While gathering all the collectibles and memorabilia for the Wounded Warrior fundraiser, we found a box with about 50 magazines featuring GM P. on the cover or in a major article such as his induction in the Black Belt Hall of Fame or his tour of Afghanistan. This is truly a rare find: some are one of a kind, out of print collectibles; some are from foreign countries. There is even one from 1991 with GM P. on the cover not as the featured Martial Artist but as the recipient of a kick!

We have decided to make these magazines available for the "Wounded Warrior Project" fundraiser in "Grab Bag" style:

• Each pack will have 5 different magazines.
• Each magazine will be personally autographed by GM P.
• Each pack will have a random selection. You cannot "choose" which magazines are in the pack.
• For these great collectibles we are asking for a Wounded Warrior donation of only $30 per pack (plus shipping of $12).
• Hurry!! Only 10 packs available!

During the weekend of October 22-23-24 GM P., Master Rivas and Master Gridley conducted 3 seminars in Valencia, Spain. Over 100 students and Instructors from Spain, Italy and Germany participated in the training over the 3 days. The annual event is hosted by ICHF Director for Spain, Master Juan Romero.

On Saturday night GM P. attended the annual Hall of Fame Gala hosted by Budo International / Cinturon Negro Magazine. GM P. (with Master Rivas who had been inducted in 2008) had the pleasure of inducting Master Gridley, Master Eric Deveau, Master Mario Rama and Instructors Chris Blackwell and Francesco Sanna.

The seminars received medial attention locally with a newspaper article and a TV station segment and also nationally with a TV segment on Spanish National TV.

The ICHF is growing in Spain and Master Romero has recently opened a branch in Madrid.

Download 10 DSI conf flyer  Download 10 DSI Registration Form

Don't miss the last seminar of the year in Chicago! Click on the links below to find out more information!  Early registration has been extended so get yours in now!

In 2008 Grandmaster Pellegrini and Master David Rivas were invited by Mr. John Soto, our regional Director in Colombia, to conduct Defensive Tactic training for the Colombian Air Force Anti-Terrorist Unit and the Security personnel of the US Embassy in Bogota.

GM P. was very surprised when he received this award (shown in the photo) in the mail today, consisting of an American Flag (flown by the US Marines in Colombia) and a certificate, all elegantly framed in beautiful wood, making this a terrific presentation.

We thank our friend, John Soto, for this incredibly beautiful award. We are sure that it took all his persuasion and patience to make the beaurocracy move swiftly and take only 2 years. Jokes aside, this is the kind of thing that makes all the sacrifices and the hard work of GM P. over the years worthwhile. Once again... Thank you John for your loyalty, support and friendship!  

GM Pellegrini,

I wanted to thank you again for the excellent Combat Hapkido seminar in Richmond, Virginia this past Saturday, October 2nd.  It was a great honor and privilege to have trained with you, Masters English and Scali, students, and other practitioners.  Master English and his students were excellent hosts, and they are blessed with an outstanding Dojang. 

I learned a tremendous amount.  Afterwards, I took many notes of the techniques you demonstrated, we learned, and practiced.  I trained my children the following day (who I have been training in martial arts for several years).  They are 2 boys and 1 girl (ages 6, 7, and 9).  They love hapkido and training with their dad.  We have our own small dojang in our home where we train, and where I plan to display your photo you signed to me.  Thank you again. 

I plan to attend future CH seminars, and pass the word among my FBI, Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and other law enforcement, and martial arts colleagues, on the effectiveness of the system (especially for law enforcement professionals).

Lastly, as you requested, I attached the photo of you and I taken at the Dojang.  Please let me know if you have any problems receiving it, and I will re-send it.  I look forward to seeing you again, and training with Masters English, Scali, and Rivas in the future.

With great respect and best wishes for the health, happiness, and prosperity of you and your family, and in martial brotherhood,

 Joe Strantz

Almost 100 students, Instructors and their families gathered in Carteret, New Jersey on Saturday, September 18^th to honor Master Frank Huff (ICHF State Director) on his 65^th Birthday! The day included a rare “Triple Impact” seminar with GM P., Master Rivas and Master Gridley.  In the evening a gala banquet was held to celebrate Master Huff’s Birthday. At the banquet, he was also presented a plaque by GM P. in recognition of his unique accomplishment of having been the first and only Instructor to have attended 100 Combat Hapkido Seminars!!! Another highlight of the evening was the graduation of several Black Belts with the most notable being Master Alfred Medina (one of the few original students of GM P. from the early 1980’s) receiving his 7^th Dan in Combat Hapkido. The event was a great success with great training, strong camaraderie and lots of fun for everyone. Once again congratulations and best wishes to Master Frank Huff!!!!

The 16th Annual ICHF Personal Protection Conference held in Lakewood, Colorado on Saturday/Sunday, April 24/25, 2010 was a tremendous success!

With 156 attendees representing 25 Charter schools from 13 states, the event proved that with the proper planning, promotion and support we can be successful even in a lousy economy (and a snowstorm the day before!). We commend Master Materkowski, Bud Brasier and Miriam Zoole for all their hard work and wonderful hospitality. And, of course, we thank all the attendees for their loyalty and support!