Kovar’s Satori Academy of Martial Arts

We’ve been coming here for about 2 months after trying another «free trial» somewhere else. Can I just say Kovars is the place to go for you or your children. The instructors are very patient and are so fun. I enjoy sitting there watching my daughter have fun and learn the skills that she needs to have more confidence, strength, respect and get the exercise she needs. Their trial period is 5 weeks with classes 3 days a week… unlike another place on gateway oaks you get about 3 weeks to decide if you want to sign up. The other place practically pressures you with a «I can only hold your spot for a few hours, I need to know today». How does my kid know she likes it after only 1 class??? I am so glad we came to Kovars, the environment is welcoming and there are padded bleachers to sit on so you don’t have to fight for chairs. The only thing is you have to pay for the uniform up front, which is $ 40. Don’t worry, I’m pretty sure you’ll sign up once you get in there and experience a few classes!

We have been taking our 5 year old daughter here for several months. We have had nothing but positive interactions with the staff and the students here. My daughter loves the classes and we love that they are flexible with scheduling, are very professional and teach her life skills in addition to the techniques of martial arts. I am very pleased with the fact there are several younger girls in my daughters class and that she feels comfortable with the staff and enjoys learning.

My kids have been coming here for almost 3 years and they are slated to get their black belts within the next year. From day one, I have always been impressed with this dojo. Not only do the instructors teach karate, they also teach the kids life lessons such as stranger danger, how to deal with bullies and how to be responsible and respectful, just to mention a few. Kovars Natomas is a part of a larger corporation that owns several other dojos in the sacramento area which is nice because each has to adhere to a set of corporate rules and there is quality oversight. They share expertise and sometimes rotate staff in case of emergencies, sickness or vacations. This is also a great feature because it means there is almost always a low teacher to student ratio. When my kids do well in class, they get recognized and are then invited to special groups to represent the dojo. There is also an awesome teachers in training program that grooms future teachers from within. I can’t be more happy with Kovars Natomas! Thank you to all the instructors! You have given my children a gift that will shape them into better people for the future.

The instructors here are tops, my teen daughter will soon be a black belt and has come along ways over the years of going here. She has learned that the principles of black belt are much more than just self-​defense. We have watched her grow both physically and mentally under these instructors and could not be happier.
The dojo is like a second home to her where she feels safe and comfortable.
While all the instructors have always been great, Mr M. has been a true mentor to our daughter, He never hesitates to take the time to spend some one on one with us and our daughter to make sure she is advancing in the right direction as both a good person and citizen.

Kovars has been such a great investment for our family. We have three kids who take classes here. Two nine year olds and an eight year old. I love how they really emphasize respect, manners and discipline and yet somehow still manage to keep it a light fun class. So far, all the instructors we have had are all amazing. They are patient with the kids and can really command their attention. Us parents know that’s a task all in its own. My only reason for it being a star short is because we find the scheduling of class times a little difficult for working families who don’t have someone who can take their kids to karate while they are at work. We have a real hard time with that because the class times for the age group of our kids is just too early. And they arnt open on Sunday when we can actually go at the earlier times. Once in a while the classes can get crazy crowded but most of the time I’d say they are a good size and usually every child gets attention. Another great thing I love about this place is how much more confident and self assured the kids have been since attending classes here. The instructors completely lift them up and make them feel invincible. The prices here are definitely not cheap. It’s expensive but I honestly feel if you can work out the schedule it’s totally worth every penny

Our two children (4 & 6) attended the 4 week trial and I was so impressed with what they learned in such a short amount of time, my son has continued to use ma’am/sir when talking to adults. The instructors are very welcoming to parents and children yet demonstrate authority and respect all while making it fun, educational and challenging at each class. My schedule didn’t allow us to continue classes unfortunately, but I HIGHLY recommend Kovars!

Both of my sons currently go to Kovar’s in Natomas and I couldn’t be happier. I love the instructors and the lessons they teach go way beyond just karate. My sons are both committed to now getting their black belts because of this place. Kovar’s stress great work ethics and values. My sons both really look up to the other kids and staff. Safe and fun environment! We will be there for the long run.

The review is only for customer service. As a working mother, any place that requires an orientation before pricing is discussed is a money trap. Why would I bring my son and introduce him to an environment to find out after 4 weeks that it’s out of budget. I don’t know the difference between $ 50 per month and $ 300 per month and that’s very important when you’re already paying for private school, soccer, and all other expenses required for raising children. I work in finance; this sales tactic is irresponsible and not consumer friendly. Who has time to sit thru an orientation for a program you may or may not do?

