Sacramento's Top Martial Arts School
Empower your child to develop leadership skills, thrive in healthy competition, and forge a winning mindset.
Back-to-School Special
1 Week for $19.95 + Free Uniform T-Shirt
See why parents and students love Kovar's Martial Arts!
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
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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
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Programs for all ages
Kids Martial Arts Classes
Ages 4 to 12
Our kids 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).
Martial Arts for 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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Adult Martial Arts Classes
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 45 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!