At the Pittsburgh Combat Club (PCC), the stories of Sarah McKenzie and Aliza Gelb intertwine as powerful testimonies to the transformative impact of self-defense. Both women, motivated by deeply personal reasons, found in PCC not only a training ground, but also a sanctuary where they regained their strength and rebuilt their confidence.
Aliza’s Path to Empowerment
Aliza’s journey into self-defense began in the wake of an abusive marriage and a subsequent violent incident that left her feeling powerless. Resolved never to feel helpless again, she turned to PCC with a firm decision to change her narrative. The club’s practical approach to self-defense, focusing on skills like knife and stick handling, offered her the tools she needed.
For Aliza, knife work became her equalizer, empowering her to feel secure in her abilities regardless of her size or strength. Her training became a key to unlocking a new sense of self, as she mastered techniques that allowed her to counteract threats effectively. “The training worked, and no matter their size, I can level the playing field easily,” Aliza reflects on her newfound confidence.
Sarah’s Quest for Confidence
Similarly, Sarah was drawn to self-defense after realizing she needed to strengthen her ability to protect herself. At PCC, she found more than just physical training; she discovered a community that supported her personal growth and boosted her confidence. The skills she acquired extended beyond physical confrontations, enhancing her awareness and ability to manage potentially dangerous situations preemptively. “The skills I’ve learned have made me more observant and cautious,” Sarah notes, emphasizing the mental and emotional growth fostered by her training.
A Shared Sanctuary
Both women emphasize the community aspect of PCC, which they describe as familial and supportive. This environment has been crucial in their journeys, offering a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and gradually build mastery. For Sarah and Aliza, the club is a place where diverse backgrounds merge into a single, supportive unit focused on mutual empowerment. “We all become like family,” Sarah says, highlighting how this sense of belonging has been pivotal in her journey.
Lasting Impact
The training at PCC has endowed both Aliza and Sarah with more than just self-defense tactics; it has instilled in them a profound assurance in their personal and physical capabilities. Aliza, now not just a participant but also a mentor, takes pride in passing on her knowledge to newcomers, reinforcing the club’s ethos of empowerment through education and practice. Sarah, feeling secure and empowered, appreciates how her self-defense skills have permeated other areas of her life, enhancing her overall assertiveness and self-assuredness.
For both Aliza and Sarah, PCC has been a cornerstone in their transformation. It provided them with the strength to not only face physical challenges, but also to conquer the mental and emotional battles stemming from their past experiences. Their stories are a call to other women, showcasing how self-defense can serve as a powerful catalyst for reclaiming control and building a resilient, confident future.
Beyond Training: A Family
David Holzer, Owner and Head Instructor at PCC, transformed his passion for martial arts into a mission to empower others through self-defense training. His journey began with a taekwondo class in 1984, and evolved into a deep commitment to teaching others to feel safe, strong, and in control, especially during life’s most chaotic moments. After the profound personal loss of his wife to cancer, David channeled his grief into his love for teaching, founding the club to extend his reach and impact.
Today, Pittsburgh Combat Club is not just a training facility; it’s a supportive community where David and his team, including Senior Student Mark Zamora, foster a welcoming and reassuring environment. David and Mark calm any initial fears new members might have, helping them settle into what may seem like an intimidating setting. Together, they are dedicated to providing practical skills and confidence for handling dangerous situations, embodying kindness, and a genuine desire to help others.
“The biggest aspect that I love is when a student, male or female, gets it. That they understand that they have full control over a situation.” – David Holzer
Through the teachings and community at the Pittsburgh Combat Club, women are finding their strength and changing their lives. Every woman deserves to feel secure and in control, and self-defense is a crucial step toward that empowerment.
Pittsburgh Combat Club offers your first 3 self-defense classes for FREE.
