In 1990 Grandmaster Pellegrini officially named his style of Hapkido "Combat Hapkido". The name clearly identifies it and sets it apart from other "traditional" styles of Hapkido. It is also referred to as the "Science of Self Defense". In 1999 the Combat Hapkido System was officially recognized and accredited as a legitimate "Kwan" of HapKiDo by the WKF/KKA (Kido-Hae). The Korean name of Combat Hapkido is "Chon-Tu Kwan HapKiDo"

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    Combat Hapkido is an extremely realistic and versatile discipline of self protection that includes an extensive variety of strikes, kicks, joint locks, pressure points, grappling and disarming techniques. The result is a practical, comprehensive Self Defense system that is enjoyable to learn and that produces effective results in realistic situations.

    Combat Hapkido’s dynamic concepts are based on scientific principles of anatomy and biokinetics as well as psychology and strategy. It is well suited for men and women of all sizes because physical strength and athletic abilities are not essential. The emphasis is on redirecting the assailants’ aggression and power back toward them with little effort and minimum force on your part.  

    Founding this system did not involve "inventing" the techniques. It was a matter of selecting the most realistic, effective and practical ones, modifying others and then combining and arranging these techniques in a structured system of instruction designed for individuals of all physical abilities living in a modern society.

    The essence of Combat Hapkido is pure Self Defense. It is the synthesis of dynamic concepts, scientific principles, realistic applications and plain common sense.

   Combat Hapkido is the result of over 3 decades of study, research and development. This comprehensive system is now taught in hundreds of schools in the US and a dozen foreign Countries. Combat Hapkido can stand alone and be taught as a complete system or it can be added as a separate program to any traditional Martial Arts curriculum

   Combat Hapkido is for sincere and open minded students and Instructors who are serious about wanting to grow and evolve to a new level of understanding and ability.

   Combat Hapkido can be easily integrated into any program because it complements and blends well with most Martial Arts.

    Combat Hapkido is ideal for those individuals (for example, many women, busy professionals and law enforcement officers) who do not have the time, desire or ability to commit themselves to the demanding study of a traditional Martial Art.

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WHAT COMBAT HAPKIDO IS NOT:

• A new Martial Art
• Traditional Hapkido with a different name
• A "Free-Style" type of Martial Art
• A Martial Sport
• An amateurish mix of random techniques from different Martial Arts

  WHAT COMBAT HAPKIDO IS:

• A new, modern style of Hapkido
• A totally scientific approach to Self Defense
• A realistic and effective discipline of Personal Protection
• A dynamic and flexible program of learning and teaching
  the science of Self Defense
• Reality Based Training
• The result of over 35 years of Martial Arts study, research,
  application and synthesis

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRADITIONAL HAPKIDO...

... AND COMBAT HAPKIDO

    Combat Hapkido is a new, modern style of Hapkido developed by Grandmaster John Pellegrini. Combat Hapkido differs from other Hapkido styles philosophically as well as technically.

Following are a few examples:

• Combat Hapkido is 100% Self Defense. There are no forms (Kata/Hyungs).
  
  
• Combat Hapkido training is Reality Based in order to tap the body's natural Adrenaline Response as an asset in a Self Defense situation, rather than allowing the adrenaline rush to become a liability.

• All Combat Hapkido kicks are directed to the lower part of the body.

• Combat Hapkido does not teach "acrobatic" kicks.

• Combat Hapkido employs breakfalls and throws in a very limited manner.

• Combat Hapkido has no hard blocks or stances.

• Combat Hapkido does not teach "Traditional" weapons like joot-do (bamboo sword) or fan. We teach cane, belt and other Personal Protection tools.

• Combat Hapkido teaches special firearms disarming techniques.

• Combat Hapkido contains a complete Ground Grappling program.

• Combat Hapkido, because it is flexible, dynamic and eclectic, continues to evolve.

• Combat Hapkido is not a sport and cannot be modified nor regulated to be one. There are no competitions, tournaments or championships.