Kovar’s Satori Academy

I am so grateful for this organization and the good folks running it. I have been tremendously blessed to be a student at the Fair Oaks academy since 2013. I am grateful for the friends I’ve made and the confidence I’ve gained and now they are offering a FREE self defense class for women only on Friday May 13 … I feel like this is such an important gift to our community and I hope women take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you Kovars for giving back!

I posted a review in here at it said I gave 1 star! I gave 5 stars! Not sure why it only showed 1, this is a great place!!!

The best feeling when you walk in here. All the staff members are energized, positive and awesome with all who walk in door. Ms. Warrener is very professional and respectful. Mr. Schroeder is amazing and a ray of light with the kids. Mr. Lim is talented and great to watch. The rest of staff is just as amazing … Very thankful to these amazing teachers who brighten my daughters day even more :)

Ok, there is just nothing cuter than little kids in karate uniforms, which would have been reason enough to try Kovar’s (although getting a gift certificate for 4 weeks free, *plus* a uniform was awfully good incentive too). We enrolled our son when he was about 3 ½, and the youngest in the class. On the first day, my son and I were given an orientation on the 3 principles of the school. I am paraphrasing, but basically they are: «keegan» («I pray that I will never have to use my karate»), «Kayushu» («I will look for the good»), and «Hoken» («I will keep my karate covered like a treasure in my pocket» — i.e., I won’t go around karate-​chopping my school friends). At the completion of his first class they gave him a white belt in a very sweet, mini-​ceremony and reminded him that «a black belt is a white belt who never gave up.»
We’ve been taking our son there ever since, 3 – 4 times every week. It’s a commitment, and an expensive one, but the rewards are so evident. The «Li’l Samurai» program (for kids up to age 6 I believe) is definitely skills-​focused, but is at least as committed to helping kids be aware of their surroundings, respectful of their parents/​teachers/​elders, honoring their commitments, being courteous, and most admirably, to think of fighting as a very last resort. More of this sinks in than one would expect, and it’s been a real pleasure to watch our son be more confident in his body and surroundings and friendships.
They also have all kinds of incentives for kids to do well outside of karate class, offering stars (iron-​on patches for their uniforms) for things like doing extra reading, community service, healthy eating, etc. And the periodic belt promotions are very touching.
I would particularly recommend this for anyone whose kids aren’t necessarily «team sport» oriented, but still want their kids to participate in a structured activity. And, these are skills they will have for life. The only complaint I have is that there’s no wi-​fi (at least not in the Fair Oaks facility), which would make it much easier to be productive, or to help entertain younger siblings. Other than that, a hugely positive experience in every way.

Renshi Schroeder is great with everyone, especially the kids.

I joined Kovar’s because 1) my friend is one of the instructors, 2) he would often practice his jiu-​jitsu moves on me, and 3) first four weeks free! Well, I got my four weeks free + free gi + belt promotion a week after that. Yes, I enrolled eventually because I got a discount since my friend recommended I join. However, I did only 1 jiu jitsu class but persevered in kenpo instead. Ironic.
Kovar’s is not cheap, let me tell you that. When I first started, I was excited and I had fun, and I wanted to milk my money for all it was worth. I was there at least 5 – 6 days a week. Nowadays, I’d be lucky to show up at least once a week. I have never missed a tip test or a belt promotion, though.
I liked the curriculum when I started. I was learning black belt stuff, although in retrospect, I probably could’ve done better at my forms. My punches and kicks were most likely weak compared to the year-​long practice I’ve had now. However, they have since split the curriculum – black belts do their thing, advanced do their thing, and beginners… well, you know the drill.
Gordon is also one of the reasons I’m still there. If it weren’t for his kickass personality, I would’ve quit half a year ago. He’s absolutely funny (makes a lot of Star Wars, Star Trek, Archer, etc jokes) and makes everyone, especially the newbies, feel like they’re doing a great job. One year and I already have 5 belts. Not bad.
There are days when I feel like staying at home after a long day, but when I do drag myself to the dojo and let out every bit of excess energy I hadn’t spent at work, I feel amazing afterwards. I have never and will never go to a gym (I’m too self-​conscious) now because I already get the workout I need at Kovar’s.