THE STANDARD
THE KUGTAR STANDARD
01
PROCESS OVER PRIDE
Growth comes through correction, repetition, and willingness to improve.
02
RESPECT FIRST
Students are expected to listen, carry themselves well, and value others.
03
COACHABLE MINDSET
Progress belongs to the student who can receive instruction and apply it.
04
CONFIDENCE EARNED
Confidence is built through effort, composure, and consistency.
05
FAMILY SUPPORTS THE WORK
Parents, coaches, and students all help protect the standard.
PROGRAMS
01
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Grappling, positional control, submissions, and practical self-defense taught through age- and experience-appropriate training, with optional competition preparation.
02
TANG SOO DO
A traditional Korean martial art developing kicking, striking, forms, self-defense, focus, and disciplined technique.
03
MUAY THAI / KICKBOXING
Age- and readiness-based training in striking, footwork, movement, conditioning, and practical application.
04
YOUTH MARTIAL ARTS
A family-supported program that builds courage, confidence, self-defense, anti-bullying skills, listening, respect, and hard work.
05
ESKRIMA
At KUGTAR, our Eskrima program teaches Filipino weapons and stick-fighting fundamentals through controlled drills, partner work, and practical self-defense. Students learn how to manage distance, recognize angles, move with precision, and build confidence handling real-time pressure.
THE VANDERLIPE FAMILY
SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
1995
BUILT AS A FAMILY.
EST. 1995
KUGTAR has been family-owned in Salinas since 1995. The academy grew alongside the Vanderlipe family, with training, teaching, competition, and the everyday work of running a dojo becoming part of family life.
That history still shapes how KUGTAR teaches today. Students are known personally, corrected closely, and expected to grow over time. The standard is high, but so is the investment in the individual.
THREE DECADES OF TRAINING, TEACHING, AND GROWING TOGETHER.
KUGTAR ADMISSIONS
THE NEW FAMILY JOURNEY
A thoughtful step-by-step process designed to ensure the right fit, proper placement, and alignment with KUGTAR’s culture.
INQUIRY
Tell us who the student is and what they are looking for.
OBSERVATION
New families normally observe first to understand the dojo and training environment.
TRIAL
Qualified students may be invited to trial.
EVALUATION
Instructors assess readiness, attitude, and placement.
ACCEPTANCE
Admission is determined by the owners/instructors.
ENROLLMENT
Accepted families receive the next enrollment steps.
THE KUGTAR LEGACY
EST. 1995 · SALINAS, CALIFORNIA
1995 — THE FOUNDATION
KUGTAR begins its journey.
2005 — THE EXPANSION
A growing presence and stronger community.
2015 — THE STANDARDS
Competition, discipline, and development.
TODAY — THE COMMUNITY
A family academy built across generations.
NEW FAMILIES
BEGIN WITH AN OBSERVATION.
See the dojo, understand the culture, and determine the right starting point.
01 /
OBSERVE
See the class, instructors, and training environment.
02 /
EVALUATE
Our instructors determine readiness and appropriate placement.
03 /
NEXT STEP
Qualified students may be invited to trial.