Age 3 and 4. Now at select Kovars academies
The first activity built for 3 and 4 year olds
Before soccer, before dance, before preschool. Mini Samurai uses martial arts to teach the things a 3 year old is working on right now: listening the first time, waiting a turn, and being okay in a room without you. Classes start October 12.
Half off your first month + a free uniform t-shirt. New students only, through October 31.
See why Sacramento parents love our Kovar's Mini Samurai 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
F D
April 28, 2025
Best vibes. I have been going to this location for a few months now and I never knew how much I would love BJJ. Highly recommend.
Donna Bowerman
March 19, 2025
This has been such a good experience all around for my grandson, they not only focus on martial arts but also teach the students life lessons and really care about them as individuals.
vision hendrix
February 20, 2025
We have two, possibly a 3rd, son attending Kovars. We love the staff’s friendliness, really creates a warm vibe and welcoming atmosphere.
Shout out to Sensei Alex for being kind, yet firm to ensure the kids are becoming the best versions of themselves.
There are many martial arts academy, but Kovars (specifically Fair Oaks location) is a gem!
liz liz
November 14, 2024
Such an amazing staff. My son has grown so much . Thank you.
Alfredo Soto
October 10, 2024
I cannot say enough good things about this place. My kid loves it. The instructors are all amazing. They are patient, kind, and know how to teach every type of child. You will not regret enrolling your kid at this academy.
Ingrid Grove
September 10, 2024
Our experience at Kovar’s has been outstanding! Instructors are engaged, fun, and supportive while still holding high (age appropriate) expectations of the students. A wonderful place to develop life skills on and off the mat at any age. We all look forward to many years to come spent at the dojo! Thank you!
janet kelly
May 18, 2024
The best of the best martial arts school! They truly care about your child and teaching them to defend themselves! Joel does a fantastic job of being in charge. He’s a great role model! We unexpectedly had to leave the area, but can’t wait to get back and be a part of Kovars again!
Cadu Francis
May 17, 2024
Fantastic school for the whole family.
dallas helwick
April 24, 2024
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The preschool before preschool
Dance and gymnastics teach a skill. Mini Samurai teaches the skills a preschool teacher is about to ask for. Every class runs the same routine on the same simple commands, in a group of the same 3 and 4 year olds with the same instructor, so your child learns to stop, look, listen and wait their turn before anyone hands them a leotard or a soccer ball.
The first class often looks like watching from the edge and running back for a hug. Instructors expect that. It fades within a few weeks, and the children whose parents gave it that time are the ones who walk into preschool already knowing how a room with rules works.
Classes start October 12. Orientations are open now.
Where Mini Samurai leads
Your child moves up as they grow. Same academy, same instructors, no starting over.
Little Samurai, ages 5 to 6
Longer classes, the standard belt track, and the start of formal technique. Program Directors move children up around their fifth birthday.
Juniors, ages 7 to 11
Full curriculum, sparring, leadership training, and the path toward black belt.
Wondering whether your 3 year old is ready?
Schedule your orientation
1
Choose your academy
Pick from the five academies running Mini Samurai this fall. Not listed yet? Join the waitlist and we will email you when your academy opens.
2
Fill Out The Form
Two minutes. Your name, your contact info, and your child's birthday.
3
Schedule your orientation
You will be taken to your academy's scheduling page to book a short orientation with your Program Director before classes start October 12.
4
Meet your Program Director
Meet your Program Director, who will share more about Kovar’s and introduce your child to their instructor and classmates.
Ready to see your 3 or 4 year old on the mat?
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 too young for martial arts?
Not for Mini Samurai. It is built as a first activity: short classes, small groups, and drills designed around what a 3 year old can hold attention for. Most of our Mini Samurai students have never been in an organized activity before, and that is who the program is for.
How long is a Mini Samurai class?
Classes are 25 minutes long, perfect for young children.
How often does my child come?
Twice a week. Your Program Director will show you the days and times at your academy during orientation.
What if my child will not join in?
Expect it. Most children spend part of their first class watching from the edge, and many run back for a hug mid-class before heading back out. Instructors are trained for this and no one will push your child onto the mat. Some children join in after five minutes, some take two or three classes. The children who get the most out of Mini Samurai are the ones whose parents gave it a few weeks.
Can I stay with my child?
Yes. Mini Samurai is a drop-off class and most children are on the mat without a parent within a couple of weeks. For the first class or two, you are welcome to sit on the mat with your child. After that, parents watch from the viewing area.
My child turns 3 in a few months. Can we start now?
Mini Samurai is built for 3 and 4 year olds, and some children who are close to 3 are ready sooner, especially younger siblings who have been watching from the lobby. Schedule an orientation and your Program Director will meet your child and tell you honestly.
Do Mini Samurai students earn belts?
Yes. Mini Samurai has its own camo belt track: white, white with a camo stripe, camo with a white stripe, camo, camo with a black stripe, and camo with a gold stripe. Each stripe marks a skill your child has shown in class.
How much does Mini Samurai cost?
Mini Samurai is priced the same as a two-day-a-week membership at your academy. Rates vary by academy, and your Program Director will go through them at orientation. Through October 31, new Mini Samurai students get half off their first month and a free Mini Samurai t-shirt.
Which academies offer Mini Samurai?
Elk Grove - Waterman, Fair Oaks, Folsom, Rocklin and Sacramento - Natomas starting October 12. Cameron Park, Carmichael, Elk Grove - Laguna and Roseville launch in January 2027. Join the waitlist [hyperlink] and we will email you when orientations open at your academy.