Montana Kokondo Association

Shihan Paul Arel

Shihan is a title earned through a life time of sacrifice and hard work. Extraordinary skill and accomplishment are just the beginnings. Paul Arel is such a man. He has worked diligently to become the International Kokondo Association's (IKA) Shihan. His Jujitsu training began in 1950 under Sensei Sudo when he (Mr. Arel) was a teenager. Mr. Arel gives the most credit to this sensei for his core techniques which were subsequently refined and improved upon. After years of intensive training under close guidance of his sensei, he earned his black belt, placing him among the youngest legitimate black belts in the United States.

In actuality, this rank established him as one of the few black belts of any age in the country. Shihan Arel became one of our country's first occidental Jujitsu black belts. Before returning to Japan, Mr. Arel's sensei appointed him as the dojo's new instructor.

Shihan Paul Arel is Founder and International Director for the International Kokondo Association (IKA) and Jukido International, IKJA Inc. He has been an Instructor in Martial Arts since 1952. He is recognized as the worlds leading Jukido-Jujitsu Shihan, inducted into N.E. Black Belt Hall Of Fame and listed in Who's Who in Martial Arts. Mr. Arel continues to teach as well as making himself available for professional lectures and seminars to Blackbelts, corporations, women's groups and various parent organizations.

In the mid-50's Mr. Arel joined the military and 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.

By the late 1960's Mr. Arel was recognized as the worlds leading authority on Jukido-Jujitsu and was awarded the title of Shihan.

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 made Paul Arel Shihan of both Jukido-Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate.

His school teaches two dynamic and powerful arts: Jukido-Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate. Mr. Arel continues to work with law enforcement agencies throughout the country. As Chief Instructor of the International Kokondo Association (IKA) and Jukido International Association (IKJA), Shihan Arel teaches an elite club of Blackbelts, and remains available for professional lectures to Blackbelts, corporations, women's groups and various parent organizations.