Beginning in 2018, Dark Clan Fight Lab looks to continue to develop it's community of professional, amateur, and hobbyist athletes and continue the growth that started on the Eastside, into a powerhouse team and community.
Headed by owner and jiu-jitsu black belt, Derrick Garza, and Bellator and MMA veteran, Toby Imada, Dark Clan Fight Lab aims to solidify its place as one of the premier jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, and fitness training facilities in Central Texas.Learning how to thrive when in close quarters during hand to hand combat is essential.
Headed by owner and jiu-jitsu black belt, Derrick Garza, and Bellator and MMA veteran, Toby Imada, Dark Clan Fight Lab aims to solidify its place as one of the premier jiu-jitsu, mixed martial arts, and fitness training facilities in Central Texas.Learning how to thrive when in close quarters during hand to hand combat is essential.
Reviews (9)
Curtis Davis
Sep 28, 2021
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Esme West
Jul 31, 2021
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I had previously posted a positive review when this place first opened to show my support. I’ve had to edit it in light of my experiences over the past two years. I’ve known Derrick since he was coaching at Eastside. That gym was awesome, well managed, clean, and had a great community and competition team. Unfortunately DCFL is none of those things. Derrick also goes out of his way to make it an uncomfortable place for women to train.
William Kenny
May 27, 2021
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Relocated to Austin ror a bjt and wanted to continue my training while there. Dark Clan is an extremely welcoming gym led by Derrick, he and the other instructors provide top notch instruction leaving no detail out and ensuring the family atmosphere of the gym is felt by all. Dark Clan has something for everyone regardless if you're a beginner or a higher belt. I highly encourage anyone interested in beginning their practice to check out dark clan, as well as higher belts looking to improve there skills and continue training.
Maria Cristina Lalonde
Oct 19, 2020
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Man, where do I start? I have tried out virtually every jiu-jitsu/kickboxing gym in this town (and a lot of other towns, too, for that matter), but I haven’t found anything that holds up to Dark Clan. Particularly during the pandemic, the gym has been a source of community and endorphins and just overall awesomeness in a time when awesomeness can be harder to come by.
For the last year(ish), I’ve been going to DCFL kickboxing classes, and Tim — the instructor— is the best! He’s super talented and friendly and good at structuring the class in a way that is accommodating to different levels
For the last year(ish), I’ve been going to DCFL kickboxing classes, and Tim — the instructor— is the best! He’s super talented and friendly and good at structuring the class in a way that is accommodating to different levels
Jesus Estebane
Sep 19, 2020
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This is a badass gym where you can find quality BJJ and MMA training. I've been with both Toby and Derrick since 2015 when Eastside Elite was around. Things between them two have always been professional. Both do a really good job of paying attention to your craft. They truly want the best for their students both technique and life wise. To add, the environment at the Gym is amazing and welcoming to anyone willing to learn. If you want top notch training and very good training partners this is the place to be.
Brass Ovaries
Jan 16, 2020
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Derrick and Victoria were amazing and took a lot of time making sure our class covered the information in detail. You can tell they work great with all kinds of learning styles and are there to help you succeed. The gym offers various classes at a great value. There's lots of parking, places to change, and ice cold water for when you work up a sweat.
Mike Odonnell
Dec 31, 2019
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Dark Clan Fight Lab is an extremely special place. I can be having the worst of days but believe it when I say after visiting the lab and working on improving with my friends, a lot of those problems float away. When I first moved to Austin I checked out multiple spots and although some were nice, they weren't really a perfect fit for me. Then I came across Derrick Garza and squad. His approach and passion for teaching are second to none. He makes you feel like family off the jump. This has translated in his students, making it an extremely positive, friendly environment. I could write about how
C. M.
Jun 11, 2019
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I stopped by Dark Clan to try a No Go Submission class in the middle of the day. We warmed up, paired off for that day's drills, and ended by rolling with various other partners. Derrick was a great instructor; giving pointers to everyone during drills. All the students were welcoming and everyone had their head in the game. I'm definitely coming back!
Chris Creamer
Jun 12, 2018
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Derrick is a fantastic instructor who also has a great reputation in the local community. If you're a competitor looking for a new place to train or you want to visit for an open mat, the Dark Clan has a diverse group of high level competitors that consistently win high profile and professional grappling events. This place has a great vibe for hobbyists and beginners as well. Derrick and his team will definitely help you reach whatever fitness goals you set. Stop on and check these guys out. You won't regret it.
