Farshad Azad is an internationally recognized martial arts innovator, educator, and community leader with over 50 years of experience. As the owner of Azad’s Martial Arts Center in Chico since 1985, he has taught and empowered more than 20,000 students, holding rare 10th-degree black belts in Sinmoo Hapkido, Jongshindo, and Shaolin Tai Chi Chuan. Grandmaster Azad serves as Vice President of the World Sinmoo Hapkido Foundation and is renowned for developing signature training systems that blend traditional martial arts with modern personal safety and wellness. His expertise and leadership have earned him accolades both nationally and internationally, and he is a frequent instructor and speaker at community events.
Beyond his martial arts legacy, Grandmaster Azad is deeply committed to service in the Chico region. He is the founder of the annual Azad’s Thanksgiving Basket Brigade, which has provided meals to over 60,000 people in Butte and Glenn counties, and serves on the boards of the American Red Cross, Butte College Foundation, and North Valley Community Foundation.
He is also a member of the Enloe Healthy Communities Committee and has been a part-time faculty member at Chico State for three decades. As a member of Enloe Health’s Board of Trustees, Grandmaster Azad brings a unique blend of leadership, cross-cultural insight, and dedication to community well-being.
