MEET OUR
RESIDENT INSTRUCTORS

Welcome to The Survival University, where we pride ourselves on providing premier survival training and education. Our team of expert instructors is dedicated to teaching you everything you need to know about surviving and thriving in any situation, from bushcraft to wilderness medicine and emergency preparedness. At The Survival University, we believe that learning survival skills is essential for anyone who spends time in the great outdoors, and our experienced resident instructors are here to help you gain confidence and learn the skills you need to stay safe and comfortable no matter what the wilderness throws your way.

On this page, you'll find information about all of the resident instructors who make up our team here at The Survival University. Each of our instructors brings a unique set of skills and experiences to our program, and we're proud to work with some of the best survival experts from around the country. Whether you're a novice or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, our instructors will help you develop the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the wilderness.

We're passionate about helping our students become better prepared for anything that comes their way, and we take pride in the quality of our instructors and the training we provide. So take a look around, get to know our resident instructors, and learn more about the programs and classes we offer. We're excited to have you join us at The Survival University!

JASON MARSTEINER

Get ready to meet Jason Marsteiner! Not only is he the founder and lead instructor of Colorado Mountain Man Survival and The Survival University, but he's also a celebrated author of the must-have guidebook, "Wilderness Survival Guide - Practical Skills for the Outdoor Adventurer." Jason's extensive knowledge and expertise in all things survival have been honed over decades of experience in the wild, and he's dedicated his life to teaching others the skills and techniques needed to thrive in even the harshest environments. Whether you're a seasoned adventurer looking to up your game, or a complete newbie just starting out, Jason's proven methods and practical insights will help you become a true wilderness warrior. Join us on this epic journey and discover the secrets of survival from one of the best in the business!

AARON (HUTCH) HUTCHINGS

Aaron Hutchings is a true Coloradoan, born and bred. As a seasoned veteran and proud father of four, he has always had a thirst for adventure that began with his grandfather, a bona fide mountain man and hunting guide. From the tales and teachings of his grandfather, Aaron was inspired to explore the great outdoors and seek out thrilling experiences. This passion was further ignited during his time with the Boy Scouts and ultimately turned into an all-consuming inferno during his service in the elite Marine Corps.

RUBEN RODRIGUEZ JR

Ruben, a true Colorado native, has honed his skills through the rigorous 50 Day Advanced Woodsman Program at The Survival University, cementing his place as a resident instructor with the prestigious organization. A true ninja at heart, Ruben has a lifelong passion for Ninjutsu that began at a young age. With his unparalleled expertise, he brings an unbridled enthusiasm for the outdoors to every aspect of his teachings, constantly pushing himself and his students to the limits. Whether he's teaching advanced survival techniques or sharing his knowledge of primitive skills, Ruben's dedication to the craft is second to none.

TANNER MORRISON

Tanner's mission is to lay down a solid foundation of safety and proficiency for hunters, archers, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. He's on a mission to unite the worlds of hunting and primitive skills by sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience. With a sharp eye and a steady hand, Tanner is the guide you need to take your outdoor game to the next level.

JONATHAN COLLIN

Jonathan Collins was born with a natural wanderlust that started in the woods of New Hampshire on fishing trips with his dad. He never lost his love for adventure and went on to explore the world as an infantry soldier in the US Army for 10 years. His thirst for knowledge and skill led him to graduate from prestigious institutions such as US Army infantry school, Airborne school, Air assault school, US Army sniper school, US Special Forces Fieldcraft Sniper training course, and US Army Ranger School. Jonathan is also a certified US Army combative instructor, honing his skills in the art of combat.

