Grandmaster Safakhoo has dedicated his life to deciphering the “science” of combat rather than merely its movements; these efforts are evident in the techniques of Nabard. At a very young age Safakhoo attended martial arts schools. As his education progressed so did his interest in the historical aspect of martial art practices. Using the experience he had gained from martial arts, he began to look into the reason behind the actions and applications he had been taught. His search began by researching into the fighting skills of different cultures. With an analytical approach he developed an understanding of the purpose, inconsistencies, and effectiveness within the aspects of each martial art technique and its intended applications. In 1983, Safakhoo introduced his art to the United States, where Nabard flourished into the internationally recognized martial art.

The fundamental importance of adaptability in actual combat encouraged Grandmaster Safakhoo to create a martial art which has interchangeability based on biomechanics. His unique concept in practice involves the manipulation of numerous manifold postures: strikes can become blocks, blocks can become grabs, and grabs can become throws, all suited to the requirements of the situation. His concept is based on how to combat fluidly, adaptively, creatively, and effectively.

By applying the principles of Nabard (the word ancient Persians used for combat) to a realistic strategy of survival and by combining his experience in various styles of martial arts, Grandmaster Safakhoo conceived the martial art system known as “Nabard.” From roots in ancient Persian martial strategies came Nabard: an interchangeable and adaptable style, responsive to differences in combat scenarios and individual practitioners.