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!
Maggie M
November 2, 2020
My 4 year old daughter LOVES this place, and so do I! The instructors are so good with the kids, especially Senpai Hunt! He is so great at keeping the kids focused while making class so much fun! I love the valuable life skills that they teach too..."yes sir", introductions, self defense techniques, etc. My kid enjoys to go to class everyday!
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!
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.
Miranda Viani
August 1, 2023
This team is absolutely amazing! They care about my daughter and push her to help her grow. We have moved, but still continue to make the drive as this has been such a good experience for us.
M'leesa Rogers
May 18, 2022
My son has been coming here for 3 weeks. He has a hard time focusing for long periods of time and he can be quite emotional on a not so great day but WOW. Everyone at Kovars is SO incredibly patient and kind. We do a lot of activities and I have NEVER seen so many people as a group or individually be so good with children. Even with larger groups, they find a way to individually make every child feel included and they do such a good job at cheering each kid on and making sure they know what to do and how to do it.
Anne Nicholls
May 15, 2023
In November 2022, our 4 year old son started his Karate journey at Kovar's Satori Academy and here we are in March 2023 at his Yellow Belt Promotion! We are so proud of his dedication, enthusiasm, motivation, confidence, discipline, respect, coordination, grace and focus.
Special thanks to Auntie DeeDee and her friends, Dave and Tim Kovar, for recommending Kovar's in Natomas to us, and to Sensei Mir, Renshi Allen, Renshi Sieglitz, Sempai Shahid, Sempai Michehl, Renshi Gonsales, Ms. Hannah, all of the instructors and student assistants that work with these vibrant children with such patience, grace and encouragement; and thanks to the Natomas Demo Team for their amazing performance!
Josiah Henderson
August 19, 2021
We love the instructors and program at Kovars at Madison! Our son has learned skills and grown his confidence in his training here. The Kovars staff has evolved so well during the covid pandemic as well. Great team and program.
Debbie Beldner
July 2, 2023
Best instructors and staff you could ever imagine. Great structure, curriculum and fun. My grandson loves coming to class.
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.
Samone Harris
July 19, 2023
Since my son has started kovars in January, there have been nothing but great things that have came from this experience.. more focus, more respect, more self discipline, and tools for self defense.. each staff member is kind and patient with the kids and know all the kids name on day one. It is a safe and clean space. 10/10 recommend for anybody whose child needs some extra help.
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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!