Frequently asked questions

Yes. Kovar's academies run camps during summer and school breaks, plus special activities and events throughout the year. Offerings vary by academy, so check with your location's front desk or our events page to see what's coming up near you.

Live Safe is Kovar's personal safety training program, teaching practical awareness and self-protection skills beyond regular martial arts classes. Visit our Live Safe program page for details on upcoming sessions and how to bring the training to your group or organization.

Yes. Kovar's partners with schools across the Sacramento area to bring martial arts programs directly to students. Visit our local school programs page to learn more, or contact us if you'd like to bring a program to your child's school.

Often, yes. Classes are grouped by age and rank, and many time slots run back to back or overlap, so siblings can frequently train during the same visit. Select academies also offer Family Training classes where parents and kids train together. Check your location's schedule or ask the front desk.

You'll start with a short orientation where you meet your academy's Program Director and share your goals. Then your child joins a regular class with their instructor and future classmates. You watch from the seating area, and afterward the Program Director answers questions with zero pressure to enroll on the spot.

Yes. Many of our students started nervous, uncoordinated, or convinced sports weren't for them. Instructors ease new students in at their own pace, and classes reward effort and progress rather than natural talent. Shy kids often surprise their parents most, because confidence is exactly what the training builds.

Yes, in two ways. Confidence and body language alone make kids less likely targets, and our bully prevention training teaches students how to recognize, avoid, and de-escalate situations before anything physical happens. Visit our bully prevention page to learn how the program works.

No, and parents consistently report the opposite. Kovar's teaches self-control, respect, and discipline as the core of the curriculum, and physical skills come with clear rules about when they're used. Students learn that martial arts is for protection and confidence, never for starting conflict.

Karate and taekwondo are single traditional styles, while mixed martial arts combines techniques from many. Kovar's Blend draws from Kenpo, MMA, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Eskrima, and Krav Maga, so students build a well-rounded foundation instead of choosing one style. Dedicated BJJ and Krav Maga classes run at select academies.

Yes, always. Every academy has seating for parents and siblings, and you're welcome at every class. Many parents tell us watching is the highlight of their week, and more than a few have joined our adult program themselves after enough time on the sidelines.

Comfortable athletic clothes and bare feet are all they need. No uniform, gear, or experience required for the first class. Once your child enrolls, their Program Director will set them up with a uniform and explain when protective gear becomes relevant as they advance in rank.

Kovar's pricing starts at $229 per month for unlimited classes at any of our nine Sacramento academies. More information can be found on our pricing page. Schedule your first class for free, then your Program Director will walk you through the options that fit your family.

Many families of kids with ADHD, autism, and other learning differences train at Kovar's and tell us the structure helps. Classes follow consistent routines, instructors work with each child at their own pace, and progress is individual rather than competitive. Talk with your academy's Program Director about your child's needs before the first class.

Yes. Kovar's hosts private martial arts birthday parties at all nine academies for $450, covering 1.5 hours, up to 15 kids, and a certified instructor who runs the whole party. Setup and cleanup are handled by our staff. Head over to our birthday page for all the details and let's get the party started!

Yes. Students who want to teach can pursue instructor certification through the Satori Alliance, the certification program built by Kovar's founder Dave Kovar. Invitation-only leadership programs like TNT run at select academies. Ask your Program Director about the path from student to certified instructor.

Yes. Several academies run an invitation-only Demo Team that performs at community events, and students can test their skills through in-house events and belt testing. Ask your academy's Program Director what's active at your location, since offerings vary by academy.

We offer private lessons and specialized training programs tailored to your individual needs. Please fill out our inquiry form to schedule a private or small-group lesson with one of our instructors. Rates vary according to experience and availability. Additionally, we offer free make-up and special help sessions for those who need them. These short private lessons are provided at no charge. Specialty programs including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Krav Maga run at select academies. Contact your local academy about private lesson availability.

Kovar's Blend of Martial Arts draws from Kenpo, Mixed Martial Arts, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Eskrima, and Krav Maga. Dedicated BJJ classes run at Carmichael, Fair Oaks, Roseville, and Natomas, and Krav Maga at Carmichael. Every student builds a well-rounded foundation rather than a single style.

Students receive curriculum materials for their current rank so they can practice at home between classes, and our current curriculum is posted online for enrolled families. Consistent short practice at home, paired with 2-3 classes per week, is the fastest path to progress.

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Yes. Kovar's follows a structured curriculum for every rank, so students and parents always know what's being taught and what's required for the next belt. Enrolled families can view the current curriculum on our website, and instructors review requirements with students throughout each cycle.

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Classes are grouped by age and rank, and every class is led by certified instructors who work with students individually even in group settings. Parents consistently mention in reviews that instructors know every child's name and adjust to each student's pace. New students get extra attention while settling in.

