Bio
Grandmaster Farshad Azad: A Legacy of Martial Arts Excellence, Leadership, and Service
50 years of martial arts experience and a lifetime dedicated to empowering others, Senior Grandmaster Farshad Azad is a living testament to the transformative power of martial arts. Recognized worldwide as a martial arts innovator, master instructor, and humanitarian, Grandmaster Azad’s journey is defined by excellence, unwavering discipline, and a deep-rooted commitment to uplifting people of all backgrounds.
Martial Arts Journey
Grandmaster Azad holds an extraordinary array of martial arts credentials that is simply impressive. He is one of the rare practitioners to achieve three 10th Degree Black Belts in Sinmoo Hapkido, Jongshindo, and Shaolin Taiketkun Tai Chi Chuan. His rank in Sinmoo Hapkido was personally awarded by the legendary founder of the art, Dojunim Ji Han Jae, who famously taught the martial arts master and movie star Bruce Lee. In fact, Grandmaster Azad is among Dojunim Ji Han Jae’s top most active senior students and was appointed in 2016 as his personal Senior Representative, a position reflecting profound trust and respect.
Further cementing his martial arts legacy, Grandmaster Azad was honored with the prestigious Gold Belt in Hapkido and currently serves as the Vice President of the World Sinmoo Hapkido Foundation. In 2021, he was appointed as the Senior Representative, Director, and President of the World Sinmoo Hapkido Middle East Association, overseeing ethics, promotions, and training standards across multiple countries.
Beyond Hapkido, Grandmaster Azad’s martial arts journey has taken him through a broad spectrum of disciplines. He holds advanced Black Belt ranks in Taekwondo (8th Degree Black Belt), Okinawan Karate, Filipino Martial Arts (Master rank in Modern Arnis, Kali, Escrima), Jungsuwon, Kumdo, Kobudo, Full-Contact Fighting, and Muay Thai Kickboxing. His versatility across styles is matched only by his dedication to maintaining their authenticity and spirit. Mr. Azad is also a Master Instructor in the following tactical programs in Law Enforcement Survival Systems, Family Protection Systems, Know & Go Self Defense for Children, Training For Life, Last Resort Tactics, Deadly Force, Last Resort Weapon Disarms, Counter-Terrorism, C.D.T. (Compliance, Direction, Takedown) Non-Deadly Force.
Pioneer, Innovator, and Creator of Training Systems
Grandmaster Azad’s commitment to martial arts extends beyond mastery of traditional systems. He has developed multiple internationally recognized training programs designed to improve physical health, enhance personal safety, and develop tactical awareness:
- ShimKenDo: Created in the 1980s, this system revitalizes adults and seniors, helping thousands regain mobility, energy, and mental clarity.
- Realistic Defensive Tactics (RDT): A tactical defense system used by law enforcement, executive protection teams, and military personnel worldwide
- United States Kardio Kickboxing: A program that trained all those interested in the field of Kinesiology, body movement, physical fitness, martial arts techniques and overall physical health and longevity.
- Aggression Response Methods Systems (ARMS): Equipping civilians and professionals with practical strategies to protect themselves and others.
- Street Awareness Strategies (SAS): A self-defense course that has trained thousands in personal safety, de-escalation, and physical intervention.
- Personal Defense Training (PDT): A complete package of personal safety program that has trained tens of thousands of adults and teenagers in personal protection regardless of the environment one may be.
- Special Tactical and Operations Response Methods (S.T.O.R.M): Developed for first responders, law enforcement, and military units to enhance stress management, operational readiness, and survival under high-pressure conditions.
- Children Anti-Predator Education (CAPE): A life-saving program founded by Grandmaster Azad, CAPE provides specialized education for parents, caregivers, and children to recognize, prevent, and respond to threats from predators—both online and in person. CAPE has empowered thousands with essential safety skills and awareness.
Leadership and Influence on the Global Stage
Grandmaster Azad is not only a martial arts instructor; he is a global ambassador of personal empowerment. He has taught at hundreds of seminars across three continents, sharing his knowledge with thousands of martial artists, black belts, masters, and grandmasters. His influence extends into the realms of law enforcement, aviation security, and military training, where he has instructed special units, flight marshals, and executive protection teams on tactical defense, arrest procedures, and crisis de-escalation.
With a remarkable background in executive protection, Grandmaster Azad has spent over two decades safeguarding public and private sector leaders, solidifying his reputation as an expert in real-world applications of martial arts and personal defense.
A Lifelong Commitment to Service
Grandmaster Azad’s vision extends far beyond martial arts; he is driven by a profound desire to serve and uplift communities around the world.
- As the founder of the Bright Futures for Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization, he has dedicated his efforts to providing essential resources to children globally. His initiatives have delivered over 80,000 meals, thousands of pairs of shoes and clothing, and vital school supplies to those in need.
- His work through the Children Anti-Predator Education (CAPE) program has saved lives by educating families on how to protect children from both online and in-person predators. CAPE’s practical, easy-to-use strategies have equipped parents, providers, and kids with life-saving knowledge and skills to be safe from child molesters, abductors and human/sex traffickers.
- Grandmaster Azad’s community outreach includes extensive support for families facing homelessness, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive critical aid and opportunities for a better future.
His life’s work demonstrates a holistic approach to empowerment, combining physical protection with emotional resilience, moral integrity, and community care.
Educator, Mentor, and Lifelong Student
Grandmaster Azad holds a Master’s Degree and has served on the faculty of the Kinesiology Department at California State University, Chico, since the 1980’s. He entered a Ph.D program at the University of Arizona in early 1990's. His academic background complements his martial arts expertise, allowing him to teach with depth, clarity, and compassion. He believes that martial arts is more than just physical training—it’s a transformation of life-style through commitment to a lifelong journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and community building.
Philosophy of Unity and Respect
A guiding principle in Grandmaster Azad’s life is his profound respect for all martial arts systems. He often compares the diversity of martial arts to the leaves of a tree:
"Each martial art is like a leaf on the same tree. While the techniques may differ, they are all rooted in the same principles—courage, respect, perseverance, and compassion. As martial artists, we are brothers and sisters, united by our commitment to make the world a better place." – Grandmaster Farshad Azad.
A Legacy That Continues to Inspire
Grandmaster Farshad Azad’s story is one of resilience, mastery, and service. He embodies the true spirit of martial arts—not just through his formidable skills but through his unwavering dedication to uplifting others, fostering positive change, and inspiring the next generation of martial artists.
At Azad’s Martial Arts Center, Grandmaster Azad continues to lead by example, offering world-class instruction while cultivating a community built on integrity, honor, and excellence. Whether you are a lifelong martial artist or stepping onto the mat for the first time, training under Grandmaster Azad is an opportunity to learn from one of the world’s most respected martial arts authorities—and more importantly, a teacher who cares deeply about every student’s journey.
