Asian Playboy Bootcamp Is NOT a Scam! (Toronto, May 2010)

Last weekend, I took the ABC Bootcamp in Toronto led by JT, Kevin, Tommy and Sarah.

In reading many of the reviews here of ABC Bootcamps, everyone seems to say the same sort of thing.
- “If you’re on the fence, take the bootcamp.”
- “JT really knows what he’s talking about.”
- “It was an amazing weekend and I learned more in one weekend than in many years before that.”
- “The ABC guys pushed me to do things I’ve never done before.”
- Etc.

There’s a reason these kinds of statements are repeated over and over again. IT’S ALL TRUE! My experience was no exception.

The reason that an ABC bootcamp is popular with Asians is clearly because JT is Asian and of course, it is so empowering to see him charm the pants off women right, left and center (sometimes figuratively, sometimes literally). And you think to yourself, “If he can do it, I can too.” During my bootcamp, JT was pretty busy running point for our table so I didn’t get to see him in set that much. But I got something even better. I got to watch Tommy and Kevin. Why is this better? Because JT has been doing this much longer and even lived at Project Hollywood for a time if I'm not mistaken. Tommy started off as a student and in a few short years has developed some very tight game. Kevin is a guy who after being on national television, didn’t throw in the towel and instead worked even harder. And there’s no reason why my game can’t be that good with some time and hard work.

And that’s what so great about the ABC instructors. These guys aren’t naturals. They are people who developed their game through working their butts off. They know where you’re coming from because they were once you. And their program takes this into account. I imagine I could learn something from a Caucasian instructor or someone who is a natural, but I can learn a lot more from an Asian instructor who has had to deal with the same issues as me.

Sarah is a fantastic wing woman who gives great feedback. I feel very lucky to have had a Bootcamp with a wing woman as nice and kind-hearted as Sarah.

Overall, I had a fantastic weekend, due in large part, because the ABC crew are very professional. The feedback was always dead on and while they are honest, they also give the feedback in a way that is sensitive to the individual. Also, there are no snake oil salesmen here. I’ve heard of other companies that tell you after the Bootcamp that you need to take another one. They figure if someone can afford one Bootcamp, they can afford more stuff. However, during the weekend, JT did not once try to up-sell me on anything. He didn’t try to sell me more Bootcamps, or phone coaching, or CDs, DVDs, e-books or anything like that. I think I could actually benefit from some of those things, but I know I have to go through my own beginner’s hell first, see what's working, what's not and then readjust accordingly.

On the second night, at one of the nicest clubs in Toronto where the beautiful people definitely were, I managed to pull a gorgeous brunette who was taller me, back to the table using an opener I never thought would actually work. Later, I said to JT, I tried the ‘you are tall and gorgeous’ opener and I can’t believe it worked. He just laughed at me that I ever had any doubt. But… I ran out of material while talking to her and it was my fault. Next time I won’t because I’ll have all of my stories ready to go. But, it did open my eyes to the world of possibilities that await me. My advice to those about to take bootcamps in the future is to HAVE YOUR STORIES READY.

I have just one minor piece of constructive criticism about the Bootcamp. The workbook needs to be synced up with the powerpoint slides. There’s no reason I should be copying down slides with a pen and paper. It should just be included in the workbook or given as a handout.

There is one thing I disagree with JT on. He says you should spend 6 months on indirect game, then 6 months on direct, then 6 months on a mix of direct/indirect and then 6 months on lifestyle. Personally, I think your lifestyle (or rather, just think of it as bettering your life) should be an ongoing process that stops only when you die. One should always be trying to improve, whether it be career, health, activities, relationships, etc. I guess that kind of explains why my user name is Kaizen which is Japanese for 'change for the better' (although I'm not Japanese).

I know what I need to do now and I just have to go do it. My only regret about the Bootcamp is that I wish I had taken it three years ago!

Thanks for the kind review!! You make me blush! I hope you continue growing and learning.

I think JT just gives those 6 month time lines for those who are a little lost as to what to do after the bootcamp is over. You are absolutely correct in saying that your game and lifestyle are a constant work in progress. Congratulations on finally taking that big step! Only good things are ahead!!

<3 Sarah

Yeah! Your lifestyle only stops when you die. Good one! So get your ass off playing Starcraft 2, do some salsa dancing and slowly whisper into her ear: "Espero que supieras cuanto te quiero" (I wish you knew how much I like you in cuban)

I know your comment wasn't directed at me personally, but I have never in my life played Starcraft, Warcraft, or anything else like that.

However, I think there's nothing wrong with anyone who does play these games. Just don't let it be the only thing you do or use it as a substitute for real social interaction. Everything is fine in moderation. Even too much Salsa can be bad.

I absolutely agree…The individuals that run the boot camp do care…And the constructive criticisms were bull’s eye with no fluff or puffs…. I have to admit that feedbacks I received have instantly improved my conversation with women….
Don M…

Hey Kaizen, thanks for the great review! With respect to further training, without sounding like a salesman, we have alumni discounts (25% off!) on any future programs or you can take the long term apprenticeship program like LK and DQ are doing. Let us know when you need the extra push to get out of Beginner's Hell. Other students have expressed interest in taking future Canadian bootcamps as well as the Apprenticeships:
http://abcvancouver2010certified-a.eventbrite.com/
http://abctoronto2010certified-a.eventbrite.com/
http://abcapprentice.eventbrite.com/

In answer to the issue about the slides and workbook, while I understand your issue, at no point- now or in the future- will the workbook replace the slides. Ever.

It's called a workbook for reason. It's intended to SUPPLEMENT the lecture, not replace it. The reason for this is intentional.

People learn in different ways. Some people learn by DOING. Which is why we have drills, role playing exercises, and practice sessions. Some people learn by SEEING. Which is why we have slides, charts, and video and obviously the live sarging demonstrations out in the field. Some people learn by LISTENING. Which is why we have the lecture with stories, both our failures and our successes. And some people learn by WRITING. Which is why we do expect you to take some notes and write things down as it REINFORCES the concepts and principles in your mind. Obviously, we put any kind of long lists into the workbook to avoid excessive note taking, but we intentionally want you to write because the act of writing is a learning device that makes the concept more permanent in your mind.

Keep it up and I hope to personally read your future field reports!

Hey APB, as a business school graduate, I certainly do not in any way begrudge anyone the ability to make money. I'm just appreciative of the fact that *during* the bootcamp, when students are particularly vulnerable, that you don't go in with a hard sell. I think further training is totally useful and necessary in many cases and making people aware of the options *after* the bootcamp makes total sense.

And I echo Don B's sentiment that the bootcamp left no doubt in my mind that the instructors do indeed care about your development.

As far as the workbook goes, in my opinion, the writing down of what is on a slide verbatim doesn't seem to be a good use of time. I totally understand where you're coming from though. Allow me to suggest some exercises where the student is required to complete some fill in the blanks. That way, the student is required to think and the writing down of the answer is an act of reinforcement. I just think copying things down word for word isn't an effective teaching technique since nothing cognitive is happening in your brain when you're doing it. The student is just copying down some words he doesn't yet understand.