Build character, confidence, and self-defense skills
Discover a new level of physical and mental strength with Sacramento's top martial arts school.

See why parents and students love Kovar's Satori Academy!

Shankari Arcot
July 13, 2023
Shihan Sipes is a fantastic teacher. He sets boundaries and expectations and my son has grown leaps and bounds. We were recommend to this school by our martial arts teacher who is no longer teaching. We have recommend a lot of our friends here. We can't be happier. And let's not forget Amanda, her service is top notch

D DB
September 8, 2023
Wonderful motivation and training for discipline, responsibility, and honorable behavior. Instructors and all team members are devoted to their students. Great location for the Elk Grove, Laguna, and South Sacramento areas.
Heather Borba
July 19, 2023
I was looking for a place for my kids to be physically active. A friend suggested Kovars. Not only is it a place for my kids to get some physical activity they also get amazing life lessons. I love that no matter what the weather, we are inside... when other kiddos are getting rained out at a sporting event we are sitting inside. I also love that I get to choose my days that my kids go. The instructors are great and genuinely care about the students.
Jessica Bauer
November 7, 2022
My son (8 years old) was struggling with school and social anxiety. Kovar’s helps students with confidence and everyday life issues. Each class they have a teachable moment for mental well-being as well as physical activity. After just 2 classes, my son’s performance drastically changed at school. Instructors are personable and friendly and the entire program is supportive. Absolutely love Kovar’s Satori Academy. Highly recommend.
Sherry Kirton
February 4, 2017
They really care about the whole development of each child, teen, and adult. The staff works with the parents to encourage a positive self-love and awareness of the effect each student has on those around them. Students of every age learn to treat everyone with respect and to work toward accomplishing goals in every part of their lives.Class hours are flexible.Space is clean and the staff is excellent. Family is encouraged to stay and watch the classes and to special events including belt promotions.
Trace Bowers
December 13, 2022
Kovar's is a fantastic program for kids from toddlers to teens. And all the instructors are great with kids!!!
Kimberley Kulp
July 11, 2023
Kovars has been wonderful for our family. My son is very sensitive, timid, and shy. We started him in this program hoping to build his confidence and self-esteem. We are so proud of him each time he promotes to a new belt, and even more wonderful, he is also proud of himself.

Cassie Durant
September 14, 2023
This is the only sport my daughter has ever expressed interest in and initially I wasn't sure I wanted her to do it. But I have never been so wrong - Kovar's has a "whole child" approach that has made my daughter's life better in every way. The teachers & assistants are awesome, positive, and make her happy to be a part of each and every class. I hope she's a part of Kovar's for years to come.

Justin Avery
August 17, 2023
My son's been attending class for 2 months now and he loves it. The staff is very good with the kids. They're all funny and make it fun but they're also great at teaching discipline and when to be serious. I'm extremely happy we decided to sit in and watch a class!
Miguel Martinez
March 7, 2023
Great place for kids and teens. Positive environment. Friendly staff.
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Locations
Across The Greater Sacramento Area
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Certified
Instructors & Program Directors
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Years
Serving The Sacramento Community
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Programs for all ages

Kids
Ages 4 to 12
Our martial arts program is second to none and has been voted Sacramento’s Top Martial Arts school for over a decade in the Sacramento A-List. Youth classes are broken up into two age groups - Lil' Samurai (Ages 4-7) and Juniors (Ages 8-12).

Teens
Ages 13 to 17
Kovar's Teen Program helps your young adult manage the stresses of school and teenage life. Our classes are a safe space for your teen to have fun and be themselves while developing life skills and good judgment through mental and physical skill-building exercises.
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Adults
Ages 18+
Take charge of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Gain powerful self-defense skills in a supportive atmosphere. Enhance focus and perseverance for success in business. Develop attributes that positively impact both your own life and that of your children.
Looking for a more specific training style?
Specialty classes available at select Kovar's academies.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Available at our Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Roseville, and Natomas Academies
With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you learn real-life strategies for bringing your opponent to the ground, so that you can neutralize the attacks of larger, stronger assailants no matter their size.

Krav Maga
Available at our Carmichael Academy
Learn the battlefield-tested techniques military personnel and law enforcement agents use to handle confrontation. Krav Maga makes you stronger and faster in a short time.

What makes martial arts different from other sports?
While participating in other sports or activities can benefit your child, no other sport can provide the level of discipline, challenge, or emotional competency that Kovar's Martial Arts can.

Kovar’s
Martial Arts
Martial Arts
Other
Sports
Sports
Improves Physical Fitness
Provides Social Opportunities
Instills Discipline and Focus
Teaches Self-Defense
Decreases Likelihood of Being Bullied
Consistently Builds Confidence
Training For Preventing Bullying
Everyone Participates

Elite training for more than 40 years
In 1978, Hanshi Dave Kovar opened his first martial arts academy with the vision to empower people by teaching martial arts on an elite level found nowhere else. Joined by his brother Tim, the Kovar's quickly gained national recognition, opening new locations and earning industry accolades.
At Kovar's, we embody the spirit of Satori, a Japanese phrase that means “in the moment, at your best.” We added Satori to our name as a north star for the principles that make our academy unique: indomitable spirit, generosity, teamwork, and community. Our unique and unparalleled approach to martial arts has helped countless individuals achieve their full potential, and our story continues to evolve with each new student that joins our community.
Kovar's Blend of Martial Arts incorporates elements from: Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo, Eskrima, and Krav Maga, catering to diverse interests and providing a well-rounded training experience.

Ready to join Sacramento’s top Martial Arts community?

Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of practicing martial arts?
Practicing martial arts offers numerous benefits, including self-defense and improved physical fitness, strength and agility, as well as increased mental focus and discipline. It can also help build confidence and self-esteem while providing a safe environment for learning. For more information, please visit Why Martial Arts?
How often are classes held?
We offer a variety of classes Monday-Saturday. Our hours are:
Monday - Friday: 3-9 PM
Saturday: 9 AM-12 PM
For the schedule of classes, please refer to each location page.
What qualifications and experience do your instructors have?
Our instructors boast a wide range of qualifications and experience in various martial arts styles, such as Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kenpo, Eskrima, and Krav Maga. All of our instructors have been carefully trained and certified to ensure that our students receive the highest quality instruction.
Are there self-defense components included in the curriculum?
Self-defense is an integral part of our curriculum. We teach a hybrid of multiple styles of martial arts to provide students with the opportunity to apply self-defense skills against a resisting opponent through live training. Our classes cover five ranges of combat: Weapons, Kicking, Punching, Clinching, and Grappling so that you can be prepared for any situation. Self-defense training is a key benefit to training in the martial arts and you'll get plenty of practice with it in class!
How many classes can you attend per week?
Recommended attendance is 2-3 times per week, however, our programs come with unlimited classes. So you can attend as much or as little as your schedule allows!