Autism Students Thrive at Azad’s Martial Arts Center

Grandmaster Farshad Azad, 10th Degree Black Belt

Why Jongshindo is a Life-Changing Experience for Neurodivergent Children

As parents, we all want to see our children grow into confident, capable individuals. For families of children on the autism spectrum, finding the right environment that fosters growth, independence, and personal strength can be a challenge. At Azad’s Martial Arts Center, we have spent decades helping autistic students build confidence, develop essential life skills, and thrive through the art of Jongshindo, our dynamic system that teaches complete self-defense.

Jongshindo might not be the first thing that comes to mind for children with autism, but for thousands of students who have trained with us, the impact has been profound. Our program is designed with a deep understanding of the sensory, social, and emotional needs of neurodivergent students, making it an ideal setting for growth, learning, and empowerment.

Why Jongshindo? Why Azad’s?

Jongshindo martial arts, when done right, is one of the most powerful tools to help children on the spectrum develop focus, social confidence, self-discipline, and self-protection skills. At Azad’s Martial Arts Center, we have worked with autism experts, professors, and medical professionals to create a training environment that is structured, safe, and highly effective for neurodivergent students.

Unlike other programs that simply allow students on spectrum to participate, our center has specialized instructors trained specifically to teach children with autism. Our approach is not only about teaching physical techniques of Jongshindo—it’s about providing an environment where students feel understood, respected, and empowered.

Here’s how Jongshindo at Azad’s transforms lives:

1. Motor Skill Development & Coordination

Autistic children often struggle with motor coordination and body awareness. Through structured, repetitive movements, Jongshindo helps students develop better balance, flexibility, and control over their bodies. These improvements translate into greater independence in everyday life—whether it’s playing sports, writing, or simply moving with confidence.

2. Focus, Discipline & Emotional Regulation

One of the most common struggles for autistic children is maintaining focus and handling emotions. The structured nature of Jongshindo teaches students how to pay attention, follow sequences, and regulate their emotions in a supportive environment.

Many of our parents report that, after training at Azad’s, their children:

 Have an easier time focusing on schoolwork

 Develop better impulse control

 Experience fewer emotional outbursts

These are the real-life benefits of structured Jongshindo training with the right instructors who understand neurodivergent learning styles.

3. Social Confidence & Communication

For many children on the spectrum, social interactions can be overwhelming. Our classes provide a structured way to engage with peers, building social confidence in a low-pressure, supportive environment. Students learn to:

 Work with a partner in drills

 Communicate clearly and effectively

 Build friendships with like-minded peers

Many of our students, who once struggled with social interactions, now thrive in group settings, and some have even gone on to become mentors to others.

4. Sensory Integration & Adaptability

Many autistic children are sensitive to sensory input—touch, sounds, and movement can feel overwhelming. Our training incorporates sensory-friendly practices, helping students become comfortable with:

 Physical contact in a structured way

 Managing different textures and environments

 Learning to adapt to new situations

Through gradual, positive exposure, our students gain confidence in their ability to handle the world around them—a crucial skill for their future independence.

5. Building Self-Esteem & Confidence

Jongshindo is built on progression. Every student at Azad’s, regardless of ability, can set and achieve goals at their own pace. Each new belt earned represents hard work, perseverance, and success—all of which boost self-esteem.

For children who may have been told they are “different” or “limited,” Jongshindo proves otherwise. It reinforces that they are strong, capable, and able to succeed.

6. Personal Safety & Self-Defense

Autistic children are, unfortunately, more vulnerable to bullying and mistreatment. At Azad’s, we empower students with:

 Verbal strategies to stand up for themselves

 Physical techniques to protect against bullies

 Situational awareness to avoid danger

Knowing they can defend themselves physically and mentally gives our students a new level of confidence and security in the world.

Why Azad’s Stands Apart

Azad’s Martial Arts Center isn’t just another training school—we are a family, a community, and a place where every child is seen and valued.

 Our instructors are trained specifically to teach students with autism

 Our center has helped thousands of autistic students and families for decades

 We partner with autism professionals to ensure the best training methods

 We celebrate every victory, no matter how small, in each student’s journey

We have had students come to us struggling with basic coordination and social interactions, and today, they are thriving—some have even become instructors themselves!

A Safe, Supportive Community for Your Child

For parents seeking an inclusive, structured, and life-changing activity for their child, Azad’s Martial Arts Center is here for you. We welcome students of all abilities, ensuring they receive the guidance, encouragement, and tools they need to succeed.

If you’re ready to see your child grow in confidence, strength, and independence, we invite you to experience the life-changing benefits of Jongshindo at Azad’s.

 For more information, contact me directly at:

 Grandmaster@AzadsMartialArts.com

Together, let’s empower your child to thrive, grow, and succeed!

Azad’s Martial Arts Center – Empowering Families for Over 40 Years