JESS CALDWELL

Get ready to immerse yourself in nature with Jess Caldwell, the founder of Wildkind Academy, based in Washington State. With a passion for partnering with nature, Jess offers courses in direct living skills including foraging, fishing, hunting, archery, and wilderness living, and believes in cultivating a greater reverence for our symbiotic relationship with all living things through hands-on experiential learning in the outdoors. As a certified Wilderness Survival Instructor through the TSU 50-day Advanced Woodsman  program and Wilderness First Responder, Jess brings her expertise to the table along with her holistic health coaching certification from the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Jess offers training in health optimization, nature awareness, seasonal connectivity, mindfulness, and resilience training, all with the goal of increased well-being and equanimity of mind. With Jess, you'll learn to thrive in the wilderness while also tapping into the healing power of nature.

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JASON NAUERT

Prepare to be amazed by Jason Nauert, the mastermind behind the Rocky Mountain Institute of Meat. With a passion for the outdoors and a talent for butchering, Jason has dedicated his life to training the best of the best. He teaches military Special Forces across the nation how to skillfully process and cook game in the field, so they can sustain themselves on even the most challenging missions. Get ready to learn from the best in the business and become a true meat master with Jason Nauert.

MATTHEW McFARLAND aka Alaska Matt

Matthew McFarland was born in Anchorage, and raised in a rather remote part of Alaska only reachable by plane or boat, so it's no wonder that he's always loved being out in nature. Growing up in “The Bush”, Matt started fishing with his parents at the age of 2, and was hunting caribou with his father by the age of 4. As he got older, he continued keeping himself entertained with hunting, fishing, lots of books, and many outdoor (mis)adventures, but he didn't begin his formal outdoor education until after his time in the Air Force as a Civil Engineering Structural Craftsman.

SEE OUR GOALS THIS YEAR


JASON, The survival university founder

ALL OF OUR CLASSES ARE VERY MINIMAL LECTURE, NO POWER POINT AND AS MUCH HANDS ON EXPERIENCE AS WE CAN POSSIBLY GIVE YOU.

Survival instructors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and success of outdoor education and adventure programs. These individuals are highly trained and experienced in teaching people of all ages how to survive and thrive in wilderness environments. When it comes to survival skills, experience is the key to a successful outcome, and our survival instructors possess a wealth of experience and knowledge in this field.

One of the most important qualities of a good survival instructor is their ability to impart knowledge and skills in a clear and concise manner. This is especially important when teaching children, as they may not have a lot of prior knowledge or experience with outdoor activities. Our survival instructors are excellent communicators, with the ability to explain complex concepts and techniques in a way that is easy to understand and remember. They are also patient and encouraging, helping students to build their confidence and independence as they learn new skills.

Another important factor in the success of a survival instructor is their hands-on experience in the field. Our instructors have spent countless hours in the wilderness, honing their skills and learning from the environment. They have experience with a variety of survival scenarios, including shelter building, fire starting, water procurement, and navigation. They also have a deep understanding of the different types of wilderness environments, from arid deserts to dense forests, and the unique challenges that each presents.

The skills and experience of a survival instructor go beyond just the basics of survival. They also have advanced knowledge in areas such as wilderness first aid, risk management, and environmental ethics. This means that they are well-equipped to handle any situation that may arise during a survival experience, and can provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make safe, responsible decisions when in the wilderness.

In addition to their technical skills and experience, our survival instructors are also great teachers. They are passionate about the outdoors and are committed to helping others develop a love and appreciation for nature. They understand that learning is a lifelong process and are always seeking new ways to improve their teaching methods and enhance the experience for their students.

Our survival instructors are highly trained and certified by recognized organizations in the field of outdoor education. They have undergone rigorous training programs and have demonstrated their expertise through certification exams and practical assessments. This means that students can have confidence in the quality of instruction and the skills being taught, knowing that our instructors have been held to the highest standards of professionalism and expertise.

The experience and expertise of our survival instructors sets them apart from the rest. They are knowledgeable, skilled, and passionate about outdoor education and the wilderness, and are committed to helping others develop the skills and knowledge necessary to survive and thrive in any outdoor environment. With their combined experience, skills, and training, our survival instructors provide students with the highest level of instruction and a truly unforgettable outdoor experience.

Survival Instructors