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!
Chris Tatro
July 3, 2023
I went there from maybe 2016 to 2020. Loved all of my instructors and I learned a lot.
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.
Khamphay Phongsavath
July 4, 2022
Great school!!!! I did my research along with advices from family who is in Martial Arts school of karate. The teachers and staff are extraordinary!!! My child loves going to this school 5-6 days a week. Very supported and understanding staff and teachers. I can say " to believed is to see if for yourself " Any reviews is not as good as seeing it yourself in person that is the FACT!!!
Hanna Bachylo
August 11, 2023
I've been apart of Kovar's in Natomas for 2 years and it has been an amazing experience! The instructors are courteous and knowledgeable. The front desks are pretty awesome, kind and helpful too! Would definitely recommend. 20/10!
Kevin Koyama
July 31, 2023
My 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter attend classes at this location and absolutely love it! I like the combination of physical and soft skill lessons like listening that are taught and reinforced each session. I also like the convenience of being able to come on the days that work for my schedule vs having a set day. It makes it manageable with a busy work and travel schedule to keep the kids active.
Stacy Smith
August 8, 2022
My son began taking classes at Kovars in the 6th grade. He has benefited from the instructors and the teaching, and earned his black belt August 2021. He continues to grow in his skill and is now enrolled in their Teacher In Training program where he is allowed to participate in helping with classes. I cannot recommend this dojo enough.
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.
Tia Guzman
April 21, 2021
My son has been apart of the academy for a little over 2 years and we absolutely love all of the instructors and the program overall! They are always so helpful and really involved and care about helping your child succeed not only with karate but also at home. They are always available for any and everything we might need for assistance with our son. HIGHLY RECOMEND for any child and also if you child is having trouble with focus this academy is awesome!!!!!!!
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.
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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
Try our program risk-free
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!