Shihan Paul Arel is Kokondo's Founder and served as the 1st International Director of the International Kokondo Association (IKA). He was the chief instructor of many IKA dojo during his nearly 60 year involvement in authentic martial arts. He began as an Instructor of Martial Arts in 1952. As the founder of the Kokondo arts he was recognized as the worlds leading Jukido Jujitsu & Kokondo Karate authority. As a martial arts pioneer he was inducted into N.E. Black Belt Hall of Fame and listed in Who's Who in Martial Arts. Mr. Arel continued to teach the Kokondo arts full-time until his passing in January of 2009.

Shihan Arel continued training in traditional jujitsu exclusively until the mid '50's when he entered the United States Marine Corps. His leadership qualities, and entering the Marine Corps as a black belt afforded Mr. Arel many advantages; for one he was soon instructing Marines in unarmed and armed combat, including the most elite of the forces, certain Special Tactics Units, and various other Government entities
 

While with the famed Fleet Marines (Force Troops), Shihan Arel received elite training in the orient. He concentrated upon fighting styles originating in Japan, Okinawa and China. He became an expert in kata, was introduced to karate, judo, Aikido, kobudo, knife, bayonet and, of course firearms as well as other traditional techniques. He also successfully competed in many tournaments. To help make ends meet, Shihan Arel "Kept the peace at a bar off Camp Geiger." Those with military training may remember this spot as "the second front."

A note here about 'Field Work.' Few martial artists these days get to use their skills in real street type situations - A situation Kokondo stresses as a hope that no member ever has to be involved in - Because of the timing and/or circumstances, duties etc., Mr. Arel's experience in the field has helped to determine (in many cases) which techniques are applicable or appropriate to certain circumstances...this experience includes: Service "Operations", Actual "fieldwork", Bouncer, and Security just to mention a few.

Throughout the 1960's while pursuing his study of jujitsu, Mr. Arel was also a private student of Mas Oyama and one of he first Branch Chiefs of Kyokushin Karate in the United States. Mr. Arel opened the first Karate school in Connecticut USA. In addition Mr. Arel received principle training from Don Nagle and H. Ishikawa. His skills helped bring one of the first large scale shiais to North America. He has worked with, in one capacity or another, a great number of people familiar to most people who have been involved in Martial Arts for any period of time. They include Koichi Tohei, Gary Alexander, Peter Urban, Henry Cho, Daeshik Kim, Maung Gyi, K. Ueyno, H. Nishiyama and many more.

By the late 1960's Mr. Arel was recognized as the worlds leading authority on Jukido Jujitsu and was awarded the title of Shihan. His profound concern for the public's well-being led him to blend his jujitsu experience with his training in Judo, Aikido and Karate into a dynamic and devastating system of self-defense. His skills helped bring one of the first large scale Shiais (traditional tournaments) to North America.

As time went on Shihan Arel continued to perfect his art. Publicity led to numerous radio and television appearances, including the TONIGHT SHOW starring Johnny Carson. After working with Woody Allen and actress Barbara Nichols, Mr. Arel produced and was featured in the motion picture ART OF THE ANCIENTS. In 1998, he earned the rank of 10th Dan in Kokondo Karate and 10th Dan in Jukido Jujitsu. This achievement cemented the legacy of Shihan Paul Arel forever.

Shihan Arel was a world record holder and instructor of people from virtually every walk of life. His school teaches two dynamic and powerful arts: Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. Mr. Arel worked with law enforcement agencies throughout the country throughout his life. As Chief Instructor of the International Kokondo Association (IKA) and International Karate & Jukido Academies, Inc. (IKJA), Shihan Arel lead an elite club of black belts. Today his arts and organization continue to thrive with the commitment to uphold not only the techniques of his arts, but to the preservation of his principles & legacy.

This text has been borrowed with permission from www.floridajukido.com.