At Clark’s Self Defense, we offer martial arts and self-defense programs designed to help students of all ages grow stronger, more confident, and more capable — both on and off the mat.
Whether you’re a parent looking for a positive activity for your child or an adult seeking fitness and real-world self-defense skills, our Sarasota martial arts school provides a welcoming place to learn, train, and grow at your own pace.
Our programs are thoughtfully structured to meet students where they are, with age-appropriate instruction and a strong focus on safety, confidence, and personal development.
Our kids martial arts program helps children build important life skills while having fun and staying active.
Through structured training, kids learn:
Classes are energetic, supportive, and designed to help kids feel successful while learning valuable skills they can use every day.
Teen years are an important time for growth, and our teen martial arts program provides positive structure and guidance during this stage of life.
Teens benefit from:
Our instructors create an environment where teens feel supported, challenged, and encouraged to reach their potential.
Adult students train for many reasons — fitness, stress relief, confidence, or personal safety. Our adult programs are welcoming to beginners and adaptable to all fitness levels.
Adults can expect:
No prior martial arts experience is required — just a willingness to learn.
Our women’s self-defense training focuses on awareness, prevention, and practical techniques that can be applied in everyday situations.
Classes are designed to:
No experience is necessary — just a desire to feel more confident and prepared.
For students who prefer more individualized instruction, private martial arts lessons offer a focused and flexible training option at Clark’s Self Defense.
Private lessons allow students to work one-on-one with an experienced instructor, creating a learning experience tailored to personal goals, skill level, and pace. Whether you’re brand new to martial arts or looking to sharpen specific techniques, private training provides the attention and guidance needed to progress with confidence.
Private lessons are ideal for:
Each private lesson is customized and may include elements of Kempo Karate, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, self-defense training, or conditioning, depending on the student’s needs.
Many students choose to combine private lessons with group classes, using private training as a way to reinforce skills, ask questions, and stay motivated while still enjoying the energy of group instruction.
Kempo Karate is a well-rounded martial art that focuses on practical self-defense, coordination, and confidence.
Training includes:
Kempo Karate is suitable for kids, teens, and adults and provides a strong foundation for martial arts training.
Kempo Karate at Clark’s Self Defense blends traditional Kempo empty-hand techniques with practical weapons training and ground defenses drawn from Jiu-Jitsu and grappling. Classes are thoughtfully structured to help students progress at a comfortable pace, beginning with conditioning and stretching before moving into fundamentals, forms, self-defense techniques, sparring, grappling, and weapons work.
Our Kempo Karate classes are led by certified Black Belt instructors who are actively involved on the mat, guiding students with clear instruction and encouragement. Beginner students also benefit from the support of our certified Brown Belt assistant instructors, who help create a welcoming and supportive learning environment. As part of their own Black Belt journey, our advanced students assist in beginner classes, reinforcing skills while giving newer students extra attention and positive role models.
Our Gracie Jiu-Jitsu program emphasizes leverage, technique, and control, making it an excellent option for students of all sizes.
Students learn:
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is especially valuable for real-world self-defense and complements our striking-based programs.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu at Clark’s Self Defense is built around a self-defense system developed by the Gracie family and adapted to support students at every stage of their training. While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing martial arts in the world, our focus is not on competition — it’s on learning practical skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Safety is always our top priority, especially for beginners. In our introductory Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes, there is no competitive sparring, allowing students to learn new techniques in a fully cooperative setting with patient, like-minded training partners. This approach helps students build confidence, understand proper movement, and develop solid fundamentals without pressure.
Our after-school program offers families a safe, structured option for children after the school day ends.
The program includes:
Parents can feel confident knowing their children are learning, moving, and being supported.
Our martial arts summer camps provide a fun, active alternative to traditional camps.
Campers enjoy:
It’s a great way for kids to stay active, make friends, and try something new during summer break.
Clark’s Self Defense offers fun, active, and stress-free kids birthday parties in Sarasota that are designed to keep children engaged, moving, and smiling from start to finish.
In addition to our popular martial arts birthday parties, we also offer a variety of high-energy party options, including:
Our experienced staff handles the activities, structure, and supervision so parents can relax and enjoy the celebration. Parties are customized based on age group, energy level, and interests, ensuring every child feels included—no prior experience needed.
Parents choose our birthday parties because:
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable birthday party for kids in Sarasota, FL, our party programs offer an exciting alternative to traditional celebrations.
Choosing a martial arts program is a personal decision. At Clark’s Self Defense, we’re happy to help you explore your options and find the program that best fits your goals.
Many students start with a free trial class to experience our training, meet our instructors, and see if our school feels like the right fit.
If you’re looking for a martial arts school that values confidence, safety, and personal growth, we invite you to visit Clark’s Self Defense.
Reach out to learn more about our programs or schedule a free trial class. We look forward to welcoming you into our community.
Sparring, Grappling and Jiujitsu classes are offered to students who earned an Orange belt and higher, unless aproved by an instructor. Full protective gear is required to participate in Sparring Classes. No contact is observed for younger students and light contact to the body is normal for older students.
In Grappling and Jiujitsu Classes gloves are recommended but not necessary.
Forms and Weapons Classes are open to any student with instructor's permission. In these classes students work on their empty hand forms and traditional Kempo weapons. Students usually do not work with a weapon until they have earned a rank of Purple belts or above. Depending on the student's level and experience weapons range from a bo staff to nunchaku, tonfa, sai and a Katana.
SAFE Techniques classes offer students a chance to focus on their self-defense techniques by offering animal techniques; grabs and holds; club techniques; other self-defense techniques. These are all required on each belt test.
Our Brown and Black Belt classes are for the advanced student to work on their higher material.
Tournament Team and Demo Team are available for students who have earned the rank of Blue Belt or higher and enjoy going to competitions. They train once a week, September through June and do demonstrations at tournaments run by Clark’s Self Defense studios. There is an extra fee for the tournament team.
We also hold two Karate Tournaments each year to give our students a chance to compete in weapons, forms, grappling and sparring. Our January and May tournaments are open to our students, including our After School Programs as well as any local Martial Arts schools who are interested in competing.
Monthly Events
Every month we organize a special event for our students. It could be a social event, seminar, workshop or a movie night. Board Breaking, Nunchaku Clinic, Kali Sticks Workshop and Special Techniques are just a few examples of seminars. On Movie Night, we watch a Karate movie or a kid friendly movie and enjoy popcorn, chips and pretzels.
These events are fun and completely optional. Students can invite their friends or siblings to share the fun since most events do not require any previous Martial Arts experience.
8261 Blaikie Court in Sarasota
