ABOUT
At Clarke Martial Arts, we are dedicated to providing confidence-building martial arts classes in Chippewa, PA. Our experienced team is committed to helping our students develop not only physical strength and self-defense skills but also mental discipline and focus. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and grow. Our story began with a passion for martial arts and a vision to empower individuals of all ages through our unique training approach. What sets us apart is our emphasis on holistic development and personalized attention for each student. Join us at Clarke Martial Arts and embark on a journey of self-improvement and empowerment.
Brian Bain has trained at several jiu jitsu schools, earning his blue belt under Danilo Cherman and his purple belt under Tyler Ellis and Jason Thoman. He also completed his graduate work with a research focus on bullying prevention.
When working with kids, he emphasizes helping young students to develop jiu jitsu skills that can control an aggressor and social skills for navigating normal conflicts of childhood.
Brian prioritizes the biblical value of treating others as we want to be treated in conflict to resolve it in friendship whenever possible. He trains adults who want to develop ground fighting skills for self defense, sport, or a great workout.
Sifu Douglas Stopp- Sifu Douglas has been training in Kung Fu and Tai Chi for 20 Years. He has been Teaching both for about 12 Years. Sifu Douglas learned Northern Praying Mantis under Sifu David Clarkson for over 10 Years and tested and passed the advanced Kung Fu Level test under his instruction.
Over The years Sifu has taught for for Community College of Beaver County Continuing Education Department for both Kung Fu and Tai Chi. For the last 6 years he has taught Tai Chi and The Beaver County YMCA and MEKO Yoga and Wellness. For the last 3 years Sifu has also started and successfully continued The First AquaTai Chi class in the YMCA Therapy Pool for all ages.
Sifu is a three time Gold Medalist in competing in The Arnold Classic in Columbus. During the Day Sifu Works for Fr. Kim Schreck and St Augustine Parish in Chippewa Twp working on Maintenance and grounds crew.
Sifu Douglas loves teaching and learning how to teach something differently every class. He values teaching his students discipline, hard work, fellowship and respect.
Sadie Clarke trained in 2 nationally recognized taekwondo organizations earning both her first and second degree black belts under Master Dawn Detz. She is currently training to earn her 3rd Black Belt under Grand Master Robert Zang of
Zang’s Tae Kwon Do. She recently competed nationally earning 1st Place in Board Breaking and 1st Place in Women’s Sparring.
She is an apprentice in the Bricklayers Local #9 Union and a volunteer fire fighter for Chippewa Township VFD. Sadie teaches both adults and kids to embrace discipline, hard work, and endurance in order to achieve the best quality outcome in both taekwondo and life.
Gavin
Gavin Betts is assistant instructor for Taekwondo at Clarke Martial Arts. He also trained in 2 National taekwondo organizations with Master Dawn Detz. He is currently working to earn his 3rd degree black belt under Grand Master Zang. Gavin recently competed in Zangs tournament earning 2nd place in weapons using his Kung Fu sword form. He also trains with SIFU Doug in his Kung Fu classes. Gavin loves to teach the kids. He is patient and respectful with them all. Outside of the gym Gavin’s other passion is Band and playing the trumpet. He recently played for PMEA district band and is a member of the Blackhawk Marching Band.
Olivia
Olivia Brinn is an assistant instructor for Kung Fu at Clarke Martial Arts. She is 14 years old and turning 15 on October 1st. She trained in 2 national taekwondo organizations with Master Dawn Detz and has earned up to her 3rd degree black belt. She also trains under Sifu Doug in Kung Fu and has earned up to rank 9A and is working on ranking to 9B. Olivia loves teaching the kids. She is supportive and patient while helping teach the kids. She is also active outside of the studio. She is a current member of the Blackhawk High School Marching Band and plays percussion and violin in the orchestra. She finds marching band and music helpful for responsibility, respectfulness and discipline.
Kitara
Kitara Dessler- Kitara has been training in multiple martial arts for 22 years. She trained in ATA Taekwondo, at multiple locations, starting at the age of 5 eventually earning her 2nd degree black belt. She then went on to learn Kung Fu under Sifu David Clarkson. She has also dabbled in Tung Su Do and Karate before settling into Kung Fu and Tai Chi with Sifu Douglas Stopp.
Her competitions from ATA were fierce but she managed to rank 1st place almost every time on forms and weapons. Recently earning a gold medal in The Arnold Classic Competition.
Now she's focused on the next generation to be even stronger and more confident. Kitara loves teaching and learning new forms with Sifu Doug. She also loves musicals and singing, always trying to find ways to connect her love of music to her love of martial arts.
Joanna
Joanna Seaman has been training in kung fu and tai chi for four years under Sifu Douglas Stopp. During this time, she has grown in proficiency in various weapons like Bo staff, broadsword, and double daggers. She recently competed in the Arnold Classic and brought home four gold medals. During Kung Fu, she strives to be a positive example to her classmates and demonstrate proper technique, patience, and dedication at every lesson.
In her free time, Joanna enjoys volunteering at her church, working on her scale models, and golfing. Kung Fu has taught her discipline, respect, and hard work, which she can carry into her everyday life.
Ella
Ella Hannum is thirteen, and an eighth grader at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. She has been training in jiu jitsu with Dr. Bain since she was five years old. Ella is a yellow belt. She loves jiu jitsu because it makes her feel like she can protect herself without injuring another person while doing so. In her free time, Ella enjoys writing, reading, singing, playing outside with her siblings, and–obviously–jiu jitsu!
Troy
Troy Bain is 11 and in sixth grade. He has trained BJJ for six years and is amazed how much he has progressed. He started training with his dad and has stuck with it, because it is valuable to have the ability to defend yourself or stand up for yourself if someone tries to bully you. Another reason he loves BJJ is because it goes along with his Christian faith. Jesus says to love even your enemies and to treat others the way you want to be treated. Troy is able to follow these commands by using BJJ if someone is aggressive and physical with him. BJJ is unique, because Troy is able to stop someone from hurting him without hurting that person or retaliating.
As team captain, Troy plans to help the team by doing tasks assigned by the teacher, such as taking attendance, running warm-ups, and welcoming new members to the team.