10/03/2021
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
