The wilderness doesn’t care what you know-

it reveals what you don’t.

 

I’m Jon Helleson, founder, owner and lead instructor of Southwest Survival.

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My mission is simple: help people build confidence, skills, and a connection to the natural world.

 

My Background

In 1994, I started teaching edible & medicinal plants & survival courses for Pima Community College in Tucson, Arizona.

I've enjoyed sharing outdoor skills to colleges, public & privated groups and military teams for over 30 years now. I have been a public school educator for 25 years, and a self-defense instructor for 9 years at Northern Arizona University. I certainly enjoy teaching!

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I’ve trained extensively in wilderness survival, edible & medicinal plants, primitive skills, tactical training and backcountry first aid, and have put those skills to the test —especially here in the diverse, and unforgiving landscapes of the Southwest.

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Why Southwest Survival Exists

Modern life has disconnected us from nature- Southwest Survival exists to change that.

This isn’t just about survival, it goes beyond the skills.

It’s about reconnecting—to the land, to yourself, and to something deeper that most people have lost.

When you strip things down to the basics, something changes.

You start to think differently and your values begin to shift as well.

That’s what I want people to walk away with.

 

My Approach to Training

You won’t find fluff here.

Every course is built around practical, usable skills that work in the real world. We focus on:

• Hands-on learning, not lectures

• Simple, effective techniques over complicated systems

• Traditional skills combined with modern efficiency

• Building confidence through experience

From beginners learning the essentials to advanced students traveling with just a knife, each course is designed to challenge you—and prove what you’re capable of.

 

What I Believe

• You are more capable than you think

• Skills weigh nothing—but they can save your life

• The wilderness isn’t something to fear—it’s something to understand

• Confidence comes from doing, not watching

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Join Me Out There

Whether you're just starting out or ready to push your limits, I invite you to step into the wild and see what you're capable of.

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– Jon Helleson
Founder, Southwest Survival

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