Nabard Combat - Pensacola, Florida

Stick B.

Long story: I first met Master Safakhoo many years ago when he first started teaching in Pensacola. At that time he was the only Kung Fu teacher in the area. I studied for several years with him and learned so much from him. Not just how to defend myself but also how to effectively approach life’s challenges.

He taught us wherever he could: At high school gyms, community rooms, trailer parks, and school lunchrooms. At that time he was a very young man who had recently arrived from another country (barely speaking English)and it was extremely hard for him. He worked multiple jobs in order to pursue his passion for teaching his martial art to others.

His classes were always hard and challenging but rewarding. He expected and accepted only the best out of his students. Many came, many left, some stayed. He didn’t give out belts but you knew you had seriously accomplished something if you could make it through his trainings and sparring sessions. He didn’t have to advertise because everyone knew his students. He put all of his being into teaching us and his sole goal was to one day build a school of his own.

When I got older I moved away from Pensacola but every so often, when I was in town, I would stop by and see his school and was amazed at the number of students he was teaching, their skills as well as the incredible school he had built. His dream became a reality!

Sadly, I recently moved back to the area to find that his school had closed. I ran into some of his old students and from what I heard, he was given a very bad and fraudulent deal by some realtors and local business people and his dream school was taken from him. I could not believe it. The people that did this should be ashamed of themselves.This man had worked over thirty years to create his academy.

However, this story does have a silver lining. Some of his old students also told me that Master Safakhoo is in the process of building another school and that he will be teaching martial arts again soon. Remembering the young man that I met many years ago, with so much drive and energy and dedication to his art…I am positive that his new school will be even better than the old school and that Northwest Florida will have an opportunity to study with Master Safakhoo once again.
I am definitely looking forward to studying with him again when that school opens.

Kathy H.

Since relocating to the Pensacola area, I wanted to find a school that specialized in women's self defense, as well as fitness. I read reviews on Google, Facebook, and saw You Tube videos, and I was impressed with Master Safakhoo’s program and training style. I was disappointed to hear that Nabard System Academy is no longer open. His reputation and way of training was what i was looking for. I was curious if there was a new location posted at the school. Unfortunatley there was no info when I stopped by the school's address, but saw a sign for parking there, I went to the restaurant across the street for lunch, and asked around if anyone knew what happened. Chatting with other people, I found out that his school was sold reluctantly due to problems with another business using his school's space for additional parking. That is so sad. I would like to find someone with a similar reputation or if there is a new location for this school.

tom C.

I have attended NABARD for around 4 months with my 12 year old son and the extremely positive experience we have received has translated into all aspects of our lives. My personal mental and physical capabilities have expanded greatly, and Grand Master Safakhoo provides the EXTREME expertise to reach your potential. Master Safakhoo is able to lend 40 years of experience to the learning process which is immediately obvious upon first contact, and more importantly he is genuinely interested and involved in his student’s positive progression as individuals. All ages are welcome and the senior students are friendly in addition to being very helpful. If you want to make an extremely wise choice for your personal health and growth and become involved in what is the best training our area has to offer then there is no better place/person to accomplish it with!

Ben B.

I have been thinking about taking a class like this and most of the reviews have me convinced that it would be time well spent!

Jean W.

If you want to be the best you can be at your present age, and if you really make the effort, you won’t be disappointed with your experience training under Master Safakhoo. I started training with Master Safakhoo when I was 63, and am continuing 21 years later. He will work with you individually and help you reach your goals. It takes time, determination and hard work, but you can develop your strength, stamina and self confidence beyond what is expected of your age.

Jade L.

Master Safakhoo has 40 years of experience teaching Martial Arts. He has created many total body fitness programs to keep one fit. From conditioning to sparring to self defense. If you want a way to be active & healthy & defend yourself, come to Nabard & see for yourself. Master Safakhoo will train you to become the greatest person you can be!!!!!!

Brian H.

The longest standing martial arts school in Pensacola. A great place to train. I've been going to Nabard for 5 years now. Safakhoo tailors the workout to the individual. The atmosphere is friendly and noncompetitive. However, if you attend, be ready to sweat! Be prepared to discover where your specific physical limitations are and surpass them. This is a school for the committed. As with most education, you get out of it what you put into it. Students range in age from teens to individuals in their mid 70s and come from all walks of life. I've also been pleased with Safakhoo's willingness to work with my schedule. Prices are extremely competitive.

Mike H.

I took Kung fu from Grand Master Safakhoo back in 1988 and have not been able to find any other school like it. I would highly recommend his school for all age groups. I signed back up recently and we have all age groups that attend from young kids to 80+ yrs old. This is a school that you will get instruction from the Grand Master and he is able to take a class of people at different skill levels and ensure each person gets individual instruction that their own abilities. High recommend, go for it!
Nabard/Kung Fu Academy