To Make a Better World—One Student and One Black Belt at a Time
For over 40 years, this has been at the heart of what we do at Azad's. We believe martial arts can make a real difference in people's lives, no matter their age or where they're starting from.
For a child, that may mean greater confidence, focus, and discipline. For an adult, it may be getting stronger, learning to protect themselves, or simply feeling better about who they are. And for our seniors, it may mean better balance, mobility, strength, and staying active. Whatever brings someone through our doors, our goal is to help them grow stronger, believe in themselves, and take what they learn here into the rest of their life.
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.
Meet Our Instructors
Led by Grandmaster Azad with 40+ years of martial arts experience and multiple black belt rankings across numerous disciplines.
"The highest purpose of martial arts is not simply learning how to fight — it is learning how to live with strength, awareness, confidence, discipline, compassion, and the ability to protect what matters most."
— Senior Grandmaster Farshad Azad
10th Degree Black Belt • Chonkwan Sunsa • Founder of Jongshindo • Founder & President, World Jongshindo Association • International Master Instructor • University Educator • Personal Safety Expert
For nearly five decades, Senior Grandmaster Farshad Azad has dedicated his life to the mastery, teaching, and advancement of martial arts, self-defense, personal safety, and leadership. He holds three 10th Degree Black Belt ranks in Sinmoo Hapkido, Sinmoo Jongshindo, and Shaolin Taiketken Tai Chi Chuan.
Grandmaster Azad was a senior student of the late Dojunim Ji Han Jae, legendary founder of Sinmoo Hapkido, who taught Hapkido to Bruce Lee and appeared with him in Game of Death. Through decades of study and leadership, Azad attained the prestigious Chonkwan Sunsa level and was entrusted by Dojunim Ji with significant international leadership responsibilities.
A true teacher of teachers, Grandmaster Azad has taught and mentored black belts, instructors, and martial arts masters across Canada, Latin America, South America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. His teaching reaches beyond technique into practical self-defense, martial philosophy, internal development, leadership, and the continued growth of senior martial artists.
As Founder of Jongshindo and Founder & President of the World Jongshindo Association, he has created an international path for martial artists seeking deeper knowledge, authentic mentorship, and continued development under an experienced Grandmaster.
His expertise also reaches well beyond traditional martial arts. For decades, Grandmaster Azad has served as a lecturer in Kinesiology at California State University, Chico, while sharing personal-safety and self-defense knowledge with professionals in law enforcement, healthcare, real estate, security, and personal and executive protection.
His commitment to protecting the next generation led him to establish CAPE — Children Anti-Predator Education, extending his life's work into predator awareness, abduction prevention, online safety, and practical protection strategies for children, parents, schools, and communities. Thousands of parents and providers have been trained in Grandmaster's Predator Response programs.
Since founding Azad's Martial Arts Center in 1985, Grandmaster Azad has taught over 21,000 children, teens, adults, seniors, professionals, and martial artists. Today, his experience and standards continue through the instructors he develops and the students and masters who carry his teachings forward.
Nearly 50 Years of Martial Arts. Three 10th Degree Black Belts. International Leadership. One Lifelong Mission.
Build stronger people. Develop exceptional martial artists and future masters and grandmasters. Protect families. Change lives one person at a time!
Dedicated instructor focused on building confidence and discipline in young martial artists.
Energetic instructor dedicated to making martial arts fun and rewarding for kids of all ages.
Skilled instructor bringing technical expertise to adult martial arts and Jongshindo programs.
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Instructor at Azad's Martial Arts Center in Chico.
Instructor at Azad's Martial Arts Center in Chico.
Instructor at Azad's Martial Arts Center in Chico.
Instructor at Azad's Martial Arts Center in Chico.