Tom Brown

nemoaz said:
What, Skam? You doubt the Grand High Shaman of Tracking?

I respect what he has done on some levels. Long before Survivorman and Idiot vs. Wild, he was bringing awareness to the general public.

I find it interesting that as much as he self-markets, I've yet to see any coverage of a SAR find or apprehended fugitive. Never seen coverage of the famous TBjr at a fugitive op or SAR event.

I've also been around the best trackers from the two agencies known for producing the premier professional trackers, and no one else claims to be able to determine what the subject ate or his mood just by looking at the "pressure releases" in the foot sign. Color me skeptical.
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Agreed 100%

Now where is that calendar must write that down haha LMAO:D

He's the king of self promotion and BS of the highest order. Him and Bear should start their own show together.

We thought about sending SAR types down to get tracker trained by him but I talked them out of it.

SKam
 
"No one I've met who has taken a class has regretted it."

I have, many times

" No one I've met who has taken a class agrees with everything he says nor thinks he's perfect. "

Some I have met have. THere is a definite personality cult there, and that is what makes some people uncomfortable. That and the fact he seems to be a compulsive liar.
 
Most people who go to his classes learn a lot, therefore no regret. However, most of the people who attend his classes know no better as that is the only outdoor classes they have attended. Spend time learning from others and I believe you will cash that reality check from the Tracker school.
 
I have taken several of the Tracker school courses, and do not regret it. Cost has been comparable to other week long seminars, and although seemingly high, about average. The "philosophy" courses at least at the lower levels seem mostly as outdoor versions of pop psychology like "EST" and "NLP" ( neural linguistic programming ) and with other mind execises throwm in. I do think there is value in so far as the experiences can teach you to think outside the box and be able to put a different perspective on survival situations and outdoor living, but it is not really an absolute neccessity. Certainly I have seen Tom and the instructors say one thing and do another, many times over.

The basic practical courses are very good, I have taken courses at other schools and learned much more at the tom brown school. Over the years, the long time instructors have become more arrogant, and jaded, but they do teach what they say they will. I have noticed that generally, the couses are very simular to the books, and in fact, you could write most of your lecture notes along side the subject on the margines of the pages.

I don't care what Mr. Browns credibility or history is. I learned from his courses, am not blinded by the smoke and mirrors, and mostly enjoyed the experiences.
 
It has been said that he could track a mouse across swept concrete.

I'm sending Sam and Dean from Supernatural to check him out. :D
 
If a person doesn’t think they can track across concrete all they have to do is the following:

1. Get a flash light
2. Walk into your garage
3. Turn off the main light in the garage
4. Turn on your flashlight
5. Get down on your hands and knees
6. Angle the flash light at an extreme angle
7. Place your head close to the ground with your eyes OPEN
8. Track away...You might not see mouse tracks at first. But I guarantee you will see your own tracks. If you want to make it harder, have your dog or cat walk through and track them.

It is just that easy. Try it for yourself before you decide to be a critic.
 
He's not sh*tting you.

When you move across a surface like concrete, if the surface is smooth, you will leave dull marks. If the surface is rougher, it gets harder, but if you look carefully, you can see it.

I don't know about tracking mice, but I managed to identify fox tracks on moss for about 20 yards....

The Tracker school has it's morale problems, but most of what they're teaching works.
 
"Nut job who charges obscene money for classes he does not even teach?"

Nut job is subjective. Personally, I think he can be a little arrogant but he is knowledgeable in the subject of survival and primitive living. His instructors are very good. No he doesnt teach all the lessons. But he did teach the tracking lesson and the awareness lesson when I was there. As for obscene money for classes. Move to New Jersey first then tell me if the price is obscene. Obscene.. What bill gates makes is obscene. What a NJ doctor charges you and your insurance for waiting 3 hours to see him for a 5 minute exam is obscene dude! Just a litlle about the cost of living in this state. Last weekend I went to Six Flags Great adventures amusement park (admission & meals) in NJ cost me about $350 bucks. One night!

So 850 bucks for a week of training all meals included is not bad. I was satisfied with the instruction and supervision I received.

In regards to other instructors doing it for a lower price. Im sure that there are other great instructor for a lower price but I dont know of any other survival school in NJ where I can receive it for a lower price. If you do let me know.

The school makes money. My class had about 125 students so you do the math. Im not mad at him for that. I personally think his price is reasonable. The bottom line is that if people think he is a rip off then they will look elsewhere.

Do I think people should only attend his school.. absolutely not. As a matter of fact, I will be attending either the Maine school of primitive living or Boulder School next year. I do plan to take other courses at the tracker school but first i want to see what others are teaching and how they are teaching it.
 
I have all of Tom Brown's early survival books and they are very good. It seems the more recent ones are a mix of new age and traditional pseudo Indian spiritualism. Naturalistic healing, being one with Mother Earth and all sorts of BS. I have never taken any of his classes and probably would find them very helpful for practical knowledge. As for the spiritual mumbo-jumbo classes,forget it. I believe we should respect the earth and its creatures but I am not about to become a Druid and worship trees. I think he has bought into his own "legend" and should quit promoting himself that way. It takes away from his real abilities and all the good he has done in promoting wilderness skills.
 
If you like a good story around the campfire within calling distance of 911 it seems he is OK. If your talking going into extreme environments with a little bag of magic power or some kind of spiritual power that can be paid for with money, forget about it. Simple is much more important than magic when it comes to the outdoors, but if you want to sell books and make money Harry Potter is the name of that game.

There ain't that many people willing to pay you to tell them that salt is key to survival above freezing and alcohol is the most important thing below 0.

Maybe some local experts can make something of that statement:)
 
"I don't care what Mr. Browns credibility or history is. I learned from his courses, am not blinded by the smoke and mirrors, and mostly enjoyed the experiences."

Hey, pay me 800 bucks and I will teach you about levitation and other Ninja tricks. I don't actually know how to do it, but you don't seem to mind. Hell, I am being up front with you!
 
I didnt learn any levitation tricks but i built an awesome bow drill and debris hut. I also learned a little about basic traps, flintknapping, and plants and other useful skills.

Its not as exciting as learning levitiation and ninjitsu but Im ok with it.
 
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