(FOX40.COM) \u2014 A historic family heirloom was stolen from a local Sacramento dojo last Saturday.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Since 2009, Mike Oliver and his team at the Sacramento dojo have been teaching the values and principles of the ancient Japanese art, karate.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission was to kind of raise the standards, what it means to be a black belt in traditional karate,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cCommunity 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
For years, students would learn the craft with a Wakizashi samurai sword by their side.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s very traditional, as you can see, and that sword is a part of it,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cIn fact, we had the sword with a bonsai next to it as well, because the area is kind of a place of honor.\u201d<\/p>\n
However, on Saturday, March 29, that symbol of culture and history \u2014 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\u2019s windows. Eventually, he broke in and stole the family artifact.<\/p>\n
Oliver said it\u2019s not about monetary value. It\u2019s about the meaning.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cIn Japan, you can\u2019t export a wakizashi anymore. It\u2019s kind of a cultural heritage, so it\u2019s a special thing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, the Sacramento Police Department is trying to track down this historical weapon. Oliver added that it\u2019s a fierce weapon \u2014 now out in the community \u2014 in the wrong hands.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat we do is all about peace,\u201d Oliver said. \u201cAnd the idea of somebody using that sword \u2014 not just that family, but for me, being that it was here for such a long time and a symbol of the school \u2014 if it is used to hurt somebody and then it\u2019s recovered and I would feel really bad about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n