PROGRAM

Program Director Certification

Transform Your Staff Into Student Acquisition and 
Retention Experts

6 month course

Schedule A Call

Next Course Starts in August 2025

Program Description

Your front desk and administrative staff are the face of your martial arts school, yet most school owners leave them untrained in the critical skills that drive business growth. The Program Director Certification changes that completely.

This comprehensive 6-month training program transforms your team members into skilled professionals who excel at student acquisition, retention, sales, and communication. They'll learn to manage prospect pipelines, conduct enrollment conversations, handle objections, and create exceptional first-day experiences that turn prospects into lifelong students.

Taught by experienced martial arts business owners with proven track records, this isn't generic customer service training—it's specialized education focused on the unique challenges and opportunities in the martial arts industry. Your staff will gain confidence, competence, and the tools they need to become true assets in growing your school.

What's Included

Sales & Marketing Mastery

Complete training in call management, price redirect techniques, prospect follow-up systems, appointment setting, and selling the benefits of martial arts training.

Objection Handling & Communication

Advanced techniques for overcoming common objections and having confident conversations that convert prospects into students.

Student Experience Design

Master the first-day experience, introductory class breakdowns, goal-setting sessions, and creating memorable moments that ensure retention.

Business Management Systems

Learn to manage prospect pipelines, enrollment processes, payment options, and track key performance statistics.

Extension Conferences & Retention

Specialized training in conducting extension conferences and using proven tools to increase student commitment and longevity.

Expert Instruction & Ongoing Support

Taught by experienced martial arts business owners with hands-on training, practical exercises, and ongoing support throughout the certification process.

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What Our Clients Say

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Amazing!

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Dominic Laria

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The Best Martial Arts Academy In Sacramento. 🥋Please Give Instructor Grimshaw A Pay Raise. 🤑

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Carlos Curry

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This martial art school deserves the best compliments. The staff is very professional and welcoming, the facility is extremely clean and well organized. I registered my son for a 2 weeks tryout and we never left. The new Brazilian Jiu Jitsu program for kids 8-12 is really amazing. My son has just started and he loves it. He practice many days a week and has learned quickly some basics that give him great confidence. The coaches are top-notch, they are actually icons in the martial arts world. Dustin Akbari and all the other coaches have great experience in teaching adults and they are extremely skilled with kids. They are very attentive and kind to each of them. We really appreciate their patience. My son is eager to train and learn new techniques, he is looking forward to meet his coaches every day. Exiting from each training session having done a great work out and learned important self defense skills makes him feel happy. This school is the best place we could have found to learn martial arts. Definitively a great place to bring your kid. Thanks!

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Francesca

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I'm very grateful for Kovar Systems and all they've done to help me with running my martial arts studio. Their team is exceptional and genuinely care about other school owners and their success. I've worked with them for years, and had all of my instructors train under their Satori Alliance Instructor Certification, and it's done wonders to help improve the teaching skills of my team.

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Samar Shir

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Kovar's coaching program has helped our martial arts school tremendously!

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Lake Zurich Family Martial Arts

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I have been with Kovar Systems since 2017. They have helped me quadruple my revenue and triple my student base during that time. The regular coaching calls help me stay focused on the important goals for my students, my school, my business and me personally.Plus they have a ton of material available on-line! I don't have to reinvent the wheel every time. They have tons of things I can use as a baseline to grow my school.I would not be where I am today without their help!

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Northwest Indiana Martial Arts Academy

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I would rate Kovar systems at the top with regards to competition. In our 36th year of running our karate studio and we were drifting a few years ago. Complacency set in. Kovar systems saved our business. I give them our highest rating and gratitude.

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Charles Water (Charles)

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I love the Kovars organization. They have helped our school grow in multitudes over the past few years.We love the online resource library, instructor training, and their coaching calls. They also put on some phenomenal events all around the country. Not to mention the powerful impact and motivation that came out of them when the industry as a whole was challenged during the 2020 pandemic. They are such a stellar a group of people, friendly, caring, and wise in so many different areas. The Honor among them the second to none. We wouldn't be able to have quite the impact on our community without their help.

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Dojo Helper

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As a school owner I would like to say that the consulting we have received is very helpful in supporting successful business practices. The advice is solid and lifts the whole image of the martial arts industry.

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Janesa Kruse

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I have benefited greatly by participating in the Kovar's professional development and coaching program and network. The Kovar team, as well as the business leaders that make up their client network, exemplify the values of integrity, humility and professional-excellence.I would recommend this organization, and especially their coaching program, Ascend, to any martial art school owner wanting to grow their business and develop long-lasting and meaningful relationships with leaders in the industry.

