Clark's Self Defense
Clark's Self Defense, 8261 Blaikie Ct, Sarasota, FL 34240
About
Clark’s Self Defense offers kids martial arts classes, an after-school martial arts program, summer camp, and themed kids birthday parties such as Karate Ninja, Nerf Battles, Bounce House, Glow Nerf, and Glow Dodgeball parties. Training options include Kempo Karate, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, boxing, private lessons, self-defense for women, corporate and group self-defense seminars, martial arts tournaments, and special events and workshops. The program also offers Karate for Kids, Karate for Adults, Jiu-Jitsu Kids, beginner and advanced adult Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes, and a free trial class.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: After School Program provides care until 6:00pm, with extended care available until 7:00pm
The After School Program includes transportation from local schools to the Blaikie Court location, daily Kempo Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes, fitness activities, character development, homework time, and fun games such as bounce houses and slides. Clark’s Self Defense describes its training environment as beginner-friendly, structured and encouraging, safety-focused, respectful, and inclusive. The mission of Clark’s Self Defense is “to help students become stronger, safer, and more confident through structured martial arts training.”
Clark’s Self Defense was founded in 1999. The leadership team includes Derrick Clark as Head Instructor and Founder, Danny Clark as Senior Instructor, and Magda Clark as Director of Operations and Program Coordinator. Derrick Clark has more than 35 years of martial arts experience, began training at age 8, earned his first black belt in Kempo Karate at age 12, holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate, is a certified brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and is a certified Pressure Points Instructor, with training in Shotokan Karate, Okinawan and Wu Shu weaponry, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kung Fu. Danny Clark earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate at age 12 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt at age 14, is a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and trains in boxing, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. Magda Clark has a strong background in organizational leadership and program coordination.
Clark’s Self Defense was voted #1 for 2025 and 2026. Derrick Clark created the S.A.F.E. (Stopping Attacks Safe and Effectively) program, which is described as a widely respected self-defense curriculum for children. The program offers women-only self-defense classes with the option to transition into co-ed programs, corporate self-defense seminars tailored for workplace teams, and private lessons tailored to each student’s goals and skill level. Clark’s Self Defense regularly leads seminars, lectures, and demonstrations for schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations, and is described as serving Sarasota and surrounding communities and supporting community demand through expansion of programs and community events.
Last updated May 31, 2026.
• Ages: 4–18 years old
• Schedule: After School Program provides care until 6:00pm, with extended care available until 7:00pm
The After School Program includes transportation from local schools to the Blaikie Court location, daily Kempo Karate and Gracie Jiu-Jitsu classes, fitness activities, character development, homework time, and fun games such as bounce houses and slides. Clark’s Self Defense describes its training environment as beginner-friendly, structured and encouraging, safety-focused, respectful, and inclusive. The mission of Clark’s Self Defense is “to help students become stronger, safer, and more confident through structured martial arts training.”
Clark’s Self Defense was founded in 1999. The leadership team includes Derrick Clark as Head Instructor and Founder, Danny Clark as Senior Instructor, and Magda Clark as Director of Operations and Program Coordinator. Derrick Clark has more than 35 years of martial arts experience, began training at age 8, earned his first black belt in Kempo Karate at age 12, holds a 7th Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate, is a certified brown belt in Jiu-Jitsu, and is a certified Pressure Points Instructor, with training in Shotokan Karate, Okinawan and Wu Shu weaponry, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Kung Fu. Danny Clark earned his 1st Degree Black Belt in Kempo Karate at age 12 and his 2nd Degree Black Belt at age 14, is a Blue Belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and trains in boxing, Judo, and Jiu-Jitsu. Magda Clark has a strong background in organizational leadership and program coordination.
Clark’s Self Defense was voted #1 for 2025 and 2026. Derrick Clark created the S.A.F.E. (Stopping Attacks Safe and Effectively) program, which is described as a widely respected self-defense curriculum for children. The program offers women-only self-defense classes with the option to transition into co-ed programs, corporate self-defense seminars tailored for workplace teams, and private lessons tailored to each student’s goals and skill level. Clark’s Self Defense regularly leads seminars, lectures, and demonstrations for schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations, and is described as serving Sarasota and surrounding communities and supporting community demand through expansion of programs and community events.
Last updated May 31, 2026.
Is this your business? There is no cost, but you will be asked to sign up or log in.