My 2 boys (ages 6 and 9) just started at Kovar’s a little over a month ago and we have been super impressed by the staff and instructors! The kiddos have received the absolute best in encouragement and learning about respect and discipline. The staff and instructors are enthusiastic, engaging and have such great interaction with the kids. It’s so much fun to watch and my boys LOVE it! We can’t say enough good things about the school but don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourselves! I highly recommend this place if you live in Natomas.

This is an awesome place to start out into martial arts. They have some of the best instructors who are not only knowledgeable and helpful, but have a pretty good sense of humor. My 7 year old daughter has come a long way since starting out a year ago and I only see her improve with each year she learns from Master Wong, Sensei Amy Hui, Sensei Dustin Wong, Ms Wooley, and Renshi Valdez.
As a fellow martial arts student myself from another school, I am glad I take my daughter at Kovars and look forward to one day see her get her black belt and beyond.

they had 4 weeks free and I tried to take advantage of it. Unfortuntely my little one just started all-​day kindergarten and we could not use it. We did go twice and Mr. M was great with the kids as was the rest of the staff. The class schedules are at good times too. It is a bit on the expensive side, but if you can afford it I would defintely recommend.

Time to update my review. My oldest son and I have now been here for several years, and my two youngest kids have been in the little Samurai class for about a year. There have been a few changes over the years.
For one, Mr. G has moved on. Now Sensei. Wong is the head instructor, and he is an awesome martial artist. He also has a great rapport with the kids. He is only 20 something, but has a wisdom and manner beyond his years.
Kovar’s has been around a long time, and has an established, proven system that emphasizes each students abilities, while encouraging them to move forward. So far as I am concerned, this is the best place to study martial arts in all of Sacramento.
I will agree with another reviewer, that the classes for young kids dont really emphasize kicking and punching. Rather, they emphasize respect and discipline, team work, personal safety, healthy eating and exercise habits. As you move up through the ranks of juniors, teens, and adults, the focus remains on personal growth and a healthy lifestyle, but the curriculum also grows, as do the intensity of the workouts. Its a mixed martial arts style based in Kenpo Karate, but the curriculum includes kick boxing, jiu jitsu, krav maga, forms, arnis (stick fighting), and more. Kyoshi Kovar has brought the best from all martial arts together in one comprehensive program.
Comradery is great. From my perspective, the adult class is like a big family. When you spend weeks and months rolling around on the ground, and sweating with and on, other people, you really get to know them.
I can’t say enough good things about this place, or about the instructors. If you ever thought of trying martial arts, this would be the place to do it.

Wow. Best school in Natomas for Families or kids. My whole family trains and we all get something good out of the program. We get a great workout, learn awesome techniques and receive impressive motivational messages.

I have to agree with a previous post. THIS IS A MONEY TRAP. At first, I would have written a better review, but when my daughter no longer wanted to attend karate, Mr. M made it VERY DIFFICULT to opt out. We tried to quit three times! Each time, Mr. M came up with another gimmick to keep us going (I left it up to my daughter the first two times). I felt BULLIED! By the last time we asked to quit, Mr. M told me that there was a 90-​day notice to quit (what kid knows they want to quit karate 3 months in advance???). Then, he told me that my credit card would be billed irregardless of attendance for the month. I paid $ 159 for a month that we did not even go to one class! I get that there is a contract, so read the FINE PRINT, folks! My suggestion is that you support a smaller, more local and more affordable program that will not put the screws to you or trick your kid into continuing the program like Kovars does. We stayed because of the instructors… kudos to them.

This is a great place for little ones to get introduced to martial arts.
What I especially like about Kovar’s is that out of the 45 minutes of the class, I’d say only about 30 minutes of it is about learning the actual kicking and punching. The other part of the class they are exercising, learning about respect, manners, stranger danger, good touch/​bad touch etc.
They are all about positive reinforcement and building self-​esteem.
Yes they are quite expensive compared to other schools, but I justify that by the fact that they are learning more than just martial arts.
There are times where the class sizes are a little too big and I sometimes feel like my son isn’t getting the attention he deserves, but if you talk to an instructor they will gladly set up a one-​on-​one session with your child and get them up to speed.

Also $$$$$ but worth the money. Sometimes the class size can get big but when that happens more instructors magically appear. Mr Wong is the absolute best instructor, he keeps the kids VERY engaged.

It is a lame martial arts money trap. They pay too much attention to belt levels and very little care for the people earning the belts.
Good place for children and toddlers tho.