AZ Press Release & Pics for Chicago Predator Pro School w/Immonen,Bustamante,Williams

allprobilliards said:
Did anyone do some research on the last Predator school they did to see if the students got their money's worth?

Did the school fill up?

any reviews?

$1150 is not chump change but for guys like Mika and Bustamante it might be worth it if the instruction is good
Click to expand...


Heard that the school did indeed fill up at 20 spots. And also got some pretty sporty reviews. I'm thinking about the dough and coughing it up...its alot but 2 days with Mika, Busty,and Charlie is awfully tempting, and would luv to brag to my league friends.

any past students care to share any insight?
 
PoolGrapevine said:
Heard that the school did indeed fill up at 20 spots. And also got some pretty sporty reviews. I'm thinking about the dough and coughing it up...its alot but 2 days with Mika, Busty,and Charlie is awfully tempting, and would luv to brag to my league friends.

any past students care to share any insight?
Click to expand...

i found this online from a student of past Predator school:

http://poolshooter.blogspot.com/search?q=jax

JAX pool school - what I learned
I have received lots of emails wanting to know what last week's pool school was like, what I learned, etc. So this post will hopefully help to answer some of the questions, and keep other people from asking the same questions. It wouldn't be very efficient to answer all of the emails separately, so I'm going to do it all here. But not all questions will be answered in one post. It's just not possible. This will take some time, lots of it.

For starters, the overall experience was like drinking from a fire hose! The wisdom of four of the top pool geniuses on the planet came at us (20 students) non-stop for about 12 hours a day for 2 days. I brought a video camera and a still camera and a notebook, but found that trying to record, or take notes interfered with the process of trying to learn by doing.

Efren had an interpreter, so the language challenge was always present with his teachings. Both Efren and Bustamante did not have much prepared in advance, so our time with them was spent mostly running racks, and when we got stuck, or wanted advice on how to play a shot, we stopped and they got into it with us.

Thorsten Hohmann was excellent. He showed me a few things I used to improve my stroke considerably, and for that one thing alone, it was worth the price of admission. He also showed us some of the drills he uses to practice, and I'll be putting them into my own practice routine. After all, if he can do it, I can do it, right? I guess I'll find out...

Tony Robles was definitely the most organized in his teaching style because he had prepared handouts with notes, diagrams, etc. He does a lot of teaching, and it shows.

As I had observed before, when I attended the IPT match last month, these professionals look a lot bigger on TV than in person, and it was definitely true here as well. I guess it's that old truism that the camera adds 10+ pounds. But they also look taller on TV, so why is that?

Charlie Williams, the organizer/promoter, was everywhere and handling every detail. And he did a great job. At lunch on the second day, he impressed me with his ability to go around the room and introduce every individual by name, and with a bit of info about each one. This included all of the teachers, of course, and every student, and vendors, the room owner, and more.

It has only been a few days since I got back to San Diego, so most of what happened at school has not really sunk in yet. I haven't yet had the chance to get back into my practice routine. That starts tonight, and this will be the first opportunity to add some of the new drills I learned, and some of the strokes Efren showed me, the break Bustamante showed me, the draw Thorsten showed me, the backhand english Tony Robles showed me...

So stay tuned. I'll get around to it all, but it will take some time.
(top)

Posted at 3:29 PM PermaLink Comments: 1

Monday, May 26, 2008
JAX pool school graduation photo

Class photo, Jacksonville Pool School, May '08
(click the photo for a bigger image)


I just lifted this photo from Thorsten Hohmann's blog. Obviously, he didn't take the photo either because there he is standing slightly behind me to my left. Directly to my left is Francisco Bustamante. Behind me to my right is Tony Robles, to my right is Efren Reyes, and snuggled in to my immediate right-front is Shanelle Loraine.

This is truly "rubbing elbows" with the greats in the pool world. I'm hoping that with all that rubbing, some of their excellence has rubbed off on me...
 
koreandragon said:
Predator Pro Pool School with Immonen, Bustamante, & Williams
February 7-8,2009
Chicago, IL at Palace Billiards


For the first time ever in Chicago and the midwest, Dragon Promotions brings you 2008 Player of the Year Mika Immonen of Finland , Former #1 Francisco Bustamante of Philippines, and Top 5 USA ranked Charlie Williams to the Chicago Predator Pro Pool School. These world class professional players will reveal in depth training methods and secrets of professional pool. Students will get insight on their style and knowledge of play which has inspired countless players hroughout Europe, Asia, the USA and the world of pool! This rare experience will be hosted by Palace Billiards and brought to you by Predator Cues, Simonis Cloth, Brunswick Centennial Balls, and Master Chalk.

