The Soo Dan Hap-Ki-Do Academy was founded in 1994 by Peter A. Cornacchio Jr. (Chief Master Instructor). Master Cornacchio has studied Hap-Ki-Do for over 40 years and was first trained by Grand Master Rudy Timmerman. In 2010 Master Cornacchio was inducted into the International Martials Arts Hall of Fame.

In 2011 Soo Dan Hap-Ki-Do Academy hosted the International Hap-Ki-Do Canadian Open which included countries from around the world and helped Soo Dan receive the 2011 Sault Ste. Marie Tourism Ambassador Award.