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Azad's Martial Arts Center

5 ★★★★★ 384 Google reviews · BJJ gym in Chico, California

BJJ gym Free trial Beginners welcome Kids & teens

Plan your first class

  • Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
  • Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
  • Kids & youth classes kids and youth BJJ classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
  • Today see hours ·
  • Website & schedule azadsmartialarts.com — book classes and see the live schedule
  • Phone +1 530-892-2923

Hours

Monday 9 am–1 pm, 2:30–7:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am–1 pm, 2:30–7:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am–1 pm, 2:30–7:30 pm
Thursday 9 am–1 pm, 2:30–7:30 pm
Friday 9 am–1 pm, 2:30–6:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am–12 pm
Sunday Closed

Hours shift for holidays, seminars, and open-gym times — worth a quick check before a special trip.

The classes they run

BJJ classes on the schedule at Azad's Martial Arts Center, confirmed in members' own reviews and the gym's own info — not guessed from the sign out front.

🧒 Kids BJJ 23 mentions

“Azads is a great place to bring your children to develop not only martial arts skills and athleticism, but life philosophy that they’ll use for every aspect of their lives.”

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Teens BJJ

“Then, when teen boys were breaking the rules, she displayed tremendous courage in vocalizing their disruption, safely from her green zone.”

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🛡️ Self-Defense

“Azads has been a phenomenal place to grow in confidence for my kiddo and teaching her structure, self defense, and confidence.”

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🌱 Beginners

“This is the first time in 5 years that we have seen so much success and growth for him in this area.”

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Other martial arts here

BJJ gyms are usually multi-discipline. Here's what else members mention training under the same roof at Azad's Martial Arts Center — mined from their reviews and the gym's own info.

Disciplines are mined from reviews and the gym's own info — they show what members have trained, not a formal class guarantee. If you specifically want MMA, muay thai, or wrestling alongside your BJJ, confirm the current schedule with the gym.

What members say

The things reviewers bring up again and again across 384 Google reviews — in their own words.

🧑‍🏫 expert, high-level coaching 4 mentions

“Ms Gracie does an amazing job with my kid and has been a great instructor.”

🤝 no-ego, friendly academy 5 mentions

“My neurodivergent kid had a really hard time finding extracurricular activities that are inviting and supportive.”

🧒 strong kids program 6 mentions

“I’m so pleased with how my child has become more polite, disciplined, and—most of all—so happy.”

🎖️ legit lineage & affiliation 3 mentions

“Nick Yamamura and Gracie Miranda facilitated a session at Chico State for a staff professional development event.”

🧠 builds confidence & discipline 10 mentions

“While the situation still required parental involvement, I was so proud of her and have no doubt that Azad's contributed to her confidence and integrity.”

From the reviews

Azad’s is the best martial arts place in town! Their energy and commitment is 10/10. My son begs to go to extra classes because he finally found a place he feels like he fits in. Azads doesn’t just teach martial arts, they teach discipline, respect, self control and so much more. Definitely try them out.

★★★★★ — Michelle, Jan 2026

We struggled to find an activity our son loved! We are so thankful we found Azads! Great confidence booster for my son. Amazing instructors! I would definitely recommend checking it out!

★★★★★ — Melissa, Jan 2026

Nick Yamamura and Gracie Miranda facilitated a session at Chico State for a staff professional development event. Nick and Gracie were knowledgeable, patient and encouraging instructors!

★★★★★ — Leana, Jan 2026

I recently started taking Tai Chi classes at Azad’s. I absolutely love it! Mr. Yamamura is such a great instructor – very patient and encouraging. All the staff I’ve met are amazing and comradery in the class is so fun. Joining Azad’s Tai Chi is helping me physically and mentally in ways I didn’t even anticipate.

★★★★★ — K, Mar 2026

Excerpts from public Google reviews. Read all 384 reviews →

New to BJJ? Start at Azad's Martial Arts Center

Azad's Martial Arts Center comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never rolled or set foot on a mat, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard rolling — reputable gyms build fundamentals (positions, escapes, and basic submissions) for weeks, live rolling eases in gradually, and tapping early keeps every roll safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out, and leave your ego at the door. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.

Check beginner classes on their site

Your first BJJ class at Azad's Martial Arts Center

Nervous about walking into a BJJ gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic positions and escapes with a partner — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the mats. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — many gyms lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi (or a rashguard and shorts for no-gi) and a mouthguard. Live rolling eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.

BJJ is a contact sport. Ease in, tap early and often, listen to your coaches, and if you have any injuries or health concerns, mention them before class and check with a doctor if you're unsure.

Where to find Azad's Martial Arts Center

313 Walnut St #150, Chico, CA95928

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Listing verified July 2026 from public business records and member reviews. Something out of date? Report a correction. Own this gym? Claim your listing — it's free.