Predator Pro School Graduates of Jacksonville FL '08
w/ Reyes, Bustamante, Hohmann, Robles

View attachment 86096


The instructors will cover a myriad of hot topics relevant to professional cue sports today. The pro champions also have had prior experience in teaching players of all levels from beginner to highly advanced levels. Mika Immonen instructed at past Pro Pool Schools in Roanoke VA, Korea, and Norfolk VA. Bustamante made his teaching debut in 2008 in Jacksonville FL, while Williams has taught in VA, Boston, Korea, India, and Florida.

"The Predator Pro Pool School is a program that we really believe in. It plays an important grass roots role that gives players the opportunity to learn from some of the best professionals in the game, first hand. We're proud to be part of an effort that supports the growth of billiards and encourages constant game improvement." explained Tara Walton, Marketing Manager for The Predator Group.

"I've attended almost every school out there and had the honor of taking lessons from many top pros. Out of all of them, PREDATOR PRO POOL SCHOOL WAS THE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" said John Rousseau of Phoenix, AZ.

World 9-Ball and US Open Champion Mika Immonen of Finland was recently announced Player of the Year by Pool & Billiard Magazine, Billiards Digest and Inside Pool Magazine, making him by popular vote the current greatest player in the world. Known as the "The Ice Man" because of his near invulnerable skills and consistent error free match play, Immonen will cover subjects such as Development of a straight stroke,Banking Systems, Jump Shots, Cueball Control & Position playing,European Training Drills, Mental Game & Attitude, One on One Q & A. Mika will also cover modern topics such as Fitness & Health Pool Training. Mika is sponsored by Mezz Cues, Cafe Puro, OTA Enterprises Japan, Brunswick, Billiard Life and Managed by Dragon Promotions.

Mika Immonen teaching in Korea

View attachment 86097


Former #1 Francisco "Django" Bustamante of the Philippines will be making his second appearance teaching in the United States. Bustamante has long been considered one of the world's top four players and perhaps the most feared player in the world. Bustamante's thunderous game has shocked and wowed audiences around the world with his unmatched ,explosive firepower and supernatural breaking power, Bustamante's flamboyantly smooth stroke is world renown. Francisco will cover Breaking, Safety Play,-Kicking systems, Shotmaking & aiming, Drills, Mental Game,One on One Q & A. Francisco is sponsored by Puyat Sports and Bear Cues.

Francisco Bustamante teaching in Jacksonville,FL

View attachment 86094

Former BCA Open Champion Charlie"Korean Dragon" Williams has been consistently ranked in the top 10 in the USA for more than half his pro career. Williams is known by his pro peers to be an astute observer when it comes to helping players and an expert on the mental game. Perhaps from his vast experiences in team play including 4 out of 5 wins for Team USA at the Mosconi Cup and playing vital MVP roles in winning for Team Korea vs Japan and Philippines vs The World in 2008. Williams also coaches billiard stars Shanelle Loraine and Yu Ram Cha, recent winner of the WPBA Most Improved Award. Williams will cover Perfect technique, Stroke Mechanics, Aiming and shot making, Fitness & Health Pool Training, Breaking techniques, Drills, Mental Game, One on One Q & A. Charlie is sponsored by Predator Cues and Dragon Promotions.

Charlie Williams teaching in India

View attachment 86095

"The participants at our schools get hands on training by the best players in the world today, so they get all the modern information and knowledge of what works. Mika and Charlie are great examples of the modern pool player because they incorporate fitness and exercise in their training. The students also really get to know the players on a personal level. Our pro schools offer an experience unlike anything out there." says Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

"It's really an honor to be hosting an event like this with Mika, Bustamante, and Williams. These are world class pros and I know my patrons, as well as people all over Chicago, will appreciate their presence. In an economy like this, programs like The Predator Pro Pool School will help keep pool alive and inspire more long term business for roomowners. " commented Bill Wichmann, Owner of Palace Billiards.

