#5: Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

#5:  Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

“There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar

My guest this episode is Hanshi Dave Kovar who is known as “The Teacher of Teachers”.  He is the founder of Kovar’s Satori Academies and PROMAC, the Professional Martial Arts College.  He is a prolific author and the epitome of professionalism and humility.  His formulas for integrity-based success coaching have transformed martial arts training, teaching, and business across the globe.  This episode is filled with guidance and wisdom from a true pioneer of the Professional Martial Arts Industry. 

My Key takeaway is that “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts”.  I absolutely love Hanshi Kovar’s Growth Minded Passion driven approach.  We discuss how to empower people of all ages to become more confident, healthy, happy, and contributing members of society.  Hanshi Kovar also shares what it takes to provide high quality martial arts instruction, how to develop professional instructors, and most importantly how to remain a student for life by being open, and enjoying and having fun in your training, and loving the process of learning.

Show Notes  

#5 : Dave Kovar – Professionalism & Empowerment through a Growth Minded Passion Driven Approach

00:00:25 – Hanshi Dave Kovar (@hanshidavekovar) Introduction and Key Takeaway.
00:02:39 – What Is the Goal of PROMAC?
00:06:15 – “Adversity doesn’t make the person it reveals the person.” – Dave Kovar
00:09:08  – The 3 A’s – Attitude(Aware of Frame of Mind), Adaptability, and Action
00:12:43 – The Flow State, The Zone or Satori.  When you are in the Flow State you will always make the right decision.
00:13:00 – What methods do you use to get into the flow state? Kovar Guards his Morning Routine.  First 60 min is scripted every morning that helps him get there and get back quicker.
00:16:45 – “I hate it but every morning I do a sauna and cold plunge.” – Dave Kovar
00:22:44 – 3 Questions - “How did I contribute? What did I learn? What can I do better? 
00:23:30 – My favorite word is “Savour”, it brings you to the present moment with a sense of appreciation.
00:28:55 – Do you think Martial Arts is needed more today than in the Past?
00:31:32 – Athletic Development benefits for Children.
00:34:22 – “Poor Endurance makes Cowards of us All.” – Vince Lombardi
00:37:00 – The Confidence Spiral – Failure and Success vs Confidence.
00:40:15 – Change your Physiology and Focus and that will Change how you Feel.
00:41:50 – The Concept of Ikigai = Undaunted Spirit when facing a challenge.
00:42:55 – Martial Arts is about Enjoyment.
00:45:19 – What has kept you in this Constant State of Learning?
00:50:11 – Adopting Shoshin the Beginners Mind.
00:52:55 – An Open-Minded Approach towards Sport, Tradition, and Reality.
00:55:45 – Know the Real Reason you are training in Martial Arts.
01:01:25 – What is the biggest Challenge you have had to Overcome?
01:04:55 – What is your process of molding and developing Instructors?
01:06:45 – “There is no higher calling than teaching Martial Arts.” – Dave Kovar
01:08:37 – “Your Job is to Believe in your Students Potential.” – Dave Kovar
01:09:45 – Do you think a Professional Degree from a University would help the Industry?
01:13:35 – The Mainstream success of Kobra Kai is driving students to Martial Arts Classes.
01:14:18 – Do you think it is the relationship between Teacher and Student people are seeking?
01:16:15 – Master Jhoon Rhee and 1,000 Push Ups a Day.
01:21:00 – Secret to Growth and Longevity.
01:25:50 – 6 Keys to Mastery – Posture, Breathing, Stride, Balance, Elegant Movement, and Intent.
01:28:22 – What does a Black Belt mean to Dave Kovar?