For thousands of adults and young adults, we continue to be a place to refuel, recharge, and remember the value of keeping one's body fit, the mind focused, and the spirit strong. Karate for Kids We consider ourselves an integral part of the village that helps parents instill valuable character traits, beliefs and habits in their children.
Martial Arts for Adults For thousands of adults and young adults in Sacramento, we continue to be a place to refuel, recharge, and remember the value of keeping one's body fit, the mind focused, and the spirit strong. Safe in the City A fun program of fitness, empowerment, and self-defense in Sacramento, taught and practiced in a safe and accepting environment.
Martial Arts for Adults For thousands of adults and young adults in Sacramento, we continue to be a place to refuel, recharge, and remember the value of keeping one's body fit, the mind focused, and the spirit strong. Safe in the City A fun program of fitness, empowerment, and self-defense in Sacramento, taught and practiced in a safe and accepting environment.
Services
For over 10 years, the staff of Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento has been coaching people, of all ages, in the process of learning and practicing the martial arts as a tool for learning and practicing the art of being a more complete, proactive, and empowered human being. We consider ourselves an integral part of the village that helps parents instill valuable character traits, beliefs, and habits in their children.
For over 10 years, the staff of Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento has been coaching people, of all ages, in the process of learning and practicing the martial arts as a tool for learning and practicing the art of being a more complete, proactive, and empowered human being.
For thousands of adults and young adults, we have been-and continue to be-a place to refuel, recharge, and remember the value of keeping ones body fit, to keep the mind focused and the spirit strong.We teach a brand of self-defense that transcends our physical art and includes the self-defense skills of kindness, empathy, community, and compassion.
For thousands of adults and young adults, we have been-and continue to be-a place to refuel, recharge, and remember the value of keeping ones body fit, to keep the mind focused and the spirit strong.We teach a brand of self-defense that transcends our physical art and includes the self-defense skills of kindness, empathy, community, and compassion.
This school embraces the practice of complete financial transparency with regards to memberships. We post our prices and policies online (see below); we do not engage in ANY business practice designed to mislead or manipulate our students into unexpected or unhealthy arrangements.
BUYER BEWARE, as there are martial arts schools that purposefully mislead and intend to manipulate customers into "upgrading" memberships or into signing one-sided or long-term contracts for student memberships.At Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento, we have very fair pricing. We have structured our school to meet most everyone's budget and we never turn away anyone for lack of money.
BUYER BEWARE, as there are martial arts schools that purposefully mislead and intend to manipulate customers into "upgrading" memberships or into signing one-sided or long-term contracts for student memberships.At Zen Martial Arts in Sacramento, we have very fair pricing. We have structured our school to meet most everyone's budget and we never turn away anyone for lack of money.
You are cordially invited to visit and be a part of this school-that is, if you are looking for something fun, extraordinarily engaging, interesting, and life-enhancing. We are masters of making it easy to get started. We are experts at making the learning fun and exciting. And we are committed to being role models of honesty, customer service, and good old fashioned value.
Reviews (20)
Toney S.
May 02, 2021
Report
If you're looking for a great martial arts dojo look no further.
My daughter started here in tiny tigers group and her confidence and independence has been nurtured through the great teachings of Sensei Oliver. This man is a fantastic teacher and pours so much into his students. We are fortunate to have him lead our children and instill life skills in them that last
My daughter started here in tiny tigers group and her confidence and independence has been nurtured through the great teachings of Sensei Oliver. This man is a fantastic teacher and pours so much into his students. We are fortunate to have him lead our children and instill life skills in them that last
Kim B.
Oct 20, 2020
Report
The Distance Learning program saved our school year! For two working parents the overseeing of the distance learning added additional stress during an already stressful time. We noticed our relatioships were being pushed to the limits. The distance learning at Zen Martial arts allowed us to be supportive parents rather than the teacher and tech support and focus on our jobs. Not only has our daughter received the support she needed, she also had the benefit of other peers (at a safe distance and wearing masks), friends to eat lunch with, recess on an actual playground with equipment, and Martial
Amber R.
Jul 25, 2020
Report
This Dojo has offered an amazing experience for my 4 yo son in the Tiny Tigers classes. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a great activity that is fun but also teaches discipline, kindness in addition to the physical exercise. Specifically right now Zen Martial has had a great and safe response to the COVID situation. When things were closed their were regular Zoom classes right away, and when it was ok to open there were strong safety protocols in place. The kids have still had the same awesome experience even with the changes. With the most recent closures again, we now get
Tim A.
