Shihan Chris Pellitteri Inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame

Costa Mesa, CA (For Release) - Shihan Chris Pellitteri, an 8th Degree Black Belt in Karate under Master Floyd Burk and a 6th Degree Black Belt in American Style Nunchaku, was inducted into the Masters Hall of Fame at the 20th Anniversary Awards Ceremony Saturday, July 27, 2019. The event, which took place at the Hilton Orange County Costa Mesa, featured Dr. Robert Goldman as Grandmaster of Ceremonies and action film star Sifu Cynthia Rothrock as Keynote Speaker. Shihan Pellitteri was nominated for induction by Grandmaster Darryl Vidal.

Shihan Pellitteri has trained in martial arts for 35 years and has run his own school, the Upland Martial Arts Center where he is senior instructor, for 25 years. Shihan Pellitteri also founded the North American Nunchaku Association (2003) and the American Kobudo Association (2010); he is the lead instructor for both organizations.

In addition to Karate and Nunchaku, Shihan Pellitteri has trained in several other martial arts styles. He holds rank in Judo, Kali (Filipino Stick Fighting), Tai Chi Ch’uan, USJA Ju‐Jitsu, and Kobudo through the International Okinawan Kobudo Association. He has studied Shito‐Ryo Itosu Kai Karate under world famous martial artist Fumio Demura and trains in the sword under Shihan Dana Abbott. In 2017, Shihan Pellitteri testified as an expert witness in a successful case to legalize nunchaku in homes in New York state.

“It is an honor to be in the company of such great martial artists who have inspired not only me through the decades but countless students as well,” said Shihan Pellitteri.

The Masters Hall of Fame was founded in 1999 and is recognized as the premier Martial Arts event on the West Coast. The association recognizes exceptional Martial Arts Leaders and Legends through induction into the Masters Hall of Fame. Honorees are chosen for their dedication to and support of the martial arts and their work in the community. 

For more information about Upland Martial Arts Center or to contact Shihan Pellitteri, visit his website at uplandmacenter.com. To learn about the North American Nunchaku Association, visit totalnunchaku.com. Find more information on the Masters Hall of Fame at mastershalloffame.org. For media information, contact Kamatoy Media Group at press@jugglemail.com.