Helping Others Learn How to protect Themselves
At Pugh Self-Protection & Combativesour mission is simple: enhancing personal safety through superior training, products, & services. We believe safety isn’t about fear — it’s about confidence, preparation, and empowerment.
Founded by Zachary R. Pugh, President and Chief Instructor, our organization has become a trusted leader in self-protection training, active-shooter response, and emergency preparedness. We provide individuals, schools, businesses, houses of worship, and community organizations with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to maximize survival in the face of violence.
What Makes Us Different
-Realistic Training, Real Results – We go beyond lectures and theory. Every program is interactive, scenario-based, and designed to replicate real-world stress so participants can practice the physical skills, concepts, and tactics that save lives.
-Proven Protocols – Our proprietary Ch.A.D. (Charge & Attack while Distracting) and S.O.S. (Seek safe area, Out-of-sight, Strategically attack) response systems are built on human physiology, biomechanics, and years of analysis — making them more effective than outdated “Run-Hide-Fight”, "ALICE", "ADD" and similar variations.
-Comprehensive Safety Solutions – From unarmed and armed self-defense, to firearm safety, to the cutting-edge ELS911 emergency labeling system, we deliver complete solutions for today’s threats.
-Certified & Trusted – We are a recognized training provider through GST BOCES Co-Ser 609 (for New York schools) and meet Pennsylvania Act 55/Act 48 standards. Dozens of school districts, healthcare facilities, and organizations across multiple states rely on our programs.
Our Promise
We stand behind our training. If you don’t feel more confident and capable after a session, we’ll work with you one-on-one until you do. That’s our commitment to maximizing survival and reducing fear.
Beyond Training
Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives also operates a Retail Division & FFL Services, offering firearm and ammunition transfers, background checks, and compliance services. This allows us to support our clients not just with training, but with safe, legal access to the tools they need.
Call today to ask about what courses are available.
Why We Say “Self-Protection” Instead of “Self-Defense”
At Pugh Self-Protection & Combatives, we choose our words intentionally. We don’t teach self-defense — we teach self-protection.
Why? Because words matter.
- Defense suggests waiting until something happens and then trying to resist. It’s reactive.
- Protection is proactive. It means valuing yourself and those around you enough to prepare, prevent, and take decisive action when it counts.
Human nature shows us something powerful: people will try much harder to protect something than they will to simply defend it. Protection is rooted in purpose. It’s about safeguarding your life, your loved ones, and your peace of mind — not just blocking an attack.
That’s why we don’t just “defend” — we protect.
