
Be well all and the best to you.