Clark's Self Defense

Clark's Self Defense

Share

Clark's Self Defense in Sarasota is a family oriented Martial Arts facility. We focus on teaching s

Self-Defense That Actually Feels Doable - Good Neighbor Podcast: Sarasota 07/09/2026

Thank you Abby for doing a podcast for us!
You were great and we really appreciate it!
Here is the audio:

Self-Defense That Actually Feels Doable - Good Neighbor Podcast: Sarasota Most people say they want to feel safer, but they hesitate the second they hear “mixed martial arts.” It sounds intense, exclusive, and geared for athletes only. We get it, and that’s why we loved talking with Abigail Altier, a student at Clark Se...

07/07/2026

Every black belt started with one class.

A nervous walk through the front door. An encouraging instructor who believes in you. That's what you'll find at Clark's.

Not pressure to compete. Not pressure to be the best in the room.

Just a place where students are encouraged, challenged, and taught real self defense by someone who truly loves sharing martial arts with others.

If you've been thinking about trying a class, we'd love to welcome you onto the mat.

Photos from Clark's Self Defense's post 07/03/2026

Thank you Rolando from Perez Martial Arts in Medfield, MA for letting us introduce the GRIP keychain to your students. We had a great turn out for the seminar and students really enjoyed it. What a great group!

06/29/2026

Kids don’t just need to sit still and listen all day.

They need movement that uses their whole body.
They need challenges that feel just a little hard at first.
They need opportunities where effort actually leads to success they can see and feel.

Martial arts checks all three.

On the mat, kids learn how to move with purpose, push through frustration, and keep going even when something doesn’t click right away. And then one day… it does.

That moment of “I got it” changes everything.

At Clark’s Self Defense in Sarasota, we see it every day. Kids walk in unsure, and slowly start standing taller, focusing longer, and trusting themselves more.

Photos from Clark's Self Defense's post 06/28/2026

Very proud of our students today! We had a great practice session at the hotel before the Black Belt test. They looked solid and ready. We all met at the Kenpo Martial Arts Center in Dedham, MA for the test. Both did fantastic and received their new ranks! Congratulations to both of you!

06/24/2026

A lot of parents come in thinking martial arts is going to be all punches and kicks. 🤜

And yes, kids absolutely learn how to strike, block, move, and defend themselves. 🧱

But that’s not the part that usually changes them.

What actually starts to show up first is confidence.
Then self control.
Then focus.
Then goal setting.
Then respect.
Then teamwork.

Because on the mat, kids don’t just learn how to fight. They learn how to carry themselves. 🥋

They learn how to try again after failing. How to listen when it’s hard. How to lead and how to follow. How to stay calm when their body wants to react fast.

At Clark’s Self Defense in Sarasota, that’s the real training happening every day.

Led by Derrick Clark, this is a space where martial arts becomes character development in motion.

If you’ve been curious what martial arts could really do for your child, or even for yourself, it might be more than you’re expecting in the best way.

06/22/2026

Real self-defense is more than techniques. It’s confidence, awareness, and knowing you can handle yourself in the real world. 🥋

At Clark’s Self Defense, that’s exactly what’s being built every day in our community here in Sarasota.

“I can’t say enough good things about Clark’s Self Defense and Sensei Derrick Clark.

He doesn’t just teach martial arts.

He builds people. If you’re looking for a place that will help your child grow mentally, physically, and emotionally or you want practical, real-world self-defense taught the right way Clark’s Self Defense is something special.” — Tony Fitzgerald

Whether you are a parent looking for something meaningful for your child or an adult wanting practical self-defense in a supportive, no ego environment, you will feel the difference the moment you walk in. 👊

Led by Derrick Clark, this is training rooted in real-world skill and real community.

If you have been looking for a place in Sarasota where you can build strength, awareness, and confidence that carries into everyday life, this is it.

Photos from Clark's Self Defense's post 06/16/2026

As parents, we all want our children to believe in themselves.

We want them to raise their hand when they know the answer. To introduce themselves to a new friend. To try something difficult without immediately giving up. To trust that they can handle challenges when life inevitably puts them in their path.

But confidence isn't something we can simply give our children.

It grows through experience.

It grows when they walk into a room feeling nervous and realize they belong there.

It grows when they struggle with a new skill, stick with it, and finally get it.

It grows when they set a goal and discover they're capable of achieving it.

That's why we love martial arts.

Yes, we teach self-defense.

But we also teach perseverance, discipline, respect, resilience, and the confidence that comes from doing hard things alongside a supportive community.

Those lessons don't stay on the mat.

They follow our students into their classrooms, friendships, and everyday lives.

If you're a Sarasota parent looking for more than just an activity, we'd love to welcome your family to Clark's Self Defense.

Come see what happens when kids are given the opportunity to grow, belong, and discover what they're capable of.

🥋 Message us to schedule a free trial class and experience the Clark's difference for yourself.

Photos from Clark's Self Defense's post 06/04/2026

What a great night! 💪✨
We had the privilege of hosting an incredible group of women for our Self-Defense Seminar, where we covered practical techniques, situational awareness, and simple moves that can help build confidence and personal safety.
Each participant also received a GRIP keychain self-defense tool and learned how to use it effectively. www.gripkeychain.com

05/20/2026

🥋Clark's Self Defense Summer Camp 🥋

Clark's Self Defense | Our Martial Arts Summer Camp offers an exciting and enriching blend of martial arts training with fun, active adventures and skill-building activities.
* STEP UP APPROVED *

🥋This camp is designed for children ages 5 - 12 to help them grow in confidence, build friendship, improve fitness, and develop a healthy and positive self image, all in a safe and structured environment.

More info here ➡️ https://sarasota.macaronikid.com/directory/69e79a95697dde8909ecc9a5/clarks-self-defense-summer-camp

Want your business to be the top-listed Gym/sports Facility in Sarasota?

Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.

Location

Telephone

Address


8261 Blaikie Court
Sarasota, FL
34240

Opening Hours

Monday 3:45pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday 3:45pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday 3:45pm - 7:30pm
Thursday 3:45pm - 7:30pm
Friday 3:45pm - 7:30pm
Saturday 9:30am - 11:30am