Bingley - it's not that critical. if you see a doctor you have an illness, so it needs treatment. a survival class is just about instruction. if you have a real interest in survival, you should do several classes from different instructors (over the years ahead). supplement with your own reading and your own practice. the techniques only work of you do them yourself. taking the class by itself is only a starter - after that the progress is up to you. the advantage of your local guy - is that he's local. so it's easy to get to. it may be good or not. if the class is not expensive, give it a try.

any one class that you take in survival will not suddenly make you an expert, or even competent. that only comes with practice. keep in mind that "serious" classes sometimes dump you out in the middle of nowhere for 3 days, with minimal supplies. the less-serious classes might be an easier introduction.

Pete2