In 1978, Kyoshi (Master Teacher) Dave Kovar opened his first school with a vision to empower people by teaching martial arts on a completely different level than could be found anywhere else. He was soon joined by his brother Tim who brought innovative business practices to the operation. Their reputation for combining self defense and life skills grew and as the word spread, Kovar’s Martial Arts opened new locations, garnered awards, earned prestigious industry accolades and gained nationwide recognition.

Today, the organization is named Kovar’s Satori Academy, adding in the Japanese word ‘Satori’ which symbolizes our goal for all students: Which means to be “in the moment… at your best.”