Build character, confidence, and  self-defense skills

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.

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.

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.

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.

My both girls go here. Its great for building self confidence, be active and learn some karate.

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.

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.

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!

Kovar’s is amazing. They empower students to be self-confident and teaches kindness and humility. The instructors teach students character building and to be good human beings as well as self defense. Amazing women and men that teach there.

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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.