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Brian Simpson

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As owners of two martial arts schools, we cannot say enough about how much Kovar systems has helped us and our teams: coaching, encouragement, ideas, motivation. Everything they do is with a serving attitude and always seeking the best for everyone they help.

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Shelly Jauch

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I've known Hanshi Dave Kovar for decades. There is no one I know who embodies what being a martial artist is in every sense. He is a humble, knowledgeable guy who really knows what he's doing (both on and off the mat). His team is outstanding. I've been working with him for many years now, and Mr. Leard has been a godsend this year in helping me make some important decisions that have positively impacted our school!

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James Theros

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Hanshi Dave kovar and his team have been priceless in my life. His organization is top notch!

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Robert Burleson

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Kovar Systems has revolutionized our school! I can't imagine where we'd be without their experience and guidance. 100% recommend!

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Nikki Mills

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Thank you Kovar Systems for a record breaking year, clarity, and accountability! Since starting with Coach Mariah we have developed SOP, stronger staff, and an empowering vision for what's next. Kovar Systems simple and consistent systems has made it easy for our whole team to be more successful and we are super grateful for that!!

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Mark Moore

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Kovar Systems in general, and Ascend in particular, are invaluable resources for any professional Martial Artist who sincerely wants to add value to their community, and in turn, provide their family with an excellent standard of living. I have been a member of ProMAC from its launch, and look forward to another 25 years.

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Thomas Clifford's Martial Arts

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Amazing people who are committed to helping you grow and understand your school and the industry. Warm, Inviting, and Humble. Owner Coaching, Teacher and Program Director certification programs are ALL world class.

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Nathan Young

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Invaluable coaching for martial arts school owners and instructors. The Kovars team is responsive, encouraging and knowledgeable in both traditional martial arts and contemporary mixed martial arts styles and will help you grow your school with integrity.

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Nancy Walzog

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This is one of the most impactful systems available for your martial arts studio. The Satori Alliance is designed to bring the best out of business, your team, and YOU! The Satori community members help each other with a purposeful "hive mind" atmosphere; which creates a very strong support network. I recommend this to all of my friends who are studio owners. If you want to take your game to the next level, joining is a NO BRAINER! Do it!

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Dan Tyrrell

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I have been with Kovar systems for 20 years and there's a good reason. Nothing has had a more positive impact on my school/business. The Dojo will be with Kovar's for another 20.

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manny esmeraldo

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Fantastic for helping you holistically - they focus on you as a person and martial artist, your academy and it's growth, and best practices for the business and students. We have been with Kovar's Systems since we purchased our school from my instructor and believe it was an integral part of our success. Special shout-out to their amazing coach - Paul Duarte!

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Christopher Tersak

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I've been a member of the Ascend coaching program with Kovar Systems for nearly a decade, and I can't praise it enough. The program and it's leadership team have been instrumental in the tremendous growth and expansion of my school. On a personal level, I've experienced significant growth as both an individual and a business owner. The Kovar Systems and Ascend team have supported us through every key moment and crucial decision we've faced and I can't imagine having going through this journey without them in my corner. If you want to build a strong team and create an amazing martial arts training experience for your students, look no further.

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TRUE Martial Arts

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I wish i could give 10 stars!! Absolutely the best decision I've made as an owner. The insight of this group is invaluable and has helped me grow in all areas. Highly recommend

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Guido's Martial Arts Academy

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The Ascend Group has been the catalyst that’s propelled me to levels in “business” I’d never have thought possible.None of us is as smart as all of us, and having a group of high performing, dedicated, and passionate school owners to share ideas with has been invaluable. They’ve helped to open my eyes to areas in my school, finances, and life that I was naively blind to.The most valuable aspect of Ascend, for me personally, has been the mentorship of Hanshi Kovar and Mr. Chamberlain. Insight and accountability from people you respect so deeply is worth its weight in gold.For perspective: my student count went from 500 to over 800 students in the 2 years I’ve been part of Ascend.

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Peter McHugh

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I have been a part of Kovars Systems for almost 20 years because they are simply the best! The combination of Martial Arts training, teaching skills & business systems has been an integral part of the success of my schools and the development of my team. I am a better husband, father, son, teacher and friend because of Mr. Kovar's example and influence. Thank you!

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Chris Herrman

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The Ascend program has been my go to for all important decisions I make regarding Personal Best Karate. It easily gets my highest professional recommendation.

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Chris Rappold

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The Kovar organization is second to none. A First class group! Great coaches! My coach, Mr. Bardini has been a pleasure to work with and an asset to my team over the passed few years of working together.

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Kevin Hurricane Hudson

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Excellent instructor course for any style of martial arts. If you're looking to build a well trained team, then check out a training seminar.

