memories which illustrate the changes I saw in the man as we aged and mellowed.  My first memory of him was as a youngster.  Shihan Arel was unable to attend a Hombu Jukido Class one afternoon.  In fact Shihan needed his assistant instructor, Master Costa and all of the higher ranks to do some demonstrations.  Therefore, he left us in Mr. Longo’s hands.  I was a quiet shy child with a bad back but I was an orange belt or one of the senior members in class that day. 

I was not prepared in any way for the scowling, imposing man with the starched Gi and perfectly tied black belt in the front of the room. We had set up on the mats in our usual formation and were in two lines, facing front as usual.  “Sensei Ni Rei Os,” all set so far.  It was the same as Shihan if not quite as friendly.  Then he says face inboard.  Richard Webster my friend and also an orange belt, was across the line from me looking at me like a deer caught in the headlights.  Well let’s see I thought “inboard… nothing, hmm an inboard motor is in the back of a boat so I naturally, turned to the back of the room.  Mr. Longo reacted by picking me up and physically turning me around in the correct position.  I was horrified that I had single handedly let down the collective honor of our class, Jukido and of course Shihan Arel.  Master Longo then proceeded to teach a series of basics.  I was in awe and terrified of this serious snarling man. 

Some years later Shihan needed someone to cover his class in Avon, CT.
Once again a very serious instructor was trying to get the recalcitrant children to behave.  Luckily no students were stupid enough to turn and face the back of the room. However, this new instructor was rapidly loosing his patience.  I am of course the new instructor.  What made this day unusual is that I had to finish a test that Shihan had started.  The parents were allowed to watch these tests.  Shihan realizing that I would have my hands full with the test asked Mr. Longo to come help with class discipline.  Mr. Longo used the old hulk TV shows line “You don’t want to see me angry; you won’t like me when I’m angry!”  This rendition usually worked to make even the most troubled kid stay in line.  Hell, it still worked on young nervous Nidans.  I finished the test and as predicted by Shihan everyone landed where he had expected them to, including one child who failed miserably.  I had even gone so far as to coach this kid from the table.  Mr. Longo’s raised his eyebrow at my coaching but understood what I was attempting.  As the class ended, I read the results and we congratulated all of the students on a job well done.  Mr. Longo told me he’s going to change and he’d be right back.  I turned from him to confront this very upset parent.  This man was livid that his child did not get his stripe.  He said that he had watched the test and his son did not do as badly as another child who made it.  I asked him when he had become a black belt. (I had grown out of my shyness at this point)  This guy was big! He put his finger on my chest and pushed me back saying all sorts of nasty things about my parentage.  I was both shocked and to be honest frightened.  (Did I say this guy was big and angry)?  I was backing away when I bumped into the solid wall of mass.  Then in my ear came a most welcome voice.  Mr. Longo had returned and told the man that if he poked me one more time it was literally going to be the last thing he did on this mortal plain.  I stepped to the side so Mr. Longo could stare this Neanderthal down.  I was never so happy to see Master Longo in full intimidation mode protecting me.  The man wisely backed down which proved his IQ was higher then a rodent.  I turned to thank Mr. Longo who just shrugged and said after all the breaks I had given the man’s kid he should have thanked me.  I was just so honored to stand in Mr. Longo’s presence.

This last story comes closer to the present. At this point I was no longer easily intimidated by anyone or anything.  I was at home one evening.  The phone rang, I answered and it’s not a voice I recognized.  “Is Greg there?”  “May I ask who’s calling?” Too many telemarketers were calling to identify myself immediately. “Bob” thinking quickly I ran through all the names of anyone who might call me and said “I don’t know a Bob” “You do too” now I’m getting ticked, “look who is this” “Think,” the phantom voice intoned.  I gulped and literally stood up with the telephone receiver in my hand. Master Longo!  I gasped. “Yup Bob.” He said laughingly.  He was just making a social call.

I started knowing this great man in fear and awe.  The Fear disappeared the awe never did.

Greg P. Howard