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Our story

Our mission is to empower people of all ages to reach their fullest potential through martial arts instruction.

coach teaching kovar students during class

Transforming lives through martial arts instruction since 1978

In 1978, Hanshi Dave Kovar opened his first martial arts school with a vision to teach self-defense and life skills. His brother Tim soon joined him, bringing innovative business practices into the operation. The reputation of Kovar’s grew as they opened new locations, earned awards, garnered prestigious industry accolades and gained national recognition.

To further embody their spirit of indomitable spirit, generosity, experiential learning, teamwork, community and growth, Kovar’s added "Satori" to their name. "Satori" is Japanese for being "in the moment at your best". Under Hanshi’s leadership and vision, Kovar's continues to innovate and grow its various aspects to develop the curriculum and outreach. By staying true to their founding principles, Kovar’s remains a true role model in martial arts education.

Our mission

Through dedicated marital arts instruction, we help people of all ages to achieve their full potential. By emphasizing self-defense, health, fitness and life skills in a friendly, safe, positive environment, we inspire our students to become more confident, successful, and contributing members of our community.

Meet the team

We’re proud of our diverse and experienced team. Our instructors, coaches and staff have years of martial arts experience, each possessing their own unique style and skills. We strive to create a learning environment that is both fun and challenging for our students. Our team is here to help our students reach their goals and become more confident, successful and contributing members of the community.

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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

Student creed

At Kovar's Martial Arts, we believe in the power of a strong student creed to remind us of our commitment to growth, respect and discipline. Our Student Creed is as follows:

  • I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
  • I intend to develop myself in a positive manner and avoid anything that would reduce my mental growth or my physical health.
  • I intend to use what I learn in class constructively and defensively, to help myself and others, and never be abusive or offensive.
person holding their belt

Principles of Black Belt

As a dedicated student of the martial arts, I will live by the principles of Black Belt:

  • Modesty
  • Perseverance
  • Courtesy
  • Courage
  • Integrity
  • Indomitable Spirit

Are you ready to begin your martial arts journey?