About Us

Why Choose Clark's For The Best In Self Defense?

 Clark's Self Defense was established in 1999 by Derrick and Magda Clark.

Our Self Defense studio provides a wide range of instructions from fundamentals of Self Defense to highly advanced Martial Arts instructions.  Our students range from white belt, a beginner, to advanced Black Belts.
We offer several different training programs to fit our students' needs. 
1. American Kempo Karate
Our Kempo program provides a full spectrum Martial Arts training and Self Defense skills.  It include empty hand techniques, weapon training, pressure point training, sparring, grappling, Katas, instructor training, and board breaking without the need to sign up for these programs individually at an added cost.

2. Self Defense for Women
Our women's program focuses on the most common attacks women are facing.  The techniques are designed to utilize women's natural fighting abilities and tendencies and the most efficient ways to fend off a bigger attacker.  We focus more on avoiding being attacked and ways to get away than a full on combat. 

3. Gracie University - Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone, but only if taught correctly. While most BJJ schools have taken a “one-size-fits-all” approach to teaching the art, Gracie University has gone to great lengths to create specific programs for each demographic: Gracie Bullyproof for kids (ages 5-12), Women Empowered for the ladies, Gracie Combatives for beginner adults, and the Master Cycle for advanced practitioners. Each program adheres to a set curriculum, so students know exactly what they will learn before they come to class.

 

Our Instructors

Derrick Clark is the head instructor at Clark's Self Defense in Sarasota.  He was born and grew up in Massachussetts where he began his Martial Arts training at the age of 8. By the age of 12 he he received his Black Belt in Kempo Karate and became one of the youngest black belts in the Northeast.  He began teaching in 1986 and has been teaching Martial Arts for over 30 years.
Derrick Clark is a Certified 6th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate, a certified Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Instructor and a certified Pressure Points Instructor with supplemental training in Shotokan Karate, Okinawan and Wu Shu Weaponry, Brazilian Jujitsu and Kung Fu. 
For many years he ran a weekly television series demonstrating various self-defense techniques in several towns in Massachusetts.In 1994 Derrick created the S.A.F.A. (Stopping Attacks Safe and Effectively) program for children. It has now been incorporated into the curriculum taut at his Sarasota Self Defense studio.
In addition to teaching at his Self Defense Studio, Derrick gives lectures and demonstrations in colleges and universities. He is actively involved in Schools, Health Clubs, Youth Organizations, Recreation Departments and Police Departments. Despite his busy schedule, he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration. Derrick has also appeared on TV talk shows and top rated radio programs.

Danny Clark is a certified 2nd degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate.  He began his Martial Arts training at the age of 6 under the directive of Derrick Clark.  At the age of 12 he earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate and his 2nd Degree Black Belt at the age of 14.  He has attended numerous Martial Arts tournaments in Boston, MA as well as in Sarasota, FL and earned many First Place trophies.  Danny has also performed in a number of exhibitions and assisted in several seminars.  Danny is continually training and teaching to improve his Kempo skills.  He is also training in Judo and Jujitsu to further expend his growing skills.
Magda Clark joined Derrick in 1999 as an operations manager.  She facilitated the opening of the first Clark's Self Defense Studio in Newton, MA to meet the high demand for Derrick's teaching.  The studio remains very successful and is now run by one of their black belt instructors.
Magda has earned a B.S. degree in 2002 and she is responsible for day to day operations of Clark's Self Defense.  She coordinated multiple after school programs in Newton, MA between 1999 and 2013 and is now overseeing a number of programs in Sarasota, FL.  Together with Derrick, she also coordinated numerous in school as well as inter school Karate tournaments. Some had as many as 300 competitors.
Magda also assists Derrick and Danny during Self Defense seminars and workshops.
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