We tested a survival course in the forest of Mondorf-les-Bains for you
Bad Mondorf is not only known for his casino and his spa, but also for the Delta Survival School (DSS). Zurab Tskitishvili, founder of the DSS and former member of the Georgian special units, has been passing on his technical knowledge and experience with enemy environments for seven years to help everyone manage the unexpected and survive in emergency situations. Our “Virgule” colleague Simon Laurent Martin took part in one of the training courses and stood the forest on the French-Luxemburg border:
The meeting point is a parking space, Zurab welcomes us and explains the daily program: We learn what a survival kit you need, how to build a shelter, how to make a fire and how to make a water filter. Then we make our way into the forest. After a few minutes of walk, we reach a warehouse that is already set up. This will be the place of our initiation.
Iron mentality
But before we come to the core of the matter, there is a few minutes to explain the most important aspect in an emergency situation: the way of thinking. « This is really the most important thing. You have to be able to absorb the shock of an emergency situation, to adapt to the stress and then act, » he says.
« Panic always leads to mistakes that can be fatal, » explains Zurab. « In order to develop this resilience, we have to get out of our comfort zone, be it through physical activity or in any other way. It doesn’t matter how well you are equipped, without the right setting you are stuck. »
Then comes the practical part of the construction of accommodation. We only use what nature has to offer: larger, more stable pieces of wood form the basic structure of our shelter. « It has to be so long that you can stretch your whole body in it, » said Zurab.
As soon as the frame stands, we cover it as far as possible with branches. These serve, among other things, as the basis for the last phase. The shelter is covered with leaves, which is plentiful on the ground.
The work is tedious, but gradually the shelter takes shape. « You really have to cover it so that the light doesn’t get through, » explains Zurab. In just an hour and after a lot of effort to find the right pieces of wood, our shelter is now « habitable ».
But there is no time to rest, because we go over to the next stage: we need a fire. The task looks discouraging on paper. But the time takes the time to give us valuable tips. For example, via the different types of wood, how to cut them with a simple knife and separate the moist from the dry parts.
But also how to ignite a fire, with small branches or – useful, if you have it at hand – with cotton pads that are usually used for facial care. « These are filled with fibers that ignite very quickly, » explains Zurab.
With the flint in hand, we try to spark a small fire. It is a tedious undertaking where only a few sparks come from the rock. But after a few unsuccessful attempts, red flames finally ignite in the wood. After all the effort, we finally settle around the fire. This is the opportunity to learn a little more about our teacher.
« I am a former Georgian soldier. I left my country in February 2015 and came to Paris. It has always been my dream to share my survival skills with others. This is something that inspired me as a child when I built in my garden, » he smiles. « What do I enjoy the most? It is the connection with people, you have to work as a team to achieve a common goal. »
Zurab Tskitishvili has been passing on his knowledge for seven years. Photo: Laurent Sturm
In France, Zurab Tskitishvili saw no way to expand his business. That is why he decided to cross the border and open the Delta Survival School in the Grand Duchy in February 2018. « Why Luxembourg? Above all because of its nature and its ideal situation between the three countries of Germany, Belgium and France, » he explains.
Production of a water filter
The last stage of the daily activities: the production of a water filter. Here, too, we will use everything we can get our hands on. This means that a cut water bottle in which we put stones and sand that we have collected near a stream and charcoal from the fire we have just made. « The charcoal absorbs chemical contaminants while the sand and stones hold back fixed particles, » explains the course instructor.
It doesn’t take much to make a homemade water filter. Photo: S.Mn.
No sooner said than done, and we already have a perfectly functioning, self -made filter, which also provides proof of it that it works. A cup of dirty water from a puddle is put in the bottle and the water comes out clearly and cleanly. « But be careful: the filter has removed the particles, but not killed microorganisms like bacteria. For this you still have to boil the water or use water cleaning tablets. »
What to do in Luxembourg in Case of a Power Blackout
At a time when the Luxembourg authorities request the population, for example, to prepare for possible crises with emergency equipment, Zurab has said to have an increase in bookings since January 2025. However, he would like to calm those who could see these workshops as a kind of « instructions for use » in front of the apocalypse. « Some people saw this as a meeting of conspiracy theorists. This is not the case. They are simply people who are curious or want to learn useful skills. But they are not paranoid at all, » he says.
Things you should have in emergency equipment
According to Zurab, you don’t need much to put together an emergency bag that you can wear quickly and easily. « The most important thing is that you can protect yourself. So I would pack a small knife that can also be used for many other purposes. Second, I think of a sleeping bag. »
The food is in third place. « People underestimate the importance of water. That is why I take a few bottles with it, as well as a few energy bars. In the pocket, medication such as pain relievers and association material should also be included in the pocket. We also have to think of communication that could be interrupted. So take a radio with you. It is also very important to print out tough papers and it is best to have it in an electronic form on a USB stick, » concludes, « concludes, » concludes. Which also recommends moving a flashlight in your pocket.
He also emphasizes that you shouldn’t notice too much. « In the sense that the bag should be as neutral as possible: no large logos or striking camouflage patterns. In the case of a chaos, other people will inevitably think that you have valuables with you. »
The Delta Survival School is known far beyond the borders of Luxembourg and even the large region, according to Zurab. « I have customers from all over the world. Many of them are French, but I also had participants from Antwerp, Lithuania and even from Thailand. Most of the time it is just civilians who want to prepare. »
Emergency case and Co.: There is room for improvement in crisis care
Something for everyone
The course we have participated is only part of the offer that the former officer of special units offers. In addition to immersion courses at night, there are also firearms and camps for children. For adventurous people, Zurab also offers a two-day intensive course based on the Sere principle (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape).
This is a training of escape and survival techniques under very difficult conditions. Video excerpts of these training courses have achieved several million views on the social networks of the Delta Survival School.
This article was first on Virgule published.
Translated with AI, edited by Dustin Mertes.
