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The Legacy of
Grand Master William “Bill” Clark

Over 55 Years of Excellence in Martial Arts, Instruction, Leadership, and Legacy-Building

From Omaha to worldwide recognition, Grand Master William “Bill” Clark has changed the face of martial arts, not just with what he’s taught on the mat, but with what he’s built behind the scenes. As a 9th-degree black belt, curriculum architect, global business mentor, Krav Maga pioneer, and founder of the Warrior Program, his influence has reached hundreds of thousands of lives.

This timeline celebrates the milestones, contributions, and transformative impact of a true leader in the martial arts world.

1960

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  • Foundations in Omaha
  • 2/5/1968
  • Grand Master Clark began his martial arts journey in 1968 under the legendary Grand Master H.U. Lee in Omaha, Nebraska. He trained alongside future icons like Grand Master Richard Reed and Grand Master Robert Allemier. In 1969, he began direct work with Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, helping to shape the earliest structure of what would become the Songahm system. These early years laid the foundation for a lifetime of discipline, innovation, and leadership.
  • Bill "Superfoot" Wallace
  • Grand Master, Founder of the Superfoot System
  • Master Toby Milroy
  • Grandmaster Clark is one of the rare examples of people in our industry who practice what they preach and have actually ‘been there and done that’. From the rough and tumble PKA era, to being a key figure in one of the largest martial arts organizations in the world, to building an outrageously successful multi-school operation, he’s cut a path for future generations to learn from and be inspired by. In his typical no BS, tell it like he sees it style, he’s always ready to contribute to the industry, and help school operators and instructors with tried-and-true advice, or an encouraging “Do Great Things” comment. I’m personally, constantly inspired by Grandmaster Clark’s relentless pursuit for excellence and boundless energy to create opportunities for his Masters, juniors, staff, instructors and students. If you have not had the opportunity, I hope you’ll attend a seminar, take a class, or attend an even with him. Be sure to bring a notebook and a sharp pencil, because you’re in for something special. Congratulation on this great honor Sir – Deep Bow!
  • Stephen Oliver
  • CEO/Founder MartialArtsWealth.com and Mile High Karate
  • I’ve known Master Clark since the 1970’s when it was Bill “Balls” Clark as competitor, official, school owner, and kick-boxing referee. There’s been a symbiotic relationship between myself & my teacher/mentor Jeff Smith and Master Clark for over 5 decades. After that much time, he’s one of a very short list of people who’s on speed dial to get feedback or to run an idea by. I’ve clearly lost track of the many ideas we’ve shared. What I appreciate the most is the eternally optimistic and forward looking mind-set that he exudes and all times as well as the straight to the point, no nonsense information that he shares freely with no expectation of return. Master Clark is a true Martial Arts Master and an inspiration for business development, teaching mastery, and curriculum development for 1,000’s of schools throughout the world.

1970

  • Grand Master Ozuna
  • Listen to a story about the first time Grand Master Ozuna met Grand Master Clark.
  • First Karate America Academy Opens
  • 3/18/71
  • Just three years into his training, Grand Master Clark opened his first martial arts school in Jacksonville, Florida. This would become the flagship Karate America location, setting a new standard for professionalism, community impact, and instructor development. Even then, he was already building something greater than a school, he was building a system.
  • Tournament Champion & Instructor of the Year
  • 6/5/1974
  • By 1972, Grand Master Clark had earned his 2nd-degree black belt and quickly rose to national prominence as one of the top martial arts competitors in the country. He was named ATA Instructor of the Year in 1974 and PKA Fighter of the Year in 1976, winning regional and national titles and earning the admiration of competitors and fans across the U.S. This was a time when sparring was raw—minimal protective gear, no face shields, no chest guards. Just hands, feet, and a mouthpiece. It was intense, and Grand Master Clark stood out as one of the very best. Crowds would gather just to watch him fight. He inspired a generation of martial artists who wanted to move, fight, and lead like him.
  • Grand Master Jeff Smith
  • Master Bill Clark is an exemplary figure among our Pioneer Legends, celebrated for his diverse accomplishments. As a competitor, he achieved top National rankings in Point Fighting and World rankings in Full Contact Kickboxing. He then transitioned into a distinguished Referee role for the PKA, officiating at high-profile, nationally televised events worldwide. Simultaneously, he successfully led a large network of Martial Arts Schools, which comprised over 50 locations at its zenith. As a revered Instructor within the ATA organization, Master Clark has utilized his expertise to drive the organization's growth into a global entity. His tutelage has empowered many Black Belts to establish highly successful schools across the USA.
  • Transition to Full-Time Instruction & Leadership
  • 9/22/1978
  • At age 31, Grand Master Clark retired from full-contact competition and shifted fully into instruction, curriculum development, and leadership. That decision changed the industry. Nearly every successful ATA school in existence today has been influenced by his business systems, instructional strategies, or personal mentorship. His business models helped schools thrive. His character development programs helped people stay focused through adversity. And his teaching philosophy simplified complex concepts into applicable, reality-based instruction. He helped instructors not only teach, but lead. Not only lead but build. And not only build, but last.

1980

  • Architect of the Songahm Curriculum & ATA Structure
  • 6/5/1982
  • As a key member of ATA’s original Masters’ Council, Grand Master Clark helped co-create the Songahm curriculum alongside Grand Master H.U. Lee, Grand Master Soon Ho Lee, Grand Master G.K. Lee, and Grand Master Richard Reed. He contributed directly to the development of 18 forms, weapons progression, belt structure, sparring models, and teaching methodology that are still used today in thousands of ATA schools worldwide. These standardized systems helped launch ATA into one of the largest, most consistent martial arts organizations on earth. ATA tournaments based on that structure remain among the largest in the country today. That foundation is still intact because of the visionary work done by Grand Master Clark and his peers in this era.
  • Grand Master Clint Robinson
  • GM Clark in my opinion has always been a creative force in regards to martial arts and overall business practices. He is open to learning from many different sources, implementing the information in a creative way and sharing with others.
  • Master Clark and I testing for 5th Dan circa 1982.

