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Our Story

About Azad's Martial Arts

Chico's premier martial arts center since 1985. Training students of all ages in Jongshindo, Tai Chi, Self-Defense, and more.

Our Mission

Empowering Lives Through Martial Arts

For close to four decades, Azad's Martial Arts Center has been the premier destination for martial arts training in Chico, California and throughout Butte County. Founded in 1985 by Grandmaster Azad, our center has empowered over 21,000 students through physical fitness, mental growth, personal empowerment, and positive citizenship.

Our programs emphasize not just martial arts technique, but civic duty, community service, commitment to sustainability, educational excellence, and building strong character. From our youngest students starting at age 3 to our senior Tai Chi practitioners, every student is treated with care and coached toward their full potential.

Azad's Martial Arts team and students
What We Stand For

Our Values

40 Years of Excellence

A 10-time 'Best of Chico' award winner with nearly four decades of proven results in martial arts education for all ages.

Community First

21,000+ students empowered through training that emphasizes civic duty, community service, and positive citizenship alongside martial arts.

Complete Development

Physical fitness, mental growth, personal empowerment, and educational excellence — our programs develop the whole person, not just the fighter.

All Ages Welcome

From age 3 to seniors, with programs tailored for every stage of life. Conveniently located in downtown Chico.

The Team

Meet Our Instructors

Led by Grandmaster Azad with 40+ years of martial arts experience and multiple black belt rankings across numerous disciplines.

Grandmaster Azad
Grandmaster AzadFounder & Head Instructor

"Martial arts is a vehicle for personal empowerment — physical fitness, mental growth, civic duty, and positive citizenship are all part of the journey."

— Grandmaster Azad

Grandmaster Azad founded Azad's Martial Arts Center in 1985 and has since empowered over 21,000 students across Chico and Butte County. Holding multiple black belt rankings and with over 40 years of martial arts experience, he developed specialized systems including Jongshindo and ShimKenDo. His vision extends beyond technique — emphasizing physical fitness, mental growth, personal empowerment, civic duty, community service, and educational excellence.

Mr. Merrill
Mr. MerrillSenior Instructor
Mrs. Lastufka
Mrs. LastufkaInstructor
Ms. Miranda
Ms. MirandaInstructor
Mr. Griffin
Mr. GriffinInstructor
Mr. Gantt
Mr. GanttInstructor
Ms. Ohliger
Ms. OhligerInstructor
Ms. Scheiler
Ms. ScheilerInstructor
Mr. Holzhey
Mr. HolzheyInstructor

Frequently Asked Questions