Sensei Michele
Sensei Michele is a 4th Degree Black Belt (Yondan) who began studying with us in 2010. She’s been part of our instructor team since 2012, growing through the ranks as both a student and an instructor. She visited China with Grandmaster DeMasco, Senior Masters Lisa and Steve, and several other SDSS Pittsburgh students in 2013, where they trained with the monks at the Shaolin Temple. Along with Senior Master Lisa, she co-founded the SETpoint empowerment self-defense curriculum and has worked to bring this training to individuals at high risk of sexual assault and gender-based violence.
Sensei Michele works at the University of Pittsburgh in the Dietrich School Dean’s Office. In addition to her martial arts rank, she holds a PhD in Anthropology and received Sexual Assault Counselor certification from the State of Pennsylvania.
“The martial arts and SDSS Pittsburgh quite literally changed my life – I’ve gained confidence, greatly improved my fitness level, and made incredible friendships. I’m so proud to be able to help our students find these things, too.”
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