Ancestral Skills for a Sustainable Modern Life
Imagine if Indiana Jones and Bear Grylls got together for a weekend adventure and brainstormed their ultimate program—a mix of ancient skills, survival techniques, practical history, and a dash of self-sufficiency. Now, imagine they decided this program wasn’t just for hardened adventurers or seasoned scholars, but for anyone—modern-day adults and families alike—looking to rediscover the skills that have helped humanity survive and thrive for millennia. This is Forgotten Skillz, a place where we bridge the gap between old-world knowledge and modern living.
It’s like joining a “Scouts for Adults” but with a broader vision—one that taps into your inner adventurer, craftsman, historian, gardener, or philosopher. From learning wilderness survival skills to mastering ancient crafts, from studying how to live sustainably in your own backyard to finding ways to reconnect with history, Forgotten Skillz is about rediscovering the lost arts that bring us closer to nature and closer to ourselves.
But we aren’t just out in the wild learning how to build fires or forage for food (though we do plenty of that). We also teach the skills of home life, practical history, and hands-on crafting in a way that applies to every aspect of modern life. From In the Home (cooking, crafting, sustainable living), In the Shop (tool making, woodworking), In the Yard (gardening, permaculture), In the Wild (survival, foraging), to In the Mind (scholarly exploration and self-reliance), we aim to weave ancient knowledge into a practical, enriching part of our everyday lives.
When you think of Indiana Jones, you think of adventure, history, and discovery. He’s the guy who bridges the past and the present, learning from the ancient world to solve modern-day problems. And Bear Grylls, former special forces operator turned survival teacher, shows us that with a bit of determination, we can conquer any challenge. At Forgotten Skillz, we capture that same adventurous spirit by diving deep into ancient techniques and survival knowledge that helped people thrive long before modern technology existed.
But this isn’t just about dusty old relics or forgotten knowledge; it’s about how we can apply those same skills today. Maybe you’re looking to learn how to forage for food and medicine in your local woods, or perhaps you’re interested in mastering the art of fire-making without matches—these are the same types of survival skills our ancestors used daily. The more we know about how they lived, the better equipped we are to make informed decisions about our own lives, whether in a wilderness setting or in our suburban backyard.
Take, for example, our wilderness survival workshops. You’ll not only learn essential skills like building shelter, making cordage, and foraging for edible plants, but you’ll also gain an understanding of how ancient humans used these techniques in different environments. And you don’t have to be a seasoned adventurer to participate—our workshops are accessible for beginners and experienced outdoorsmen alike.
But Forgotten Skillz isn’t just about roughing it in the wilderness; we believe in the importance of scholarly pursuits. Whether it’s learning about the historical methods used to preserve food, rediscovering ancient writing practices, or studying ancient navigation techniques, we approach every subject with the curiosity and respect it deserves. After all, these aren’t just survival skills—they’re life skills that have shaped human civilization.
Forgotten Skillz is more than just a series of workshops—it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for learning, adventure, and self-sufficiency. Like Indiana Jones working with his students or Bear Grylls teaming up with survivalists, we believe that knowledge is best shared. Our workshops foster a sense of camaraderie, where participants learn from each other, share their experiences, and build lasting connections. You’ll leave our events with not just new skills but new friendships. It’s this sense of community that makes Forgotten Skillz so unique.
Whether you’re seeking the adventure of wilderness survival, the satisfaction of hands-on crafting, or the peace that comes from living sustainably, Forgotten Skillz offers something for everyone. It’s not just about learning ancient skills; it’s about applying them to your modern life in meaningful ways.
Join us on this journey of rediscovery and adventure. Like Indiana Jones and Bear Grylls, you’ll learn to thrive in any environment, whether that’s the wilderness, your home, or your garden. Sign up for our next workshop and start honing your forgotten skills today. Your adventure awaits!
Author: Michael A. Evans
.Michael A Evans is a passionate advocate for preserving and reviving ancestral knowledge through modern applications. As the founder of Forgotten Skillz, he is dedicated to teaching the skills of self-sufficiency, bushcraft, and sustainable living, drawing inspiration from historical practices to empower individuals in today’s world. Michael’s work extends beyond survival skills; he also leads Vision Martial Arts in Patchogue, NY, where he guides both adults and children in realizing their potential through martial arts. Additionally, Michael contributes to the educational field as a collaborator on the “Little Laurie Science Stories” book series and the Ninja Née Science Education Program. With a background in therapeutic massage from the NY College of Health Professions, Michael continues to provide holistic care as the lead therapist at Massage LI.