Martial arts for kids 7 to 11 who are ready to be challenged
Real technique, real rank, real confidence. Juniors is where kids learn to stand up for themselves, lead a line, and earn every belt on the road to black belt.
See why parents and kids love
Kovar's Juniors!
Lyn Upchurch
August 18, 2025
❤️ the overall quality of the program
Chris Greiner
August 15, 2025
We started at kovars for my 7 year old daughter in May and we love the place. The instructors are all lovely people that really care about the kids. Even though there are a lot of kids at times in class I feel that they always take time to say hi and make sure all the kids are learning at their pace
Erin Green
August 6, 2025
This is an amazing karate studio that has gone out of their way to welcome not just my son but all of us to their program. My son has struggled to find anything athletic that he actually enjoyed and karate has proven to be his most favorite activity now. The Sensei's work with the kids individually however they can, even during the group classes, to help them when they are new. My son was very nervous at first but they eased his fears. The program has helped to teach him patience, discipline, respect and also offers a fantastic athletic workout. We are so impressed with this studio, the instructors, and the overall process of Kovar's. My son is excited to go to class every week, evening moving into the adult/teen program, he found that transition easy and likes that they push him even harder with his training. I cannot say enough good things about this program, sport and the Sensei's running the classes - all amazing and we highly recommend!
Blaine Pinney
August 2, 2025
Love this place! I wish that they had locations where I live now (had to move away across the states for college externship and my culinary work). I loved going here every week! Most of my classes were with Tim Leard who was a great instructor! Definitely helped me in some real life situations I found myself in over the years. I miss the team and the memories! Wish I could get that picture we took for the wall back in the day. If any of you see this and remember me I'm doing well and I'm a sous chef now!
Alicia Scholer
July 28, 2025
Kovar's on Waterman has been an amazing experience for my neurodivergent 7-year-old. It is truly an inclusive and supportive space for kids. The staff are wonderful - funny, engaging and full of positive reinforcement. Our son leaves every class feeling empowered and really good about himself. We love not only the martial arts training but also all the discussions on life skills, like how to show respect to your friends and family, how to handle a situation with a bully, etc. The camp/movie nights have been wonderful so that us parents can actually go out on dates again! Really enjoy the group birthday celebrations too. Thanks for being a wonderful space for families in our community!
Dr. Anupam Arman
July 25, 2025
I can’t say enough good things about this dojo! From the moment we walked through the door, we felt welcomed and supported. The instructors are incredibly skilled, patient, and passionate about teaching. They take the time to work with each student individually, making sure everyone progresses at their own pace while still being challenged.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, this dojo is the perfect place to train. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for top-notch martial arts instruction in a friendly and encouraging environment!
Yadi
July 24, 2025
Kovar has been so great for my son. We enrolled him 4 months ago and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome in such a short time. I cannot recommend this place enough. Everyone at the dojo is so friendly. The Senseis are just 10/10 so caring and so helpful.
Titania
July 23, 2025
My kids have attended Kovar’s Carmichael for several years and the instructors have such great relationships with the kids. I’m really glad we took advantage of the free trial and then joined!
Samridhi Sharma
July 21, 2025
Love this place
Bill Meyers
July 18, 2025
Always a pleasant and exciting experience
9
Locations
Across The Greater Sacramento Area
50+
Certified
Instructors & Program Directors
48
Years
Serving The Sacramento Community
Confidence that shows up at school
Between 7 and 11, kids figure out where they stand. Juniors gives them a place where standing comes from effort. Classes split by rank so beginners train with beginners, sparring starts when a child is ready for it, and leadership is part of the curriculum, not a reward for the loudest kid. Every belt is earned in front of the class, and every kid knows exactly what the next one takes.
Your child's black belt journey starts with a first class
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Where Juniors leads
Your child moves up as they grow. Same academy, same instructors, rank carries over.
Lil' Samurai, ages 5 to 6
Have a younger one at home? Lil' Samurai builds focus and confidence for the kindergarten years, at every Kovar's academy.
Teens, ages 12 to 17
Advanced curriculum, self-defense, and black belt training alongside other teens.
Martial arts vs.
other workouts
Kovar’s
Martial Arts
Martial Arts
Other
Workouts
Workouts
Improves Physical Fitness
Reduces Stress
Enhances Self-Confidence
Holistic Mind-Body Growth
Teaches Self-Defense Skills
Prevents Bullying
Community and Camaraderie
Curious how martial arts can transform your child's confidence?
Sign up for your first class
1
Choose Your Location
Click any blue button on this site to go to the Get Started page. Select your location from the dropdown.
2
Fill Out The Form
Complete the 2-minute form with your family's information.
3
Schedule Your First Class
Once the form is complete, you’ll be redirected to our scheduling page to book your first class.
4
Get A Private Orientation
Meet your Program Director, who will share more about Kovar’s and introduce your child to their instructor and classmates.
Looking for an activity that builds confidence and discipline, not just a highlight reel?
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Frequently asked questions
What age can my child start Juniors?
Juniors is for kids 7 to 11. Kids turning 12 move into Teens. Younger children start in Lil' Samurai (5-6) or Mini Samurai (3-4, select academies). Your Program Director places children by age and rank.
How long is a Juniors class?
Classes are 40 minutes long.
Are beginners and advanced kids in the same class?
No. Juniors classes are grouped by belt rank, so a new white belt trains with other beginners and moves up as they earn rank.
Does my child need any experience?
No. Most Juniors students start at white belt. A child moving up from Lil' Samurai keeps their rank.
Will my child spar?
Sparring is introduced when a child is ready for it, with protective gear and close supervision. Beginners focus on technique and control first.
Does Kovar's teach bully prevention?
Yes. Bully prevention is built into the Juniors curriculum: recognizing it, using your voice, setting boundaries, and physical self-defense as a last resort. Kovar's also runs dedicated bully prevention and Live Safe programs.
Can we try a class before enrolling?
Yes. Schedule a first class, meet your Program Director, and watch your child train. No pressure to enroll on the spot.
How much does Juniors cost?
Kovar's full membership pricing starts at $229 per month for unlimited classes at any of our nine Sacramento area academies. For more information, visit our pricing page.
Start with a trial class first, then your Program Director will walk you through the options that fit your family.
How long does it take to earn a black belt?
It depends on the child and how often they train. A child who starts Juniors at 7 and trains consistently can reach black belt before high school. Your Program Director can walk you through the rank path at orientation.
When are classes held?
Every academy runs Juniors classes on weekday afternoons and evenings and Saturday mornings, with multiple slots each week. See your academy's page for the full schedule.