Founder and Chief Training Officer
Dave Kovar, an internationally renowned instructor with black belt degrees in ten different martial arts styles, founded the Company in 1978.  Dave is recognized as a “Trainer of Trainers” and people from around the world routinely visit our Sacramento facilities to learn his instructional techniques.  The Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA) has retained Dave and the Company to provide monthly training videos to industry participants as well as articles in its monthly magazine.  Dave’s material has been implemented at hundreds of schools around the country.

CEO
Dave Chamberlain is a seasoned senior executive with experience in high profile corporate environments and fast growing start-ups, across multiple industry sectors. He is a proven leader, with a consistent track record of success.  Prior to joining Satori Academy, he held executive management positions at Gateway Computer IBM.

General Counsel & Managing Director
Rick Campbell began his career as a wall-street lawyer and in 1992 moved to the private investment business. As a principal, he has teamed up with others to build several successful businesses.  Rick, also a black belt, invested in the Company and joined the executive team in June 2003.

Director of Instruction
Ken Grube is a lifelong martial artist who has trained directly under Dave Kovar for 20 years.  He has over 25 years of experience as an educator both in and outside of the martial arts industry.  Ken is a mentor to all head instructors at Satori Academy, sharing his extensive experience in martial arts instruction with the Satori Academy team.

Director of Operations

Larry Caldera has an extensive background in creating efficient systems to enable multi-unit operations to run at peak efficiency.  His expertise in leading technology and customer service teams helps Satori Academy be an industry leader in customer satisfaction and retention.

General Manager, Kovar Systems Division

Mark Seidman brings a 20 year track record of leading sales and marketing teams to produce consistently strong results.  He has developed innovative programs to drive customer growth at companies such as SureWest Communications, Computer Associates and Manzanita Software.