The words "primitive" and "survival" often have many negative associations I would like to clarify my personal definitions. Primitive in many cases is linked to something that functions poorly and is crude. For me primitive survival techniques are simple, highly effective ancient skills that are derived from any indigenous culture in the world. They have the ability to save and support lives and can be made and applied using no man made tools or modern means. Since most of these skills have remained effective for as long as man has existed, I believe that they are fine tuned sophisticated arts and sciences.

The word "survival" is often linked to struggle, suffering and toughness. I personally believe it means to live, flourish and belong. I like to encourage people to clear their minds of big knives, guns, and Rambo. This mentality is one of macho resistance and struggle. Indigenous people have lived for thousands of years close to the land and I believe that most of them flourish and have a greater sense of independence and belonging than any Rambo figure.

Many people over the years have said "Oh you teach Indian Skills." Well it depends on how you look at it. Indeed many of the skills were and still are used by Native American tribes however I have not been trained in any specific tradition so the skills that I teach are "indigenous" or "earth" skills. They are universal and not specific to one tribe or region. When they are practiced and combined correctly they can enable one to live and flourish in the wilderness indefinitely, much like our ancient ancestors.