Dark Clan Fight Lab

Dark Clan Fight Lab is closing its doors.

Over the past 4 years, we have served as a hub for a community that included martial artists, the ecstatic dance community, and people that were looking to learn martial arts and establish friendships. The DCFL has played a huge part in seeing our students launch into both the amateur and professional realms in combat sports and in life. We have been at the forefront of many trendsetting events such as toy drives for underprivileged kids, Brew-Jitsu, Watch and Boat parties, and restorative ice baths. We have tried diligently to serve and better the lives of the people and area around us.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing pandemic, which has profoundly impacted our industry and the high cost of our rent on Austin’s east side, we have come to a point where it is no longer financially feasible to keep our doors open.

It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to make a difference and to serve as a hub for the martial arts community in Austin, as well as for the people around us. I have wholeheartedly given our time and energy into making this space the most welcoming and supportive places it could possibly be. It has meant so much to me to have mentored and coached so many students and supporters over the past few years. It is also incredibly painful to be at a point where I can no longer do that in this space. In one brushstroke and for the second time in 5 years, I find myself at a major career transition, without a gym, having to say goodbye to my students, and worrying about what the next step is, both professionally and personally.

It has been incredibly rewarding to have been involved with so many good people throughout my time here. I have truly cherished this era of my life. Simultaneously, it has also been incredibly challenging and exhausting to maintain this 6,200 sq. foot space with little staffing, depleted resources, expended energy, while trying to maintain a high quality of the instruction.

I would like to take this time to say “thank you,” to everyone that believed in and supported the DCFL and our vision over the past few years. Thank you so very much. It has meant so much to me.

We will be selling off some equipment and packing up to vacate the space. Some equipment will be available for purchase and inquiries can be sent to [email protected]

We will be accepting donations for the costs of moving and storage. Please Venmo us if you feel inclined to help.

All accounts will be canceled in the next few weeks. Message us by October 6, 2021 if you would like to request a refund. For those willing to donate their last month to help us out, let us know, as any help is greatly appreciated.

We will be needing some help to move out our stuff over the next few days. We would love it if you came by to say goodbye.

After that, I will be doing some garage training and privates. Let me know if you’d like to be a part of that.

And lastly, the past decade in this community has been one for so much personal growth. When I moved here in 2011, I committed myself to becoming a better person and was rewarded with so many opportunities because of it. I do not consider this a failure. Doors open and close and chapters change. This is life. I have lived with love and openness and Dark Clan was born out of that. I am wholeheartedly proud of what that meant to me and to so many. Thank you for being a part of our story. With love and until next time…

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN.

- Derrick Garza

Dark Clan Fight Lab

Yesterday was full of fun. Come find out what the smiles are about! Email us at [email protected] for more information

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Meet the DCFL Staff!
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Travis Tyler
DCFL Kickboxing Coach

Travis has been a great admirer of combat sports with over 10 years of experience. He has trained with a wide variety of martial artists and takes an open minded approach to training and techniques. Being a firm believer in “if you know the way broadly you will see it in everything,” this translates to outside the gym as well being involved in music, rock climbing, mountain biking, archery, construction projects, etc. He believes an ego-less atmosphere is needed to not only be innovative but to build strong fundamentals as well. Martial arts became the very pivotal discipline needed in his life which has resulted in a high level of respect for what it can provide for people, and tries to emulate that experience for everyone in his classes.

“I want to make everyone feel welcome and be able to take something valuable from every class I instruct at Dark Clan Fight Lab. Everyone is different, so my goal is to help everyone be the best they can possibly be on the mat, which will extend far beyond the mat, as well.”

You can find Travis at the DCFL teaching during the week and running the open sparring classes on Saturdays at 12PM.

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

The DCFL Summer 2021 Crest T-Shirt

With the summer heat still going strong, the latest offering from the DCFL is our lightweight, cotton/poly blended logo shirt. This breathable, stretchy, and athletic cut shirt is great for casual wear around town or lounging on the couch when you wanna rock the DCFL. Designed in-house and printed locally, they are now available for pick them up at the gym or you can have them shipped to you. This is a limited run and we will be selling out. Get yours for $25 (plus tax and shipping) at Dark Clan Fight Lab or message [email protected] to purchase.

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Derrick Garza
3rd Degree Black Belt

After 20 years in this art and 9 plus years as a Black Belt, I was awarded my 3rd degree stripe by Ricardo “Franjinha” Miller.

Other than parenting, I have never been as committed to anything other than this art for as long as I’ve been committed to this. I proudly wear the black belt and understand the tradition, commitment, and gravity of passing along with wonderful art.

I am grateful for all the minuscule details this art has helped me apply to my life and for the larger lessons that have been learned and shared, both hard and easy alike. I am grateful for all the students and friends jiu-jitsu has brought me, past and present. And I’m grateful for the biggest lesson that jiu-jitsu has taught me, and that’s that I’m a human first.

It is my belief that without people that love and support you in your life, achievement is empty. I am thankful that my body has held up to the more than the 2 decades and the countless training days, competitions, daily coaching, running a business, finding a balanced life and now a pandemic. I am equally as thankful to the people that love, support and understand me.
It has been immeasurably hard and yet, here we are, still standing.

