Timeline

1950 Paul Arel begins his Martial Arts study at 16 years of age, in Fitchburg Massachusetts with Sudo Sensei a Master in Sanzyu-ryu Jujitsu.

1952 Arel earns his black belt under Sudo. When Master Sudo returns to Japan he leaves Arel in charge of the Dojo. Therefore, Arel heads one of the first Japanese Martial Art School in New England.

1956 Paul Arel enlists in the United States Marine Corps, broadening his martial skills by training with a number of US contracted Japanese Masters. The Marines train Arel for covert operations and he trains others under their auspices.

1959 An Honorable Discharge from the Marines allows Paul Arel to return to New England. He opens the first Connecticut Karate Dojo called “Karate, Inc.” Jukido Jujitsu’s curriculum and name are codified.

1962 Mas Oyama invites Paul Arel and his students to join his Kyokushin association and to become a direct student of the Founder.

1968 Arel and his students participate in and/or host large New England Martial Arts events in Hartford County, CT.

1968 Master John Fearns begins his study in Norwich, CT under the supervision of Paul Arel

1970 Paul Arel resigns from Kyokushin to become the founder and chairman of Kokondo Karate. This new art emphasizes self-defense.
Master Robert Longo joins Kokondo beginning his lifelong study and perfection of this art.

1972 Greg Howard, Kaicho begins his personal study with Paul Arel, Shihan in Jukido Jujitsu.

1982 Paul Arel invites Greg Howard to join him traveling to the western US to help demonstrate Jukido Jujitsu, introducing it more fully to the West. This trip is the first of thousands of teaching excursions taken by these two men.

1984 Master Robert E. Robert studies at the Honbu Dojo directly trained by Arel, Shihan assisted by Master Longo and Greg Howard.

1989 First National Seminar brings West Coast and East Coast Martial Artists together. For the first time Kokondoka from over 22 states meet and train with each other. Arel, Longo, Howard and other high-ranking individuals lead the intensive sessions.

1998 Arel becomes the first (and only) 10thDan in both Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. Kokondo celebrates this promotion at the National Seminar that year.

2001 Master Longo passes away and IKA posthumously recognizes his accomplishments with the 9thDan in Kokondo Karate for his skill and warrior spirit.

2009 Paul Arel, Shihan founder of both Kokondo Karate and Jukido Jujitsu passes away at the age of 73. He leaves the Association and Chief Instructor duties to, his student of 38years, Greg Howard. Master Howard is given the title of Kaicho.

2013 The Board of Masters and Directors of the International Kokondo Association elevates Howard, Kaicho to the highest active rank, 9thDan, in both Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. He is the first living person so recognized in Kokondo.