In 1989 Grandmaster Pellegrini began conducting Hapkido seminars around the country gaining a strong following in the Martial Arts community. He called his style “Combat Hapkido” to identify his mission (Self Defense!) and to distinguish his system from other traditional Hapkido styles. Combat Hapkido is an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self protection that includes an extensive variety of strikes, kicks, joint locks, pressure points, ground survival and disarming techniques. The result is a practical, comprehensive Self Defense system that is enjoyable to learn and truly effective in realistic situations. It is well suited for men and women of all ages and sizes because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. In 1992 Grandmaster Pellegrini structured a unique curriculum and founded the International Combat Hapkido Federation as the official Governing Body to issue Certifications to students and instructors worldwide.
• In 1995 the ICHF was named “Organization of the Year” by the Independent Funding Company. The presentation speech contained the following comment: “Once in a while an Organization comes along which makes profound changes in the Martial Arts community by helping Instructors become more successful. Under the leadership of Grandmaster Pellegrini the ICHF has done that and more…”.
• In 1998 the ICHF was inducted as “Outstanding Martial Arts Organization of the Year” by the World Karate Union Hall of Fame.
• Also in 1998 it received the Leadership Award as “Martial Arts Organization of the Year” by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council / International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
• In March 1999, Combat Hapkido (Chon-Tu Kwan Hapkido) was officially registered and accredited as a legitimate “Kwan” of Hapkido by the World Ki-Do Federation (Recognized by the Korean Government).
• In June 1999 the ICHF was the feature cover story of Martial Arts Professional Magazine.
• In 2000, the ICHF was nominated “Millennium Organization of the Year” by the World Head of Family Sokeship Council / International Martial Arts Hall of Fame.
• In 2007 the ICHF was honored with an award by Artes Marciales Magazine Hall of Fame for “Pioneering Hapkido in Puerto Rico and Latin America”.
With its unparalleled record of accomplishments, the ICHF is today the largest, most respected, and fastest growing, non-traditional Hapkido Federation in the World. The ICHF is a full service Martial Arts Organization providing its members with all the products and services necessary to establish and maintain a successful Combat Hapkido program.