Jul 15, 2020
Report
I've been an martial arts practitioner for 30 years. After the dojo I attended closed I set out to find another Isshinryu school. The closest one the me is Zen martial arts. Yes it's a 60 mile drive to Sacramento from where I live in the Bay area. I do my best to make the trek on a regular basis. Mr.Oliver (sensei) has been extremely helpful. Although I practice the same style and have for years the way I learned the katas is somewhat different. All the folks have been very helpful and respectful. Although it's a drive I feel at home and at ease. Yes I will continue to train at Zen
Kara S.
Jul 15, 2020
Report
I've been so happy to be part of the Zen Martial Arts community for 8 years. Both my children have taken classes, from the "Tiny Tiger" level up to the juniors, and Mr. Oliver is calm, patient, and communicative (even when both my kids are sometimes difficult to work with -- my older child is autistic).
One of the things I appreciate most is that Mr. Oliver does not just teach kicks and punches, but also self-discipline, respect, how to manage anger, how to use "verbal karate" to avoid a conflict, and he has a strong service component woven in to the curriculum. Students
One of the things I appreciate most is that Mr. Oliver does not just teach kicks and punches, but also self-discipline, respect, how to manage anger, how to use "verbal karate" to avoid a conflict, and he has a strong service component woven in to the curriculum. Students
Dana W.
Feb 07, 2020
Report
I can't recommend this karate school enough. The focus on the whole child is truly impressive. In addition to excellent karate instruction, there are many lessons to be learned each and every class that can help your kiddo with everything from respect to meditation and mindfulness. The variety from class to class and week to week is also an amazing way to keep my kiddo engaged and interested. Sensei Oliver is a wonderful human who has already had a positive impact on my almost 10 year old son. He is excited to go to each and every lesson.
Teresa B.
Sep 01, 2019
Report
This review is for the Safe in the city series - it's a 12 week series self defense class for women
They also occasionally offer 2 hour free class (check on eventbrite) if you want to get a flavor first.
Sensei Oliver is a great instructor, going step by step, we practice with other classmates and then with him so you get a more realistic sense. Not only does sensei Oliver teach self defense, he also talks about what predators are looking for and how to present yourself so not to be a weak target.
Studio - awesome space, good lighting, plenty of street parking nearby
I highly recommend
They also occasionally offer 2 hour free class (check on eventbrite) if you want to get a flavor first.
Sensei Oliver is a great instructor, going step by step, we practice with other classmates and then with him so you get a more realistic sense. Not only does sensei Oliver teach self defense, he also talks about what predators are looking for and how to present yourself so not to be a weak target.
Studio - awesome space, good lighting, plenty of street parking nearby
I highly recommend
Kristine S.
Aug 29, 2019
Report
My 2nd grader has been dealing with a bully from school for the past several months. Over a short period of time, the child has become more and more physically violent. We encouraged our son to utilize the teachings of Sensei Oliver and to first attempt to deescalate the conflict with words and then to find an adult whenever his safety (or the safety of others) is at risk. When he followed this advice, unfortunately his teacher told him to deal with his own problems and offered no help to him. Soon my son began hiding in the bathroom during recess to avoid being socked in the stomach or threatened
Victoria H.
Dec 02, 2018
Report
I can't say enough how wonderful this dojo is. We started a few years back when my son was 4 from the recommendation of a friend. We took a bit of a break due to scheduling, but I always knew when we started up again, we would only come back to Zen Martial Arts with Sensi Oliver.
Sensi Oliver has an amazing way with these kids focusing on respect (for yourself and others), composure, how to handle bullying, how to make sure you're using your karate skills correctly (not on others), etc. He also encourages kids to do community outreach projects, helping them to think outside themselves
Sensi Oliver has an amazing way with these kids focusing on respect (for yourself and others), composure, how to handle bullying, how to make sure you're using your karate skills correctly (not on others), etc. He also encourages kids to do community outreach projects, helping them to think outside themselves
Paul H.
Nov 05, 2018
Report
Sending my son to Zen Martial Arts has to be the best decision we have made for him. Not only is he learning how to defend himself using Karate, but Sensei Oliver also teaches how to de-escalate situations, how to handle bullying (physical and verbal) without violence, respecting yourself, other people and your community, nutrition, and history for the art. My son has gone from being afraid to spar to competing in tournaments. Go visit the beautiful new Dojo and give your child, or yourself, a great life-experience.
Rachel N.
Jul 19, 2018
Report
I cannot praise Sensei Oliver's approach to teaching my son karate enough. ... who knew it would include philosophy, behavior guidance, school demonstrations and dental help! Our family was unfamiliar with karate (or martial arts in general) prior to coming to this dojo. I needed to be convinced that my son wasn't going to a fighting school, as that philosophy did not meet with our family's values. I honestly have been blown away by the compassion and respect taught and modeled for the students by our Sensei, as well as the older students that often come to share their knowledge
Kaitlin W.
Jan 12, 2018
Report
Sarah L.
