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!

Tina Scholz
July 6, 2023
My daughter has been at the Folsom location for the last year and never once have I had to argue the facts that she needed to go to class. She loves learning all the different styles this Dojo and Sensa has to offer.
Greg Levin
September 17, 2022
For those seeking a facility for children, this review is intended. We chose Karate to help teach discipline, respect, self control, body awareness, and more to my 5 year old son who has been reluctant to engage in peer activities. Kovars was recommended by a friend and continues to exceed my expectations. Their ability to positively engage children is amazing. Their lessons consist of not only activity and training but also positive life lessons about engaging and interacting with others in their daily lives. The program director responded promptly to my initial inquiry into their program and continued to assist me until I had completed registration and arranged the first class. Upon arrival my son was nervous and did not want to enter the building, despite being excited to start class. A staff member came outside and immediately attempted to connect with him and within minutes he was ready to go inside. I am not sure he would have gone inside otherwise. This initial interaction set the tone and I immediately knew we had come to the right place. Once inside multiple instructors quickly recognized and addressed my sons anxiety and reservation about joining the group and assured us (mainly me) that many young students may just want to sit and watch for a few classes to gain comfort. During our time observing we were regularly greeted and by various staff members who were patient and engaging. Once he was ready, near the end of our second class he began a lesson off to the side with one of the instructors which made him comfortable participating. At the next class he was excited and ready to fully join the group. Upon completion of his classes, the pride and accomplishment he feels is palpable and he is determined to continue his training and looks forward to future accomplishments, with Kovars to thank.
Christian Rivera
September 14, 2022
I’ve been with Kovars at a different location, but i’ve taken up BJJ recently with their program, it’s fun and has a great learning environment, great place to make friends as well.
Chris Tatro
July 3, 2023
I went there from maybe 2016 to 2020. Loved all of my instructors and I learned a lot.
Ben Combs
October 17, 2019
I have trained in this location for a number of years in Krav Maga. The instructors create a safe and encouraging environment for all ages, skill levels, and levels of conditioning. They have an obvious level of proficiency in the curriculum that has been published by the Krav Maga Alliance while still being able to expand with tips on how maneuvers may be applied more effectively. Krav Maga is the quickest route from knowing absolutely nothing about defending yourself to becoming an able combatant in a variety of situations, and each level builds upon the previous one (from learning how to throw a proper punch in level 1 through defending from an armed assailant on the other side of a countertop in levels 5 and 6).Beyond the high quality of instruction, the sense of team and camaraderie that I experience with my fellow students is built quickly and strongly. This is because it is a unique experience that you are sharing with these people and you have to trust them to practice safely just as they must trust you. Class after class of sweating, training and sparring with the same people is a relationship that you can only know if you've been party to it. I have built friendships with these people that I see twice a week for an hour far more quickly than I do with people at work that I see every day for 8 hours.
Jonathan Fairdian
August 4, 2019
I like training jiu jitsu at this location. James Anderson and Charles Jelks are really amazing/knowledgeable instructors. Both James and Charles and super cool. They love to help you learn jiu jitsu genuinely which is a rare feat to find in instructors. This is my favorite place to train to jiu jitsu. Will be coming to this location more often for jiu jitsu and there is honestly no other place I recommend more than here for training.
Naween Lal
June 22, 2023
My both girls go here. Its great for building self confidence, be active and learn some karate.
Megan Vickers
August 1, 2023
We enrolled at Kovar’s as soon as my son turned 4 and we absolutely love it! My son’s attention span, concentration, and respect have all noticeably improved. Even his teachers at his preschool noticed a change in him after he started at Kovar’s. He loves coming to class and participating in all the fun extra activities that Kovar’s organizes. We have brought several friends to Buddy Day and recommend Kovar’s to all of our friends. Everyone at the Academy seems genuinely invested in my son’s development and success. We love it here and will be here for years to come!
Sheri lynn Gansel - Cortez
August 4, 2020
My 5 year old grand daughter s self esteem has gone up!Unbelievable!She loves earning the star patches. And it helps teaches her to follow the instructions too
Nicholas Wang
May 17, 2017
I've been attending Kovars at the Laguna location for about a decade now; since I was four years old. It has not only taught me how to defend myself and increased my physical strength, but also showed me how to be a better person. Kovars instructors and fellow students have bonds that make us all a family. We are taught core values like peace, optimism, and humility as well as the principles of black belt: modesty, courtesy, integrity, perseverance, courage, and indomitable spirit. Your experience at Kovars will change, challenge, and shape you into an awesome person. It is one of THE BEST parts of my life and his shown me even through the hard bits that I can get back up again and keep fighting.
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Locations
Across The Greater Sacramento Area
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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!