Predator Pro Pool School Tuition

$1150 fee per student To reserve your spot Pay Online at www.dragonpromotions.com and click on the top banner or mail check/money order to
2516 Waukegan Rd Unit 144, Glenview IL 60025
For more info email propoolschool@gmail.com or call Dragon Promotions at 407-782-4978
Please also email us your contact number so we can reach you.

Limited to the first 15 Students. (currently only 12 spots available)
The school will host a maximum of 15 students divided into 3 groups of 5 pupils. The class will take place over 2 days , 7 & 1/2 hours each day plus 1 hour lunch break where students will eat with Mika, Francisco, and Charlie. Total 15 hours of up close and personal coaching from three of the world's premier players. Lunch is already included each day.

There will also be an exhibition by the pros after the first day of class is finished on Feb 7 at 730pm.
On Feb 8, all the graduates from the Predator Pro Pool School will participate in a free entry 9-Ball Tournament with the champion receiving a free Predator Cue.

Students may also try out Predator products during the school at no cost. Predator shafts including Z, Z2, 314, 314 2, The BK Break Cue 2, and the Predator Air Jump Cue. Almost 70% of the world's pros use Predator technology. Any student or fan who would like to purchase , Palace Billiards will be happy to sell you what you desire or place an order for you. Please visit www.predatorcues.com

Thanks for joining this historic event and rare opportunity with Mika Immonen, Francisco Bustamente, and Charlie Williams. It will for sure be a memorable experience to tell your grandkids and friends about now and later.

Palace Billiards will be hosting this monumental event featuring 12,000 square feet with eighteen 9' Brunswick Gold Crowns and six 7' Diamond bar tables. Palace Billiards has had a rich history of hosting major events such as WPBA Pro Tour stops and the recent IPT Pro Am Championships won by non-other than the "Ice Man" Mika Immonen. Address: 160 West Roosevelt Rd. Villa Park, IL 60181. (630 ) 941-3500


Predator Cues, an international billiards industry leader, is a high-performance, professional pool cue producer focused on developing revolutionary technology that enhances performance for billiards players worldwide. Headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Predator Cues is a division of The Predator Group whose core brands also include Poison Billiards and Uni-Loc?. For more information regarding The Predator Group's products, visit www.predatorcues.com, www.poisonbilliards.com, www.uni-loc.com.

View attachment 86098




Meet the Instructors:

Mika Immonen- "The Ice Man" Helsinki, Finland
Sponsord by Mezz Cues, Cafe Puro, OTA enterprizes Japan, Brunswick, Billiard Life
Managed by Dragon Promotions

Titles & Credentials:
2008 Player of the Year Pool & Billiard Magazine, Billiards Digest, Inside Pool
2008 US Open Champion
2008 Mosconi Cup MVP Team Europe
2008 All Japan Champion
Former World 9-Ball Champion

Mika will cover:
- Fitness & Health Pool Training
- Development of a straight stroke
-Banking Systems
-Jump Shots
-Cueball Control & Position playing
- European Training Drills
-Mental Game & Attitude
- One on One Q & A


Francisco "Django" Bustamante - Manila, Philippines
Sponsored and managed by Puyat Sports

Titles & Accomplishments:
- US Pro Tour Champion
-Camel World 8-Ball Open Champion
-Former #1 Ranked & Player of the Year
-World All Around Champion Derby City Classic
-UPA Peninsula Open Champion

Francisco will cover:
- Breaking
-Safety Play
-Kicking systems
-Shotmaking & aiming
-Drills
-Mental Game
-One on One Q & A


Charlie Williams- "The Korean Dragon" Orlando, FL USA
Sponsored by Predator Cues & Dragon Promotions



Titles & Credentials:
- BCA Open Champion
- 4x Mosconi Cup Team USA Champion
-2008 Lucasi Classic 10-Ball Champion
-2008 Korea vs Japan, Team Korea Champion MVP
-2008 Philippines vs World Team, World Team Champion
-2007 Korea Pro Tour Champion


Charlie will cover:
- Perfect technique
-Stroke Mechanics
-Aiming and shot making
-Fitness & Health Pool Training
-Breaking techniques
-Drills
-Mental Game
- One on One Q & A



Thanks for joining this historic event and rare opportunity with Mika Immonen, Francisco Bustamente, and Charlie Williams. Something to tell your grandkids and friends about now and later.

