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!

Lisa Bartuska
May 17, 2013
Top notch instructors. Well run program. My kids have learned a lot and enjoy it. Great staff. They care about their students both in and out of class.
Martina Lalin
August 14, 2022
My son is always excited to go to his classes! He loves the instructors and the new friends that he met at the dojo! Instructors are so helpful, patient and friendly!
Chris Zolina
July 18, 2023
Signed up our 7 year old, looking for something to engage her. We did a lot of searches and reached out to friends, family, and our neighborhood Facebook page. Kovar's had a ton of positive comments, so we tried their 2 week trial program. By the second class, we saw our daughter's confidence spike and she was excited to hear whenever she had class. The instructors are extremely friendly and great with the kids. If you're looking for a martial arts/self defense class, i highly recommend checking out Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts.
Dana Jenks
August 17, 2022
Such an encouraging program for my 3rd grader. We have been going since he was 6. The instructors work magic with him and he is always happier when he leaves and repeats some great lessons about being a good person outside of class. I would highly recommend.
Naween Lal
June 22, 2023
My both girls go here. Its great for building self confidence, be active and learn some karate.
Bill Hudson
July 3, 2023
Friendly and supportive staff, focused on teaching responsibility that comes with the training they do. Quality experience for more than a year for our family, and many belts to go!
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.
Kelly Hall
September 16, 2019
What a gem! The instructors are fabulous- always taking a positive reinforcement position when teaching. Great curriculum, engaging lessons, thorough communication. We are so honored to be part of this studio!

Jayme Putnam
August 23, 2023
Kovars Folsom, Shihan Sipes, and his awesome team of instructors continue to pour into our boys with their kid-friendly curriculum, experience, and super fun environment. Learning and practicing Mixed Martial Arts every week is building up our boys confidence,their physical and mental strength, and gives them a skill to work at and be proud of. We LOVE Kovars Folsom!
Justin Hurst
April 22, 2018
Dave Kovar is not just a fantastic person but runs an incredible company. Not only do you learn to defend yourself but you also become a better and more disciplined person.
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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!