Oct 20, 2017
Report
I cannot say enough good things about this dojo. Sensei Oliver is truly amazing with the kids.
My son started Tiny Tigers (for 4-5 year olds) a couple months ago and he was acting out in school, having problems focusing and controlling his anger. The difference since then is incredible! He has been able to walk away when things upset him. He doesn't have meltdown in class anymore. It's amazing.
We drive across town from Natomas to come to this dojo and it is worth the drive.
My son started Tiny Tigers (for 4-5 year olds) a couple months ago and he was acting out in school, having problems focusing and controlling his anger. The difference since then is incredible! He has been able to walk away when things upset him. He doesn't have meltdown in class anymore. It's amazing.
We drive across town from Natomas to come to this dojo and it is worth the drive.
Tricia V.
Jan 19, 2017
Report
I brought my younger brother to Sensei Oliver's dojo because he finally made his decision on a hobby. Sensei is extremely patient with kids, especially with the naughty ones who eventually learns how to respect and behave in class. A couple months later, I enrolled myself in the adults class to learn how to properly defend myself in the right time. Not only am I learning karate, I am learning how to better myself as a person and how to handle life as it comes at me. Sensei makes class fun and helps me exercise my strengths, focus, and reaction. I did not expect to gain so much from my little
Leslie S.
Jun 09, 2016
Report
Let me preface this by saying that my son has sensory processing disorder, and he used to run around hitting other kids ALL the time for no reason whatsoever. When someone told me that enrolling him in karate would help, I thought they had lost their minds. My kid already hit people, why in the world would I want to teach him to be good at it?! But the changes that this particular dojo have done for him are astonishing.
I've done a few different martial arts in my life, so I know that generally they will help you get to know your body. But this place does soooooo much more than that. Each
I've done a few different martial arts in my life, so I know that generally they will help you get to know your body. But this place does soooooo much more than that. Each
Matthew G.
Mar 20, 2016
Report
Our family of 4 trains at Zen Martial and we can't recommend it highly enough. First, the headlines, then details for those who want them.
Pros:
Every class balances physical exertion, practical skills, contemplation, and moral instruction (or reminders, depending on age). History is also a welcome frequent topic.
We sometimes leave class a little bruised, but always feeling better than when we went in.
Sensei clearly loves teaching all ages and all skills. He always offers insightful tips, a practice that is part of the culture at the dojo: everyone is sincerely friendly and helpful
Pros:
Every class balances physical exertion, practical skills, contemplation, and moral instruction (or reminders, depending on age). History is also a welcome frequent topic.
We sometimes leave class a little bruised, but always feeling better than when we went in.
Sensei clearly loves teaching all ages and all skills. He always offers insightful tips, a practice that is part of the culture at the dojo: everyone is sincerely friendly and helpful
N. S.
Sep 18, 2015
Report
I visited 3 martial arts programs before choosing this one. I am so glad we found Zen Martial Arts! Sensei Oliver is great with kids and adults. He teaches so many concepts in an age appropriate way. I love that our values of respect for others,kindness, compassion and self control are reinforced in word and deed. We are grateful for this Sensei.
Jamie K.
Aug 27, 2012
Report
This is an excellent martial arts community that my two kids and my husband have been a part of for the past year and a half. Mr. Oliver does a good job of making his school about much more than the fighting aspect of the martial arts. He focuses on developing the whole person and has a strong interest in community service as well. Students learn self defense, but they also learn situational awareness, confidence, humility, respect, and service-mindedness.
By the way, That one-star review someone gave earlier is absurd--sure, if you show up during the kids' classes, it's all kids there
By the way, That one-star review someone gave earlier is absurd--sure, if you show up during the kids' classes, it's all kids there
David W.
Mar 19, 2012
Report
We enrolled both of our kiddos (4 and 6) in Mr Oliver's Zen Martial Arts after seeing the care he takes with every class and every child. It is not just about the Karate moves, kicks and punches in the dojo, Mr Oliver regularly talks about healthy eating, listening to parents and teachers, history of karate and the family tree...and the kids Love It! The real sign for me was when after class the kids from the class play together and didn't just leave what they learned on the mat, they took it out to the play ground and showed respect for each other, encouraged each other and the kids
Megan M.
Jan 17, 2012
Report
My son started at Zen Martial arts in 2009. Mr. Oliver was an amazing teacher and made the kids feel comfortable while still instilling discipline & encouraging the kids to give their best. My son developed by leaps & bounds becoming more comfortable in his body, more flexible, coordinated, aware, and accomplished. We were sad to leave the state & therefore the community that Mr. Oliver had established through this karate program. I HIGHLY recommend this program for kids who are interested in learning martial arts. If you are looking for a martial arts school then definitely check