1990

  • Expanding Programs, Instructor Training & Legacy Teaching
  • 5/7/1990
  • In the 1990s, Grand Master Clark helped introduce the Black Belt Club, weapons certification programs, and leadership development pathways that improved student engagement and retention. He was also a highly sought-after instructor at ATA’s legendary 4-H Center camps near Little Rock, Arkansas. His classes were always packed. Even now, school owners still talk about the lessons they learned from him there, whether it was class management, teaching methodology, or how to connect with students on a deeper level. He taught people how to truly teach, and that wisdom rippled through the entire organization.
  • Frederica Ramires AKA (Dolly)
  • 4th degree black belt
  • Thank you so much Grand Master Clark for your support in my Krav Maga Journey. Your guidance really made a difference.

2000

  • Founders’ Council & Super Show Leadership
  • 9/23/2000
  • Appointed to the ATA Founders’ Council, Grand Master Clark helped preserve the legacy of Songahm Taekwondo while guiding the evolution of its systems and philosophies for modern times. He also became a featured speaker at the Martial Arts Super Show in Las Vegas, where he trained thousands of instructors in areas like curriculum delivery, retention, team leadership, and business scaling. His sessions weren’t fluff—they were full systems school owners could take home and apply on Monday morning.
  • Chief Master Michelle Landgren Lee
  • Grand Master Clark was the first location to bring the Dignity Kids Marketing Event to life.
  • Karate America Baymeadows
  • Krav Maga Certification & 9/11
  • 9/11/2001
  • On the morning of September 11, 2001, ATA school owners from around the country were gathered in Jacksonville, Florida under Grand Master Clark’s leadership to be certified in Krav Maga. During the training session, the World Trade Center was attacked. Flights were grounded. Many school owners couldn’t return home. Grand Master Clark responded with clarity and compassion. He acknowledged the tragedy but leaned into the mission. The timing made the importance of Krav Maga even more urgent. He reminded everyone that we never know when danger can strike, and we must always be prepared. From that moment forward, his commitment to training instructors in real-world self-defense deepened. Krav Maga wasn’t just a new class. It was a calling.

2010

  • Warrior Program and National School Development
  • 3/19/2010
  • Grand Master Clark’s Warrior Program, headquartered at Karate America in Jacksonville, Florida, became a premiere destination for instructor and school owner development. Every year, leaders from across the U.S. and beyond travel to train in Krav Maga, Kali, staff management, marketing, and teaching systems. These immersive weekends provide far more than techniques—they deliver transformation. Participants leave with new methods, new tools, and a new mindset. The Warrior Program isn’t just another seminar. It’s a tribe. A movement. A culture of excellence. And it’s led by a Grand Master of Masters. To this day, Grand Master Clark continues to innovate, rolling out new ideas in curriculum, team training, and business structure. His leadership has helped hundreds of schools grow stronger, more stable, and more successful.
  • Grand Master Joe Corley
  • A picture is worth a thousand words”—and the 2017 Who’s Who in the Martial Arts: Legends Edition cover speaks volumes. Pictured with Grandmasters Jeff Smith, Bill Wallace, and myself, Grandmaster Bill Clark stands as a pillar in the second generation of American martial arts leaders.
  • Our friendship began during our early competitive Black Belt years, as I expanded studios in Atlanta and Bill was establishing his own martial arts empire in Jacksonville. Alongside Jeff Smith in Washington with Jhoon Rhee, Bill helped raise the standard in every area: competition, instruction, officiating, and even expert commentary. Both men honored their instructors while innovating the future.
  • What makes Grandmaster Clark especially influential is his ability to systematize success—not just teach students, but build sustainable, high-impact programs that introduced martial arts to thousands, youth and adults. His legacy includes leadership, loyalty, and unmatched operational excellence.
  • As a dear friend for nearly six decades, I’m told his contributions will soon be honored more fully in a dedicated work that tells his story. And when the definitive record of Grand Master Clark’s contributions to American Martial Arts is written, this iconic photo will be part of the chapter titled “Legacy.

2020

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  • Published Author, Global Mentor, and Still Teaching with Power and Purpose
  • 2/9/2025
  • In 2025, Grand Master Clark became a published author through RevPublish.com. His book quickly became a bestseller, requested by martial arts schools around the world. Inside its pages are the very strategies that helped him build one of the largest and most respected martial arts networks in the U.S. But the book wasn’t the finish line, it was just the next step. At 9th-degree black belt, Grand Master Clark continues to lead with unmatched energy. He teaches weekly. He consults schools. He mentors instructors and Grand Masters. He innovates through the Warrior Program and leads one of the strongest teams in martial arts. Karate America, under his direction, has expanded to 17 locations in Florida alone, with more across the country shaped by his influence. His programs are more in demand than ever. But what sets Grand Master Clark apart is not just his success. It’s who he is. He is deeply charismatic and authentic. He will sit and talk with anyone—whether you’re a white belt or a fellow Grand Master. He listens. He encourages. But he also tells the truth. He won’t let you take the easy path. He pushes you to grow—for your school, your students, and your family. He’s not interested in hype. He’s interested in legacy. His leadership, clarity, and humility have helped thousands of school owners overcome fear, recover from burnout, and rediscover the why they started. He teaches not just martial arts, but personal alignment, professional clarity, and life discipline. If you're thinking about becoming a school owner, a Master, a Senior Master, a Chief Master or a Grand Master—this is the man to learn from. Grand Master Clark defines what it means to lead.