Most people say they want to feel safer, but they hesitate the second they hear “mixed martial arts.” It sounds intense, exclusive, and geared for athletes only. We get it, and that’s why we loved talking with Abigail Altier, a student at Clark Self-Defense Sarasota, about what training actually looks like when a dojo is built for real people with real schedules. Clark Self-Defense is a family-run school led by Mr. and Mrs. Clark, with their son teaching too, and that family vibe shows up in how welcoming the environment feels.

We dig into the biggest misconceptions that keep people from trying a self-defense class, especially for women: you don’t need a high pain tolerance, fancy gear, or years of experience to start Brazilian jiu-jitsu or MMA. Abigail explains how students train at an individualized pace while still learning alongside partners of different sizes and skill levels. We also talk about why so many families start with kids programs first, from camps and before and after care to the confidence, self-control, and social growth kids gain when they learn to think under pressure.

Abigail shares why self-defense and situational awareness matter in her day-to-day life, especially working in real estate, and why “approachable” is the word she wants everyone to remember about Clark’s. If you’re near Southeastern Lakewood Ranch, you can find them off Sarasota Center Boulevard in the International Trade Center, and you can even do drop-in classes. They typically offer a free first week so you can watch, ask questions, and see if it’s a fit. Subscribe, share this with a friend who’s been on the fence, and leave a review telling us what would make you feel comfortable walking into your first class.