About Clark’s Self Defense – Sarasota Martial Arts School
At Clark’s Self Defense, we believe martial arts training is about more than punches and kicks. Our Sarasota martial arts school is dedicated to helping students of all ages build confidence, discipline, strength, and real-world self-defense skills in a safe, positive environment.
For years, families and adults in Sarasota, FL have trusted Clark’s Self Defense to provide high-quality martial arts instruction that supports personal growth both on and off the mat.
Our Mission & Values
Our mission is simple:
to help students become
stronger, safer, and more confident through structured martial arts training.
We focus on:
- Respect for self and others
- Personal responsibility and discipline
- Confidence through preparation
- Practical self-defense skills for real life
Every class is designed to help students grow at their own pace while being supported by experienced instructors.
Explore the full range of available programs and ways you can grow with us, from a free trial class to engaging classes for adults and kids and family-friendly events and experiences that make confidence-building fun.
Experienced Martial Arts Instructors
Our instructors are passionate professionals who care deeply about student success. They are trained not only in martial arts techniques, but also in teaching, safety, and leadership.
Each member of our team is committed to helping you achieve your goals, whether it's learning to protect yourself, improving your fitness, or mastering martial arts techniques. Our instructors are approachable, supportive, and ready to help you succeed at every stage of your training.
Meet Our Team
Our instructors are passionate, experienced, and committed to helping every student succeed — whether they’re starting their first class or working toward advanced self-defense skills.
Derrick Clark — Head Instructor & Founder
With more than 35 years of martial arts experience, Derrick Clark is the founder and head instructor of Clark’s Self Defense. He began training at age 8 and earned his first black belt in Kempo Karate at just 12 years old, making him one of the youngest black belts in the Northeast.
Derrick holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate, a certified brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and is a certified Pressure Points Instructor. His training spans multiple disciplines, including Shotokan Karate, Okinawan and Wu Shu weaponry, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kung Fu.
He also created the S.A.F.E. (Stopping Attacks Safe and Effectively) program — a widely respected self-defense curriculum for children now taught across the school’s classes. Derrick regularly leads seminars, lectures, and demonstrations for schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations, sharing practical self-defense skills that make a real impact.
Danny Clark — Senior Instructor
Danny Clark began his martial arts training at the age of 4 under the guidance of his father, Derrick Clark. By age 12, he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate, followed by his 2nd Degree Black Belt at age 14, demonstrating early dedication, discipline, and technical skill.
Today, Danny is a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and continues to expand his well-rounded self-defense skill set through ongoing training in boxing, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. His diverse background allows him to help students understand both stand-up and ground-based self-defense, making his instruction practical and adaptable to real-world situations.
Danny has competed successfully in regional tournaments in both Massachusetts and Florida, earning multiple first-place finishes. He regularly teaches classes and assists with seminars and student development, bringing energy, encouragement, and a strong connection to students of all ages.
Magda Clark — Director of Operations & Program Coordinator
Magda has been a driving force behind Clark’s Self Defense since 1999 and is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Sarasota school. She played a key role in expanding the Clark’s Self Defense program to meet community demand and has overseen the success of numerous after-school programs and community events.
With a strong background in organizational leadership and program coordination, Magda ensures that each student’s experience is welcoming, structured, and effective. She regularly assists with seminars and workshops, helping students of all ages build confidence and self-defense skills.
Why Our Team Matters
At Clark’s Self Defense, you’re not just training with instructors — you’re learning from a team that combines lifelong martial arts dedication, real-world self-defense expertise, and a genuine passion for student success. Every class emphasizes technique, confidence, awareness, and personal growth in a safe and supportive environment.
Family-Focused Martial Arts Training
We understand that parents and students want more than just physical activity. Our instructors emphasize encouragement, clear instruction, and positive reinforcement in every class. From structured after school programs to unforgettable birthday parties, Clark’s Self Defense supports confidence, discipline, and community for children and families throughout Sarasota.
Safe, Structured Learning for All Ages
From kids and teens to adults, classes are organized to be age-appropriate, structured, and safe, allowing students to train confidently regardless of experience level.
A Supportive Training Environment in Sarasota
Clark’s Self Defense is proud to be a welcoming martial arts school serving Sarasota and surrounding communities. Our school culture is built on mutual respect, teamwork, and personal improvement.
Students train in a clean, professional environment where:
- Beginners feel comfortable starting
- Students are encouraged, not intimidated
- Progress is celebrated at every level
Commitment to Real-World Self Defense
While martial arts builds fitness and discipline, our programs are grounded in practical self-defense skills that students can rely on in real-life situations.
Helping Students Build Confidence & Discipline
Martial arts training helps students develop skills that go far beyond the mat.
Through consistent training, students gain:
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Improved focus and self-discipline
- Better physical fitness and coordination
- The ability to stay calm under pressure
These benefits support success at school, work, and everyday life.
Our Story
Clark’s Self Defense began with a simple but powerful idea: to create a welcoming martial arts and self-defense school where students of all ages could build confidence, strength, and real-world skills. Founded in 1999 by Derrick and Magda Clark, the school was built on decades of hands-on martial arts experience and a belief that personal empowerment matters for every individual and family in the Sarasota community.
Head instructor Derrick Clark began training in martial arts at a young age and earned his first Black Belt in Kempo Karate by age 12. Over the years, he earned multiple certifications and developed a reputation for practical, effective self-defense instruction. Along the way, Derrick created the S.A.F.E. (Stopping Attacks Safe and Effectively) program, a child-focused self-defense curriculum that became a core part of the school’s approach.
From its early days, Clark’s Self Defense has continued to evolve. Today, the Sarasota school offers a wide range of programs designed for every stage of the martial arts journey. From foundational kids classes, after-school programs, and summer camps to personalized private lessons, self-defense courses for women, and Kempo Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes for adults and teens - all designed with the same focus on confidence, safety, and personal growth that started the business decades ago.
What makes Clark’s Self Defense unique is not just the techniques taught, but the supportive, family-oriented environment where students are encouraged to grow, learn, and succeed together. Whether someone is stepping onto the mat for the first time or progressing toward advanced training, the school’s story continues through every student’s journey — a story built on community, respect, and lifelong skill development.
Programs for Kids, Teens & Adults
Clark’s Self Defense offers a variety of martial arts programs to meet the needs of our Sarasota community, including:
- Kids martial arts classes
- Teen martial arts training
- Adult martial arts and self-defense
- Kempo Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
- After-school programs and summer camps
Whether your goal is confidence, fitness, self-defense, or personal growth, we have a program that fits.
Start Your Martial Arts Journey in Sarasota, FL
If you’re looking for a trusted martial arts school in Sarasota, we invite you to experience Clark’s Self Defense for yourself.
Contact us today to:
- Learn more about our programs
- Meet our instructors
- Reserve a spot in our After School Program
- Book an exciting Birthday Party
- Schedule a free trial class
We look forward to welcoming you into our martial arts family.
Proudly Voted #1 for 2025
Clark’s Self Defense is honored to be recognized for our commitment to high-quality self-defense training and personal safety education. This award reflects the trust our community places in our instructors, our proven training methods, and our dedication to helping students of all ages build confidence, awareness, and real-world self-defense skills.