As many as you like. Every Kovar's membership includes unlimited classes, and we recommend training 2-3 times per week for steady progress. Classes run Monday through Friday afternoons and evenings, plus Saturday mornings, so most families find times that fit their schedule.

Class length is matched to age and rank. Lil' Samurai classes run about 30 minutes, Junior classes 40-45 minutes, and teen and adult classes 45-60 minutes. Short, focused sessions keep young students engaged while older students get a full training block.

On average, it takes 2-3 months of consistent training to progress through the first few belts, although this may vary slightly depending on your progression. Keep up with regular training and you will be able to reach the next belt level in no time!

Yes, self-defense is central to everything we teach. Kovar's blends multiple styles and covers five ranges of combat: weapons, kicking, punching, clinching, and grappling. Students practice applying skills against resisting partners in live training, so what they learn works outside the academy, not just in drills.

Yes, your first class is free. Click any Schedule Your First Class button, complete the short form, and schedule an orientation at your nearest academy. You'll meet the Program Director, and your child will join a regular class with their instructor before you decide anything.

None. Students of every fitness level, body type, and ability train at Kovar's, and instructors adjust every class to the individual. You don't need to be flexible, athletic, or experienced to start. Your first free class is exactly where fitness begins, not a prerequisite for it.

It usually takes 3.5-5 years to earn a black belt, depending on age and how often you train (typically twice per week). You can contact your academy team to learn more about joining the Black Belt Club which is free.

Kids can start at age 4 in our Lil' Samurai program (ages 4-7), then move to Juniors (ages 8-12). Teens train in their own program from 13 to 17, and adult classes run 18 and up. Select academies also offer Mini Samurai classes with parent-participation class for ages 2-3.

Four steps. Click on any Schedule Your First Class buttons and select your location, fill out our form (takes 2 minutes), schedule your orientation, and attend your first class. At orientation you'll meet your Program Director, who introduces your child to their instructor and classmates. Most families go from form to first class within a week.

We do offer discounts and family packages for multiple members enrolling together. For more information, please contact your academy’s Program Director.

If you need to take a break from training, in many cases your membership can be paused or suspended. To do so, please discuss your vacation plans or expected time away with your academy’s Program Director.

We recognize that students may need to miss classes due to unforeseen circumstances. Our flexible training plan allows you to make up missed classes by attending an additional session at no extra charge and you can even attend classes at any of our Sacramento-based locations with no additional drop-in fee!

Programs may be canceled with 30 days written notice.

Yes, there are additional costs for a uniform and protective gear when enrolling in Kovar's Martial Arts. However, everything else is already included in the monthly membership fee. To find out more about pricing information, please visit talk to your academy's program director.

We offer a variety of enrollment and membership options to accommodate kids, teens, and adults. For more information, please visit our pricing page.

We have 9 locations around the Greater Sacramento Area:

• Cameron Park
• Carmichael
• Elk Grove-Laguna
• Elk Grove
• Fair Oaks
• Rocklin
• Roseville
• Sacramento-Natomas
• Folsom

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No experience is required to train at any of Kovar’s Satori Academies. Beginners are welcome and our instructors will help new students get comfortable in a positive, patient and professional atmosphere. If you have prior experience, let the staff know when you arrive for your first appointment so they can better understand your goals and training needs.

Our Schools are meticulously cleaned with disinfectant on a daily basis, and all fitness and martial arts activities - such as partner drills, bag work, and sparring drills - are conducted following the strictest safety protocols. All instructors have been certified by the Satori Instructor Alliance to guarantee the highest standards of instruction and all equipment is industry-leading to ensure the utmost safety. We strongly recommend that any pre-existing injuries or conditions be reported to our staff, so we can modify training drills and other curriculum as needed. Above all else, the safety of our students is always our top priority.

Kovar's Martial Arts has been providing exemplary training for over 45 years in the Sacramento area and has garnered international recognition as one of the leading martial arts academies. Our instructors are Satori Instructor's Alliance Certified, meaning they have undergone rigorous training in safe and effective classroom management as well as CPR/First-Aid/Defibrillator/ concussion prevention. Additionally, our instructors are required to undergo fingerprinting and background checks to ensure the safety of our students. We are committed to helping our students reach their goals and providing an enjoyable and safe experience in a professional, patient, and respectful environment.

We offer a variety of classes Monday-Saturday.  Our hours are:

Monday - Friday: 3 PM-9 PM

Saturday: 9 AM-12 PM

For the schedule of classes, please refer to each location page.

• Cameron Park
• Carmichael
• Elk Grove - Laguna
• Elk Grove - Waterman
• Fair Oaks
• Folsom
• Roseville
• Rocklin
• Sacramento-Natomas

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.

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?