I will file this under the, "It sounded like a good idea at the time" or maybe even in the, "No good deed goes unpunished" file.  When I came up with the idea of recognizing our most senior members with an honorable mention in the "Founder's Society", I never expected that it would generate so much drama, controversy, and problems (but then again... human nature being what it is, maybe I should have anticipated the fall-out).  Our office has been inundated with phone calls and emails concerning the eligibility, the criteria, and the worthiness of individuals for, or against, inclusion.  This has resulted in a gigantic headache and an enormous waste of time for me and the HQ staff.  Here is a sample of the questions/comments we have received:

• Why did you pick the arbitrary date of 2000 for cut-off?  I joined a few months later and I am being penalized.
• I joined as a Charter in 2002 but I had been an Individual member for three years before that.  It should count.
• I joined in 1998 but then I moved and had to drop out for 5 years.  I re-joined in 2003.  I should qualify.
• I qualify for the Founder's Society but I should not be forced to pay to be in the "Who's Who in Combat Hapkido" section if I don't care to be included.
• I have a student who is a 4th Dan and has been in Combat Hapkido with me since 1999.  He should be included.
• I know that Master "X" has been around for 15 years but he is a jerk, he is not supportive of the Federation and does not deserve to be there.
• I had to close my school last year but I had been a loyal Charter since 1997.  Even if I am no longer an active member, I should be included.

I am sure that now you see the complexity of the problem.  In view of that, I have made the executive decision of scrapping the whole idea of the Founder's Society.  Sorry, but my staff and I cannot deal with the egos, complaints, bickering, stupid questions, and assorted annoyances this idea has generated, together with the potential of offending and alienating some of our members.  Problem solved!

Great News!!  Negotiations have been finalized and we have booked the venue for the 2012 ICHF 20th Anniversary Martial Arts Expo. and Gala Awards Banquet.  The event will be held at the Phoenix Airport Marriott Hotel.  You will just love Phoenix in November!

We have:

• Excellent special room rates
• Huge ballrooms for seminars & exhibits
• Banquet capacity for up to 600 people

and much more...  We will send out special invitations and complete details to everyone in about a month.  See you there!

Take advantage of the following special deals we are offering for a limited time only!

"The Warrior's Guide to Combative Pressure Points" book
by Master Mark Gridley
    Reg. $45  -  Now Only $25

DVD's by Grandmaster Pellegrini:
Trapping DVD
    Reg. $39  -  Now Only $25
Balance Disruption/Foot Trapping DVD
    Reg.  $19  -  Now Only $15
Cane DVD
    Reg. $29  -  Now Only $20
Weapon's Disarming DVD's
    Reg. $39  - Now Only $25 each
Legacy Series (Set of 4 DVD's)
    Reg. $129  -  Now Only $99 set

DVD's by Master Rivas and Master Gridley:
Ground Survival and Pressure Points DVD's
    Reg. $39  -  Now Only $25 each
MMA DVD
    Reg. $25  -  Now Only $15

Offer extended until August 31, 2011!

We are saddened to report that the Martial Arts community has lost one of its greatest teachers and pioneers. Prof. Wally Jay, Founder of Small Circle JuJitsu passed away on May 29, 2011 at the age of 93. GM Pellegrini states: "Prof. Wally Jay was an incredible technician, an innovator, an exceptional seminar leader, an author and one of the most influential and respected Martial Artists of the last century. Having had the privilege and good fortune to have trained with him, I can tell you that Prof. Jay has been an inspiration, a role model and an admired  figure to me for many years. He was a kind, gentle, humble man with a great sense of humor and an incredibly open mind. At one time of doubt and uncertainty in my career, Prof. Jay gave me advice and words of encouragement, urging me to continue going forward in developing my style and not to worry about those who were badmouthing me. I will always be grateful to him for the knowledge he so generously shared, his wisdom and his kindness."

We express our most heartfelt sympathy to Prof. Jay's family. We will always remember Prof. Jay!

Since 2007 we have raised $45,000.00 for the Wounded Warrior Project.  We are starting 2011 with this new idea that we believe will help us have our best year yet! GM P. is donating dozens of personal Martial Arts items, collectibles and memorabilia accumulated over the years.  Every dollar received will go to the Wounded Warrior Project.  Please help us in this worthy endeavor.  Show your gratitude to the men and women who have sacrificed so much for all of us by making a generous donation and in the process own a piece of Martial Arts history!

Go to www.combathapkido.com and click on the "WWP Fundraiser" button on the left side to check out the fundraiser items!

A must for every student and Instructor of Combat Hapkido and for anyone interested in our Self Defense system.

THE HISTORY

In 1993, after founding the ICHF in 1992, Grandmaster Pellegrini traveled to Korea for a week of training with Grandmaster In Sun Seo and to secure approval to continue the development of “Combat Hapkido”. Later that year, Grandmaster Pellegrini structured the first formal curriculum of the system and released the 4 volume VHS video series “Combat Hapkido”. This was followed in 1995 by another 4 volume series “Advanced Combat Hapkido”. Both series became an instant success around the World and received very positive reviews by the Martial Arts community.

The masters of these VHS productions were destroyed in the flood of 2009 that devastated our HQ office and we thought that all that original, classical material was lost forever. But recently, while cleaning out a closet, we found one set.  We immediately hired a lab to convert them into DVD format to preserve the material for present and future generations. And now with this new release, we are making the DVD series available so that Combat Hapkido fans around the World will have an opportunity to own this unique collection.

• Hundreds of techniques – over 6 hours of program.
• See Grandmaster Pellegrini in his “early” days.
• Some never before seen techniques.
• The first evolution from “traditional” to “Combat” Hapkido.
• A valuable addition to your teaching arsenal.
• A beautifully performed, professionally filmed technical treasure.
• A unique Martial Arts collector’s item.
• The official, historical legacy of Combat Hapkido.

You can get them on our site www.combathapkido.com or by calling us at 480-895-9700 and ordering them!