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Krystol Sanchez

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Super fun, learned to understand ways to teach a class

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Lourdes Manuela Cataquiz

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Always a great time of learning and connecting, with like minded teammates.

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Dr. LaSheika Hill

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Awesome training! Our entire team leveled up! We arealready implementing what we learned and classes are definitely improving!

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Matthew Van Valkenburgh

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Absolutely STELLAR training, testing, and overall experience - very impressive and impactful!!

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Dawn Whitmore

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Exceptionally well run event. Very smooth very thorough very easy to understand and very much appreciated. Thank you so much.

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Jason Whitmore

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I would recommend, very encouraging instructors

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John Ross

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Went to an Instructor Boot Camp and Dave Kovar is awesome, met some amazing instructors & black belt

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Elijah

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Great experience , was well worth the $ and left with a overwhelming amount of information :) coming back :)

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Master Doerksen

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The Kovar's have had a tremendous impact on our martial arts business. We are celebrating our 20th anniversary this weekend. Our first 10 years as an organization was in a close minded federation where little change could be made to enhance our program for our students. For the remainder of the 10 years, the Kovar's helped us make the decision to become an independent studio. This transformed our academy into what it is today. I carry on the legacy of the founder, Rich Grogan, who spent countless hours laying a tremendous job foundation of our academy's curriculum & principles that we use today. Many of those enhancements from the direction of the Kovar's, and I spent this past year receiving coaching consultation from them which was incredibly helpful. Tim gave me excellent advice on ways to increase leads while looking at ways to better retention with increased communication to my team, parents, and our students. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to implementation to find the results I'm hoping for, but I feel much more certain about what I need to focus on as a business owner to get the most out of my time. Thank you to the Kovar's team for their amazing contribution to the martial arts industry, and all of the phenomenal martial arts legends that share their wisdom at PROMAC!

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Nathan Wilkening

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Dave Kovar’s Martial Arts Instructor Bootcamp is an exceptional training experience for instructors seeking to elevate their teaching skills and classroom impact. The bootcamp combines hands-on drills, real-time feedback, and practical strategies for managing diverse classes, making it highly effective for both new and experienced instructors. Kovar’s approach goes beyond technical skill, emphasizing the importance of building a positive, character-focused environment that fosters respect, discipline, and growth. Overall, Kovar’s bootcamp is a must-attend for any instructor serious about professional and personal growth in the martial arts industry.

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Eric Elliott

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Fantastic Unified event. Incredible teaching.

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Ken Chamitoff

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Incredible, engaged staff- so many smiles and warm welcomes! Clean, organized facility.

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Taren K

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Such a great team of instructors and staff!

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Thomas Jones

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One of the absolute most authentic, service over selling events I have ever attended

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Hanshi Maczuga

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Amazing experience at Promac!

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Justin Stefani

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I was so fortunate to be a part of this year's Pro MAC event. It was a beautiful melding of cultures, ideas, and people. So much knowledge was gained in such a short amount of time. I can't wait for next year.

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Ryan Allen

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Is Kovar Systems Right For You?

Kovar Systems Is IDEAL For You If...

Kovar Systems Is NOT For You If...

You have staff members who interact with prospects and students
You're struggling to achieve sustained growth and retention
You want to improve the student experience and build stronger relationships
You need your team to master essential sales and marketing techniques
You're ready to invest in long-term staff development
You want to delegate more front-desk responsibilities with confidence
You're the sole operator with no other employees
You're not willing to invest in ongoing staff training and development
Your business has significant financial difficulties requiring immediate attention
You're not committed to implementing the systems your staff will learn
You're not ready to give your staff the authority to make enrollment decisions
You already have highly experienced program directors

Ready to Transform Your Team Into Growth Drivers?

Invest in your staff's success and watch your martial arts school flourish.

Schedule A Free Strategy Call
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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the certification take and what's the time commitment?

The Program Director Certification is a 6-month program with weekly training sessions. Your staff members should expect to dedicate 3-4 hours per week to training, practice, and implementation.

Can I enroll multiple staff members at once?

Absolutely! Many school owners enroll their entire front-desk team. Group training often creates better results as team members can practice together and support each other's development.

What if my staff member leaves after getting certified?

The certification belongs to the individual, but the systems and processes they implement will remain in your school. Plus, you'll have the knowledge to train future staff members more effectively.

Is there a test or final certification requirement?

Yes, participants must demonstrate their skills through practical exercises and pass a comprehensive assessment covering all aspects of program director responsibilities.

What kind of results should I expect after my staff is certified?

Schools typically see improvements in enrollment conversion rates, prospect follow-up consistency, student retention, and overall front-desk professionalism within 60-90 days of certification completion.

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