Personal Security and Survival Training Course

In the November 2009 addition of  Outside Magazine, Joe Spring, writes briefly about Ben Sherwood’s book, ” The Survival Club”.  In his bestseller, Sherwood writes, “that in survival situations we all fall into one of three groups.  “The ten percent who lead others to safety, the 80 percent who tend to wait for instructions, or the 10 percent who freak out.”   “The twin enemies of survival are fear and inflexibility,” he says.  “Fear is a demotivator and paralyzing.  Inflexibility means that you don’t adapt to the new reality.”

The number one survival skill

In the same addition of Outside Magazine the question is asked, what’s the number one skill people should learn in case they get lost in the back country?  The answer, “Fire making.”

According to INSI (International News Safety Institute) this year, nine journalists have been killed while on assignment worldwide.

Recommended INSI training for journalist sent overseas into hot spots.  Training should cover personal safety, landmines, pre-deployment issues, first aid skills, and detention and captivity survival.  Training should also include how to make a security plan, how to set up travel and communication protocols with staff in the field as well as how to manage a crisis and report on incidents.

“What other types of training do you think would apply for your personal security and survival at home or abroad?”

Perfect self-defense plan

According to Steve Tripp, an expert in martial arts and a Lifesong instructor,” the perfect self-defense plan would be the plan that works in a real situation all the time. This takes preparation through continuous physical and psychological training.

• Be prepared by training correctly through a proven method of self-defense like Systema
• Develop a relaxed awareness and a calm inner state
• Breathe, all action and thought becomes easier when we keep our breath flowing . (in through the nose and out through the mouth)
• Develop awareness
• Build confidence through continuous training
• Be kind
• Be willing to act. (flight or fight)

Lifesong Wilderness Adventures - a scouts way

This is by no means a complete list of self-defense strategy.  However, there is plenty here to work with.

What about drinking water overseas and what are the risks.

Magellan’s travel supplies, urges customers to use caution with water while traveling – “Undertreated water is a wonderful home for microorganisms such as viruses (polio, hepatitis), bacteria (cholera, salmonella, streptococcus), and parasites (Giardia Lamblia, Cryptosporidium).  Exposure to these organisms can cause serious illness, and in some cases may be fatal.” to right!

Personal Security & Survival Training Course – A Scouts Way

When I studied with Tom brown Jr. a class I really enjoyed immensely was Scout class based on the Apache Scout Warrior philosophy.  So much so, I took every Scout course Tom offered.  All week we suffered through sleep deprivation, practiced open hand, knife, stick, and staff self-defense techniques.  Studied and avoided booby traps.  Studied human psychology, learned to move silently and use natural camouflage.

Some of the best Scouts I know are women, mothers, and schoolteachers.  To the chagrin of many a special ops professional, so ladies, this is a great camp to apply yourselves at the expense of we men.

Games included capture the flag, and a host of other physically and mentally exhaustive scenarios.  Tom always drilled in us, that the Apache Scout was the last to pick up the lance.  (To use physical violence), Tom taught us that the Apache Scout always had a host of other skills at his disposal before resorting to violence.  Moreover, this is our philosophy as well.

What you will learn.

You will want to be in good physical condition for this hardcore outdoor camp.  We will be camping out and conditions, like all our camps, are primitive. You will learn self-defense techniques using open hand, rubber knife, short sticks, and staff.

You will learn to work as a team with your other students, while avoiding other teams that are operating in the same area.  An important part of camp will be developing your awareness to react to what is happening around you, how to function under stress, breathing techniques, blending in with natural camouflage.
In addition, emergency shelter, fire making, and water purification is covered.

You can learn more about our Personal Security and Survival Training course here.