Sault Ste. Marie on martial arts map

Anyone with interest in martial arts in Sault Ste. Marie is very familiar with their last name.

Peter Cornacchio and his wife Tracy run Soo Dan Hap-Ki Do locally and are well known in martial arts circles internationally.

Most recently, Tracy was inducted into the world Martial Arts Hall of Fame in a ceremony held in Orlando, Fla. in the spring. Tracy’s induction came for “Fostering International Brotherhood”.

With the induction Tracy became the second member of the Cornacchio family to be inducted as Peter was inducted in 2010 for “Outstanding Tournament Promotion”.

“It’s incredible, especially when you have a couple doing things together,” said Tracy. “A lot of times you see one person in the family, generally the male. After I got into martial arts and he started bringing me through the ranks, I didn’t realize the position I was going to take in the future. I can remember the moment they called my name (at the ceremony) and they went through my biography, I was like “Oh my gosh, they’re talking about me.’ I was very proud.”

Tracy was the first Ontario woman to be inducted into the hall

“For me, I’m a girl from North Bay, to receive such a high honour and such world recognition, it’s quite an honour,” said Tracy of her induction

The inductions came within a short time period as well with Peter being inducted in 2010 and then Tracy being inducted earlier this year.

“I think a lot of it had to do with the international work that Peter has been doing,” said Tracy. “I always say that I’m riding Peter’s shirttail because he’s the one that’s the introduction to all of this. When they called at the end of the year (2011) to tell me about the induction it was such an amazing thin because he had just been inducted two years before.”

The Cornacchio family played a major role in Sault Ste. Marie’s hosting of the International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open, held at the Essar Centre in August 2011.

The three-day event attracted martial artists from eight countries.

“Martial arts is really growing every day,” said Peter. “People here got a really good taste of it (at the International Hap Ki Do Canadian Open). They really got to see the excitement of the event. It truly is an art.”

For the Cornacchio family, martial arts has been a bonding experience.

Not only are Peter and Tracy involved, but their children have all been involved as well.

Soo Dan Hap Ki Do recently moved to a new location on Gore St. and celebrated a grand opening for a dojo that has had plenty of success over the years and currently includes 19 world title holders.

For more information on Cornacchio’s Martial Arts Centre, check out their website at www.soodanhapkido.com