Thank you to my mentor, Franjinha. After 2 decades of friendship and mentoring, I can say that I have so much respect and love for this man as a coach and as a friend. Your integrity and approach give me a marker to strive for and I appreciate you, brother.

Thank you to my partners (J & R). Your belief in me as a business owner and as a human has helped me to carry through. I appreciate and am thankful for the bond that this venture has helped create. I love y’all.

To my family and people at home. Jazon and AJ - thank you for giving me a loving reprieve from the harsh and bitter world out there. I’m glad we can share in laughter the absurdity of the planet. I love you both, dearly.

To my parents, my siblings, my extended family, my friends, students and supporters - I love you all. Thanks for propping me up, cheering me on, buying tickets to my events, coming to promotions and competitions and sharing your love with me on both the good and bad days.

Thanks for coming to the show. Cheers to whatever else life and jiu-jitsu brings my way.

-DG

Dark Clan Fight Lab

Check out the new view at the DCFL. Our new MMA cage is ready for battle. Whether you’re a hobbyist or an aspiring competitor, let the DCFL help round out your game. Lead by MMA veteran, Mike Hanks, our MMA classes combine aspects of striking, grappling, ring control, and cardio to give the martial artist the tools to victory. Whether you’re interested in self defense or competing in a Mixed Martial Arts match, a beginner or experienced fighter, this class is for you.

Be sure to bring 6-8oz MMA training gloves, grappling shin guards, a mouthpiece, and a towel (groin protector is also recommended).

DCFL MMA schedule
Tues/Thurs
12pm - 1pm

Wed (starting Aug 25)
7:15pm - 8:15pm

Sat
12pm - 1pm
Sparring

Email [email protected] for more information.

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Dark Clan Fight Lab

The DCFL In-House No Gi and Takedown tournament was a success! This past Saturday, DCFL teammates and competitors took the mats to earn the top spot of the day! We had exciting matchups and a great time! At the end of the day, we crowned champions in3 separate divisions: Men's NoGi, Women's NoGi, and the Takedown division. All the matches were fun and at the end of it, the top spots were:

Womens NoGi:
1.Morgan Molidor
2.Gabriela Garcia
3. Maria Lopez

Men's NoGI:
1.Zeek Zarick Shivers
2. Danny Mulvihill
3. Steve Kline

Takedown Division:
1. Timothy Eshcoff
2. Liam Meck
3. Henrique Ferreira

Thank you to all our competitors! We look forward to seeing more of you on the competition scene!

We would like to give a shout out to our Referees and Broadcast team. Thanks for donating your time and energy!

Trey Mundine - Referee/Commentary
Patrick DiDomenico - Referee
Jason Hair - Referee
Derrick Garza - Commentary

Big thanks to Justin Kizzart of Dark Circle Sumo Club for the technical assistance in setting up the stream and making flow seamlessly!

Lastly, thank you to all the DCFL competitors, supporters, streamers, and everyone that rooted for us along the way. We have some really exciting things in the works and we are glad to have you all with us!

(p.s. - excuse the quality of the photo... these were screenshots and they work if you don't zoom in! :) )

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Dark Clan Fight Lab

Two events this Saturday!
Yoga for Fighters & The DCFL Ice Bath!

Come hang out at the DCFL this weekend and get your recovery on! First, join Coach Liz Sherman for a Yoga Session specifically for high octane athletes from 10AM - 10:45AM. Then, stick around for our regular classes from 11AM to 1PM and stay for our Ice Bath from 1PM - 2:30PM! We know you work hard, so we’re making sure we help you take care of yourself!

All are invited and we hope to see you this weekend. Email us at [email protected] with any questions!

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Dark Clan Fight Lab

Muay Thai was great yesterday! Everyone left with a smile and a few pounds lighter, as they sweated it out on the mat (Not to worry; all clean now!)

Great first class by our new coach, Chantal Perry! It was great to see DCFL kickboxing coach, Liz Sherman and the rest of the gang show up to learn! Good job, gang!

Also, expect some shenanigans when asking your teammates to take photos for you, as evidenced by Business Matt’s “selfie first” approach to this photo.

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Dark Clan Fight Lab

We have a new addition to our striking program at the DCFL! Check out our new Muay Thai class on Mon/Wed from 6PM - 7PM with Chantal Perry! Chantal has a ton of experience/fights and is looking to teach “the art of 8 limbs” to the DCFL!

In addition, you can also catch up with kickboxing coaches Liz Sherman, Jacob Anciso, Travis Tyler, and MMA coach, Mike Hanks, to help you round out your striking game! Check out the schedule and then come check us out! Hit us up at [email protected]

Muay Thai
Mon/Wed 6PM - 7PM

Kickboxing
Tues/Thurs 6PM - 7PM
Wed 12PM - 1PM
Sat 11AM - 12PM
Sat 12PM - 1PM (sparring)

MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
Tues/Thurs 12PM - 1PM

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN

Dark Clan Fight Lab

Join us for our Independence Day Open Mat!
12PM - 2PM at the DCFL
No evening classes tomorrow.

Regular schedule resumes on Tues, July 6, 2021
with 6:30AM - 7:30AM Jiu-Jitsu (Gi) w/ Casey Sveiven!

Happy 4th of July!

WE ARE THE DARK CLAN