HomeCaliforniaElk Grove › Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman

Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman

5 ★★★★★ 58 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Elk Grove, California

Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes (ages 2–18) — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule kovars.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 916-714-3390

Hours

Monday 3–8:30 pm
Tuesday 3–8:30 pm
Wednesday 3–8:30 pm
Thursday 3–8:30 pm
Friday 3–8:30 pm
Saturday 9 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, belt tests, and seminars — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

Karate classes on the schedule at Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman, confirmed in students' own reviews and the dojo's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids Karate 26 mentions

“The instructors took the time to answer our questions, explain their program, and make my daughter feel comfortable without ever making us feel pressured.”

All dojos that run kids karate →

🌱 Beginners 3 mentions

“The Lead Instructor does a phenomenal job breaking down complex techniques, ensuring each class is engaging, educational, and challenging for all levels.”

All dojos that run beginners →

Teens

“Additionally, the instructors and Teachers in Training (teen academy students and up) are incredible role models, demonstrating a passion for learning and teaching.”

All dojos that run teens →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Whether you're here for self-defense, fitness, or personal growth, this friendly, safe, and positive environment ensures you or your child feel welcome and supported from day one.”

All dojos that run self-defense →

Other martial arts here

Karate dojos are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else students mention training under the same roof at Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman — mined from their reviews and the dojo's own info.

🦵 Taekwondo

“A very excellent academy for martial arts, karate, kenpo, brazilian ju-jitsu, tae kwon do, and many other types of fighting styles.”

Other dojos that also teach taekwondo →

🥊 Kickboxing

“Kayden is high functioning autistic, and has done swimming and kickboxing in the past, but he has NEVER been as determined or as focused as he is in this class.”

Other dojos that also teach kickboxing →

🛡️ Self-Defense 3 mentions

“Whether you're here for self-defense, fitness, or personal growth, this friendly, safe, and positive environment ensures you or your child feel welcome and supported from day one.”

Other dojos that also teach self-defense →

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the dojo's own info — they show what students have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want taekwondo, jiu-jitsu, or kickboxing alongside your Karate, confirm the current schedule with the dojo.

What students say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 58 Google reviews — in their own words.

🌱 welcoming to beginners 7 mentions

“The Lead Instructor does a phenomenal job breaking down complex techniques, ensuring each class is engaging, educational, and challenging for all levels.”

friendly, respectful dojo 17 mentions

“Whether you're here for self-defense, fitness, or personal growth, this friendly, safe, and positive environment ensures you or your child feel welcome and supported from day one.”

strong technique, kata & fundamentals 2 mentions

“The Lead Instructor does a phenomenal job breaking down complex techniques, ensuring each class is engaging, educational, and challenging for all levels.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“Our son is autistic and struggles with confidence, so we’ve tried a lot of activities over the years like soccer and swimming, but nothing ever really stuck.”

builds confidence, discipline & respect 21 mentions

“It was evident that they genuinely care about their students—not only in developing martial arts skills, but also in building character, confidence, discipline, and respect.”

From the reviews

My son has been apart of the academy for a little over 2 years and we absolutely love all of the instructors and the program overall! They are always so helpful and really involved and care about helping your child succeed not only with karate but also at home.

★★★★★ — Tia, Feb 2021

Kovars is one of the best things that has happened to my children. They love it here so much. They feel like they have a second family. They are learning so much. I love seeing there faces when they are training. My daughter is wanting to become an instructor. She is so dedicated and has learned a lot.

★★★★★ — Ashley, Oct 2022

My son (8 years old) was struggling with school and social anxiety. Kovar’s helps students with confidence and everyday life issues. Each class they have a teachable moment for mental well-being as well as physical activity. After just 2 classes, my son’s performance drastically changed at school.

★★★★★ — Jessica, Oct 2022

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.

★★★★★ — Alicia, Jul 2025

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 58 reviews →

New to Karate? Start at Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman

Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

See their beginner class info

Your first Karate class at Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman

Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

Karate is a contact sport. Ease in, train within your limits, listen to your instructors, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Kovar's Satori Academy of Martial Arts - Waterman

9320 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA95624

Get directions Instagram · Facebook

More Karate dojos near Elk Grove

Premier Martial Arts

4.1 ★★★★☆ 53 reviews

8696 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA

🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site

Memberships around $200/mo Ages 3–19

Karate dojo Free trial Kids & teens Private lessons Affiliated expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong kids program

Dynamic martial arts facility offering karate for all ages, plus Jiu Jitsu, Krav Maga & kickboxing.

1.6 miles away

International Karate Federat

4.2 ★★★★☆ 17 reviews

8946 Vintage Park Dr, Sacramento, CA

Karate dojo Kids & teens Competition team

4.0 miles away

Zen Martial Arts Center

5 ★★★★★ 35 reviews

4819 J St, Sacramento, CA

Karate dojo Kids & teens expert instruction from a great senseifriendly, respectful dojostrong technique, kata & fundamentals

12.0 miles away

All Karate dojos in Elk Grove, CA →

Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this dojo? Claim your listing — it's free.