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Clark's Self Defense
4.8 ★★★★★ 27 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Sarasota, Florida
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- Women's classes dedicated women's Karate classes — a welcoming space to train and start out in
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- Competition team a competition team for students who want to test themselves at kumite tournaments
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule clarksselfdefense.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (941) 225-1065
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–7 PM |
| Saturday | 9:30 AM–1 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“He has a special knack of being able to connect with each child in the youth classes and bring out the unique best in each one.”
“The adult classes are fun for the adults and even though the business is billed as self-defense, there are many more dynamic aspects of the training.”
“All of the instructors are incredibly approachable and make martial arts feel accessible, even if you’ve never trained before.”
“I reached out to Clark’s Self Defense about planning a “ladies night” self defense class.”
“They also offer adult classes and personal training sessions.”
“The adult classes are fun for the adults and even though the business is billed as self-defense, there are many more dynamic aspects of the training.”
Other martial arts here
“Clark’s Self Defense in Sarasota is an outstanding BJJ gym that also teaches real-world safety.”
“The adult classes are fun for the adults and even though the business is billed as self-defense, there are many more dynamic aspects of the training.”
What students say
“We had excellent instruction in self defense, with attentive instructors and very hands on learning so that we will be more confident.”
“And it is locally owned by a family (Derrick & Marge Clark) who truly cares.”
“Lots of classes and techniques to learn”
“I would highly recommend it if you're considering self-defense training, multi-discipline martial arts training, or simply after school exercise and motivation!”
From the reviews
Master Sensei Clark is a gifted teacher. He works with people of all ages. He has a special knack of being able to connect with each child in the youth classes and bring out the unique best in each one.
My daughter had her first tournament with Clark’s Self Defense this past Friday and I was blown away! Every one of the kids were smiling, having fun and really enjoying themselves. You could see the dedication and talent from each one.
This place is great! Derek is patient and supportive. Lots of classes and techniques to learn
Clark’s Self Defense in Sarasota is an outstanding BJJ gym that also teaches real-world safety. The adult classes blend Kempo Karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and other mixed-martial arts into training that builds strength, confidence, and situational awareness you can actually use.
New to Karate? Start at Clark's Self Defense
Clark's Self Defense comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Clark's Self Defense
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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