(FOX40.COM) — A historic family heirloom was stolen from a local Sacramento dojo last Saturday.

FOX40 went to Zen Martial Arts Center to learn more about how this crime is transcending generations and why police are offering a reward for the return of this classic Japanese sword.

Since 2009, Mike Oliver and his team at the Sacramento dojo have been teaching the values and principles of the ancient Japanese art, karate.

“Our mission was to kind of raise the standards, what it means to be a black belt in traditional karate,” Oliver said. “Community service is a huge part of what we do, and teaching kids respect and confidence and just taking those qualities out into the world where it really matters.”

For years, students would learn the craft with a Wakizashi samurai sword by their side.

“It’s very traditional, as you can see, and that sword is a part of it,” Oliver said. “In fact, we had the sword with a bonsai next to it as well, because the area is kind of a place of honor.”

However, on Saturday, March 29, that symbol of culture and history — which was brought to Sacramento after World War II was gone in the blink of an eye. Oliver said around 3 a.m., surveillance footage from a neighboring business caught a person on a bicycle riding back and forth before throwing rocks through the center’s windows. Eventually, he broke in and stole the family artifact.

Oliver said it’s not about monetary value. It’s about the meaning.

“It actually belonged to a student, a long-time student. It was in their family for a long time and they allowed us to display it,” Oliver said. “In Japan, you can’t export a wakizashi anymore. It’s kind of a cultural heritage, so it’s a special thing.”

Now, the Sacramento Police Department is trying to track down this historical weapon. Oliver added that it’s a fierce weapon — now out in the community — in the wrong hands.

“What we do is all about peace,” Oliver said. “And the idea of somebody using that sword — not just that family, but for me, being that it was here for such a long time and a symbol of the school — if it is used to hurt somebody and then it’s recovered and I would feel really bad about that.”

Oliver said they are also in partnership with Sacramento Valley Crimestoppers and there is a $1,000 reward for information leading to recovery and arrest. For more information, you can visit the website.

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