Master Mehrdad Khan Moayedi is the founder and president of World Shin Do Kumaté Association, Inc.  He opened the dojang in St. Petersburg, Florida in 1993 and is now regarded as one of the most experienced and traditional Martial Arts Masters in North America.  His teachings are based on traditional training, eastern philosophy and the teachings passed down to him by prominent Grandmasters of the Far East and Asia, namely his first teacher Grandmaster Hassen Vaghiey of Persia, and ultimately his last teacher, Grandmaster In Suk Pak of Korea. 

The discipline taught by Master Mehrdad is unique and only taught by him.  It is a combination of Kung Fu, Hapkido, and his own system which formulates into the style of Shin Do Kumaté.  Master Mehrdad teaches children and adults.  Children are very different and some are ready at an early age, and others are not.  He evaluates young children after one session to determine whether or not the child is ready to begin their journey in Martial Arts and requires the commitment and support of parents before accepting the student.

Master Mehrdad is an old school teacher.  He learned the fundamentals of Martial Arts from the best in the regions resided by him and also studied Yoga under the teachings of Master Yogis in India and Pakistan.  The combination of the arts learned and studied by Master Mehrdad for over 35 years have made him a highly accomplished and educated Master.  Master Mehrdad has what it takes for the student seeking skills, fitness, enlightenment, knowledge of Far Eastern philosophy, or even wanting to become the next biggest name fighter in the world of amateur or professional fighting.  Whether a student suffers from an injury and needs help to recover and rebuild strength or is already a seasoned athlete, Master Mehrdad tailors his teachings to the students’ skill levels and needs. 

In 2002, Master Mehrdad founded MKM Knockout Promotions, a company organized to promote the Shin Do Kumaté professional fighting event produced for national and international television.  This is an event that brings the best male and female fighters from around the world in a fierce Martial Arts competition.  Master Mehrdad is a professional fighter himself and actively seeks to defend his title.  His ultimate mission in life is to help children and make a difference in the lives of kids worldwide through his media resources.

Master Mehrdad’s philosophy is that each student must earn their rank in Martial Arts through hard work, dedication, and honor.  One must respect the art and should never misuse it or initiate confrontational encounters.  Children are taught honor, respect, and discipline and will not reach a black belt rank until a minimum age of 16.  The programs offered at Master Mehrdad’s Martial Arts Studio include fitness classes, yoga, and training for fighters seeking to build a career in the sport.

Message from Master Mehrdad

Over the past decade, a style of fighting called Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has become a popular fighting style in the United States.  Unfortunately, it has been misconstrued into something far from its origin by promoters looking to make a quick buck.  MMA was devised 20 years ago by the Gracie Family from Brazil who studied the art of Jujitsu.  They developed Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) to bring “skillful” Martial Artists from various disciplines that have mastered their own styles and compete in their UFC arena to see which style was superior - thereby calling it “Mixed Martial Arts.”  Today, and ever since the Gracie family sold UFC, MMA is far from what it was meant to be and really should not include the words “Martial Arts” within its name, as it does not reflect the roots, honor, respect and discipline that represent the true history and culture of Martial Arts.  MMA schools have opened everywhere, but MMA cannot be taught and should definitely never be taught to children.  I only teach the true perspective of MMA, which I learned many years ago when I was training and competing in true full contact Martial Arts.  Back when I trained in Mixed Martial Arts, nobody even heard the term before.  It is important to not confuse my training with the many MMA schools owned and operated by people off the street.

Criteria and Accomplishments

Throughout his many years of business, Master Mehrdad Khan Moayedi and his dojang have been featured numerous times by local television stations, newspapers and international publications. He has been recognized by the Educational Funding Company (EFC) magazine internationally as a world renowned Martial Artist and also by MAN Magazine (Martial Arts News Magazine) as “The courageous fighter who will challenge anyone.”  Channel 10 News also televised a story of Master Mehrdad as the U.S. professional athlete competing in the European Full-Contact Martial Arts event titled K-1.

Master Mehrdad has received recognition for his outstanding achievements, including the National Leadership Award presented by Congressman Tom Delay of the National Republican Congressional Committee; 2003 Businessman of the Year presented by Congressman Tom Reynolds; and recognized in The Wall Street Journal on March 19, 2003 as one of the Business Advisory Council’s 5th Annual “Businessmen Of The Year.”  Master Mehrdad has also been invited to meet with members of Congress. 

Master Mehrdad promotes healthy lifestyles for young students by giving demonstrations for public schools, local libraries, various charities, companies and private organizations. These include “The Great American Teach-In” since 1994; The “David D” Television show on WFTS 28 Tampa Bay; The Entertainment Comedy Show for Children; various fundraisers for the Tampa Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross to benefit 9/11 New York disaster victims; a Carlie Brucia fundraiser that included a self defense workshop for children within the community; and a Self Defense Seminar held at the St. Pete Times Forum held in memory of Jessica Lunsford where Master Mehrdad stood on stage with Mark Lunsford to bring awareness to The Jessica Marie Lunsford Foundation for support to help pass the Jessica Lunsford Act.  Master Mehrdad’s organization has held many free self-defense seminars for children within the community, as well as various charitable organizations including Saint Jude’s All Children’s Hospital. 

 To learn more about the dojang please click one of the links below:

Testimonials
Master Mehrdad's Creed
History of Master Mehrdad & Personal Achievements
Persian Warrior 

Master Mehrdad Khan Moayedi
Ancient Hapkido - Shaolin Kung Fu
World Shin Do Kumaté Association, Inc.
(727) 573-8589