For more info email propoolschool@gmail.com or call Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978
To reserve your spot pay online at www.dragonpromotions.com
Please also email us your contact number so we can reach you.
Click to expand...
CHARLIE, WISH I COULD MAKE IT BUT TIMING MAKES IT IMPOSSIBLE. IF SOMEONE WANTS TO LEARN FROM THE BEST, THIS IS THE CHANCE. I AM STILL BENEFITING FROM THE JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL AND HAVING JUST WATCHED MIKA'S 3 DVD'S, THIS SHOULD BE A GREAT EXPERIENCE. I MIGHT EVEN ADD, YOUR LESSON WAS AN ENLIGHTNING AS I PRACTICE THE DRILL YOU TEACH ON ALIGHNMENT BEFORE EVERY PRACTICE SESSION. TELL "BUSTY", PAPA STILL DOESN'T BREAK LIKE HIM BUT I AM GETTING CLOSER SO ALL 3 OF YOU SHOULD PRAY YOU DON'T DRAW ME AT THE DCC. JOHN ROUSSEAU, PHOENIX, AZ
 
Someone pass the note to Busty that if he goes to SBE, I'll pay him a hundred for a 15-min MAX Q&A session. No lesson required - just have a thing or two I wanna pick his brain about.

I'll probably be done in about 7 mins, honestly.

*waving my c-note* If someone knows Django, let him know. I'll get more out of 15 mins tongue-and-cheek with Django than I would from any lesson.

Dave
 
T said:
Man, $1150 is a lot of money.
Click to expand...


D I T T O
faint.gif
 
apparently there are folks who can afford it, thus thats why they limit to 15 people . I see they do 1 day clinics so that's probably catered to people more on a budget

I know this isnt their first school, anyone know how many Predator has made?
 
So DRAGON, if i convince someone to go against everything they possibly believe in, is there a kickback in it for me?

LOL not like THAT'S ever going to happen.
 
that's nice

Fatboy said:
I turned Charlie all Green, he is a good guy and having the negitive reputation is out of line.
Click to expand...


wow! i didn't know somebody's rep could go from that low to that high that fast and from one person.

very generous fatboy.
 
Fatboy said:
I turned Charlie all Green, he is a good guy and having the negitive reputation is out of line.
Click to expand...

I challenge.
Charlie might be a good guy to YOU, but he has had his fair share of douchebaggedness to many MANY others.

And believe me, the guys he's good to, are guys that can DO something for him, like let him crash at their place, or go out of their way to do things for him like pick him up at the airport, or whatever.

If he's not benefiting from the relationship, he'll move on to someone he CAN use.

Make no mistakes about it.
 
Fatboy said:
I turned Charlie all Green, he is a good guy and having the negitive reputation is out of line.
Click to expand...

I don't even know the guy but I went ahead and topped him off :thumbup:
 
If I had the bread I would take this class in a second. It works out to $75 an hour. Great reviews too. If it comes to Los Angeles, I'll do it.
 
A Cheaper Alternative

atthecat said:
If I had the bread I would take this class in a second. It works out to $75 an hour. Great reviews too. If it comes to Los Angeles, I'll do it.
Click to expand...

This same group of pros will be making another Chicago appearance a few days before this one, and you can participate for much less - $100 a person. Hurry, though... only a few spaces left.

For your $100 you get to play a set with one of them (the best score wins a Predator break cue), attend a "clinic" and generally hang with them for a few hours.

It's at Pressure Billiards in Chicago:

Poison Pressure24k.jpg

pj
chgo
 
allprobilliards said:
i found this online from a student of past Predator school:

...

Both Efren and Bustamante did not have much prepared in advance, so our time with them was spent mostly running racks, and when we got stuck, or wanted advice on how to play a shot, we stopped and they got into it with us.
Click to expand...

That sounds like a pretty bad way to structure the time spent.
 
kano said:
wow! i didn't know somebody's rep could go from that low to that high that fast and from one person.

very generous fatboy.
Click to expand...



And "vice-versa."


Vice-versa
Meaning:
The reverse of the previous statement, with the main items transposed. It derives from Latin, with the translation being 'the other way round' or 'the position being reversed', but is now fully absorbed into English.

It is usually used to imply the complement of a statement without expressing as much in words. For example:

"Fish can't live where we are most comfortable, and vice-versa".


Doug
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top