Kovar’s Satori Academy

My 8 year old son loves coming here and after a few months I can see good progress with respect to focusing and discipline. The instructors seem top notch (I’m not a karate expert though).
One thing you should be aware of is that there’s a 3 month notice if you want to pull out.

My steppish son has been going here for nearly a year and we have been very happy with the experience. Everyone there has been very nice and we have found the instruction to be great. I am, by NO MEANS, an expert in Karate, but he has learned lots of stuff and enjoys going. It has been a very positive experience for all of us. They offer classes at varying times so work schedules are easily accommodated. We have even had instances where there was some aggression issues at school and they have sat with him and given him some great tools to deal with his anger in a positive way. Also, they have been VERY accommodating in regards to him living at two houses, having two uniforms, sets of patches, etc. I honestly have nothing negative to say.
Yes, I have to agree that their salesy approach is a bit off-​putting but you can handle it as I have — ignore it. Bottom line, he has grown in many ways, at least in-​part, to the time and instruction that has come from Kovar’s.

My wife & I have had two children go through various levels of the program. I have seen the difference it made in each of our children. Not only did it help one child who is very outgoing, but the other who is rather shy.
It taught my children healthy habits, good behavior, and confidence to deal with situations. An example, one of my children had a bully situation at school for several years. When he reached middle school age, the bully started to get physical. My son was able to block the attacks and get away. He stood up to the bully, and the bully is not longer an issue. This was worth every minute & dollar we spent at Kovars and I couldn’t be more thankful to Sutter, Caswell, and all the staff!

I have had many years of martial arts training in several styles in other states
Thought I would try this location for my kids.
Was NOT impressed. Saw poor technique and behavior from upper belt students, including black belts.
Not worth the money in my opinion.

I love Kovars. It’s the best place for all ages. The instructors are knowledgable and the kids always have fun. :) Thank you Kovars!

My son was a student there for just short of a year. The instructors truly are exceptional and do a very nice job with the kids. Unfortunately, I can second the experience of previous reviewer «Nancy R.» with regard to the front office. Unfortunately their business practices really are deceptive and the epitome of a hard sell. I do also have to add what I find to be the most reprehensible practice: if they know you want to leave they will start to lobby your kid to stay. They will also «encourage» (pressure) your kid to bring one or two friends for a free class (or free month) and then immediately start in on the hard sell with them. In fact, they literally give out one type of achievement star for bringing in a friend (which I would not really object to if not for the overly-​aggressive recruiting that followed. I would go so far as to say that their business practices are almost cult-​like. It truly is a shame, and contrary to everything they teach the kids in class about honesty and integrity. Very much an example of «do as I say, not as I do». Ironically, I believe the business would do much better if they simply eliminated the aggressive approach and relied on the good word of mouth that their instructors would otherwise generate. Despite our great experience with the instructors, when my son is ready to return to karate it will not be to Kovar’s.

I can’t say enough great things about Renshi Mark Caswell. He’s a fabulous instructor, and my son benefited enormously from his time studying under him. I hold him in the highest regard. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for their front office. I would warn you to proceed with caution before enrolling. Whereas I initially paid for 6 months in advance, it seems that after that period was over, I resigned a contract that was a bi-​annual self renewing contract. I was under the impression that it was a 30 day contract. If you should want to take a break, you are required to write 90 days in advance that you would like to end the contract, otherwise they will happily charge you for services not rendered. It’s so unfortunate because the instruction is fabulous, but their business practices leave so much to be desired. It’s unfortunate that even with Mark’s great credentials, I wouldn’t return nor could I recommend Kovar’s to anyone else…