February 22, 2008 by Blitz
Filed under Program Reviews
Just wanted to comment on the DC Bootcamp. I am Married…..I have been interested in the community ever since I read the game a couple of years ago. I went with my Bro who is recently divorced mainly to wing with him and learn how to apply the social dynamics of the community to business. Anyone who thinks they have game has got to go to a bootcamp…..you will learn to push yourself in ways you never knew. I guarantee that if you think you are already well versed on the art of the pickup these guys will blow you away with their knowledge and confidence. Mystery was a machine….great guy, very friendly, passionate, and knows exactly what he is doing. Hawaii was a strong instructor…….knows his stuff and has great confidence in his game. I couldn’t think of a better way to spend my money than to take one of the boot camps. It will give you confidence and the ability to talk to almost anyone even if you aren’t using it to pick up ladies.
Kudos also to Joe D., Knack, Lovedrop, and of course the man himself Mystery
February 22, 2008 by Blitz
Filed under Program Reviews
For anyone that hasn’t taken a bootcamp, and feels like they have a pretty decent understanding of what they’re doing…Take a bootcamp!
The DC boot camp was awesome. I had to miss a little since I got sick, but the individual attention and customer satisfaction were amazing. I also learned a ton about what I was doing wrong, and corrected many of my previous problems and misconceptions pretty quickly.
The key to a good bootcamp experience is to know as much as possible before hand. The instructors will help you with whatever your weaknesses are and if you spend some time reading and in the field before, you can work on the more advanced issues.
Hawaii/Lovedrop/Mystery/Kerr/Joe D were the primary instructors at my camp, and they were all awesome. I originally signed up just because Mystery was coming, and while he was awesome to see work in person (and his attention to detail in watching students was incredible) I was really impressed by the other people that worked there. All in all it was a great weekend and a life changing/game changing moment for me.
February 21, 2008 by Blitz
Filed under Program Reviews
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.
February 15, 2008 by Blitz
Filed under News & Events
Matador offers Elis pick-up tips
Dressed in tight leather pants, patterned vest and a V-neck muscle shirt, Matador, of VH1’s “The Pick-Up Artist,” cut an intimidating figure Wednesday night in Sheffield-Sterling-Strathcona Hall.
As part of the latest event in the Sex Week at Yale series, Matador spoke to a packed audience for 90 minutes, revealing tips and tricks from his unusual trade: seduction. Mystery, the creator of the VH1 program, could not attend because of illness.
“The Pick-Up Artist” is a reality television program pitting eight socially tactless men against each other in a quest to become the “Master Pick-Up Artist.” Mystery and his “faithful wingmen,” Matador and J Dog, educate and evaluate the competitors.
Offering a brief summary of the pick-up routine known as the Mystery Method, Matador led his audience through the three major steps: attraction, comfort and seduction. He began his talk with a lengthy discussion of his past, regaling the audience with a litany of awkward personal encounters.
“I got girls, but not ‘quality women,’” Matador told the crowd.
This and several other moments were punctuated by laughter from the audience. Speaking in bits of pick-up jargon like “cutting a thread” — stopping conversation — and “stacking forward” — redoubling efforts — Matador continued, detailing the proper way to approach a girl.
Adopting an over-the-shoulder body stance, the pick-up artist explained, “I’m not so invested in the conversation, and I’m willing to walk away. That should suppress any discomfort she might experience right off the bat.”
Matador described the “tribal” existence of some places in Africa in order to convey the “way in which we used to live.” The social roles of prehistoric men and women heavily influence the way people approach sexual interactions today, he explained, and primal instincts continue to affect how we behave.
Outlining how to work a “cold approach,” in which men seek out women in nightclub environments, Matador emphasized a man’s need to assert himself as a leader and protector. Working off of pre-formed material can be helpful, he added.
“If you do these things, and you systematically hit these objectives, it is scarily consistent how well you can guide interactions any way you want to go,” Matador said.
After the “attraction” stage, Matador moved on to the “comfort” stage. As the most time-intensive part of the Mystery Method, this step involves developing a rapport with the “target” in order to gain her trust, Matador said. He recommended cultivating a body of knowledge that lends itself to good conversation.
“You know when you have a good conversation?” asked Matador. “It’s a harmonious free flow of information.”
Finally, Matador spoke about seduction — specifically, the arousal process. Women cannot be talked into sex, he said, especially as an act that is just as much about giving as receiving. He emphasized the need to ensure that sex takes place somewhere that is clean and comfortable and has a well-stocked refrigerator.
“You want to make sure your place is sex-worthy,” he said.
While at least a third of the audience left before the end of Matador’s presentation, student reaction among those who remained was fairly positive.
When asked whether she found the pick-up techniques offensive because of the attitude toward women they might seem to suggest, Victoria Wild ’08 responded, “No, not at all. I thought it was pretty hysterical.”
In general, students interviewed said they found the talk more entertaining than instructive.
“I actually came more for the guys’ reaction in the audience than anything,” Sofia Medina ’09 said. “I feel like a lot of the guys here maybe need to learn just how to use the respect aspect of it.”
Other students noted that, beneath its sensational exterior, the Method possessed a certain practical value. Techniques could easily be adapted for social networking and interview situations, they said.
“He definitely had some good points,” Wild said.
But Rosa Li ’09, who led the Yale Precision Marching Band in storming SSS, playing Akon and Bon Jovi, before Matador’s presentation began, disagreed. While formalized seduction methods are helpful for men who have trouble approaching girls, she acknowledged, “the idea of having a scripted way to get a girl into bed” is in poor taste.
Other Sex Week at Yale events on the schedule include a lingerie fashion show hosted by AIDS research and awareness groups, along with the Great Porn Debate featuring Ron Jeremy, Vivid Girl Monique Alexander, Craig Gross and Donnie Pauling.
Excerpted from yaledailynews.com, read original article HERE
February 14, 2008 by Blitz
Filed under News & Events
Venusian Arts on Facebook
Follow Mystery on Twitter
Follow Discovery on Facebook