Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate Martial Arts

	Sensei Scott Cohen; Reflections About A Master and Friend It is hard to believe that two years have passed since the Kokondo and Longo families said goodbye to a treasured
and integral member. The life of Robert Longo and what he meant to those fortunate enough to know him well, can not be measured by words or techniques. His masterful precision in the dojo was surpassed only by his kindness and passion for family and dear friends. A consummate sensei, in the truest sense of the word, Master Longo enriched his students and colleagues by generously sharing his wisdom from experience and insight. Though we lost him too soon, he left us with greater reason to celebrate his life than to mourn his passing, by providing us with so many wonderful memories to recall and share. On this second anniversary, I would like to share some thoughts exchanged through e-mail in the following excerpts...

(Scott Cohen and Dianne Richards - Mr. Longo's daughter) I finally have something I've wanted to show you for a while. One afternoon at a seminar after a break, your dad passed me while my hat was on backward. I always wear it forward, but happened to have it backward that time. He picked up on that and turned his hat around facetiously...he never let up on that, and teased me EVERY time he saw me with a hat from that day on! A few years later in Seattle he did it again, but Dan was prepared with camera in hand! I think the picture (click to view picture) captures our special friendship which I feel very fortunate that he allowed me to share with him. Best Regards, Scott- Hi Scott, When you told me you had a couple of special pictures for me I didn't think for a moment that they were of anyone else but your beautiful daughter. It is with a gigantic lump in my throat that I say thanks for a special picture, indeed. You and my Dad absolutely shared a special friendship. His clowning around with you is such an indication of what he felt for you. When my Dad became a grandfather, he would clown around with the grandchildren all of the time. It was allot of fun to watch. It's a great picture - I love it - thanks. It must really capture a wonderful memory for you. My Dad's been gone for almost a year, but it still feels like yesterday. Thanks for the picture, and for sharing a story. I love every word. Take care. -Diane

(Anglea DeMarco, a Newington student of Master Longo and Shihan Arel, now with the CKJA) Dear Scott...........I sat on my porch last evening as the temperature cooled and read The Courant. I saw the name "Robert Longo" as I skimmed the obits and my heart skipped a beat. I read on and sure enough it was "him". A tear in my eye rolled down my cheek and I began to think back to the days of summer in the hot Newington dojo. I remembered the stern face of Master Longo that would stare me down when he asked me to do something. I remembered the time we watched him & Master Arel test some Marine for his Black Belt and I was sooooooooooo intimidated and frightened. But then I remembered the twinkle in his eye and the softness in his face when he recognized my fear or embarrassment or whatever. He was really an unusual man. He was as solid as a tree trunk and as sweet as a piece of chocolate. I'll miss knowing he's on this earth. Love, Ange

(Matt Warzecha - CKJA student) Dear Scott, Master Longo lead an extraordinary and respectful life. Master Longo leaves an exceptional legacy to mentor other lives. This is a time to reflect and to celebrate these accomplishments of Master Longo, a moment as well to appreciate all those that have gone before us, are here now with us and have yet to come. I extend my deepest sympathy at this time to you, IKA and the Longo Family. Although I will not physically be in attendance at Master Longo's memorial services, my thoughts and prayers shall be. Sincerely, Matt Warzecha

(Master Steve Dunne) Words that come from the intellect fail me. My emotions betray me. My heart speaks and tells me that a rare and beautiful man has passed from among us. It is poetic, I think, that in the last few days of Bob's time with us we witnessed a rare and awe inspiring celestial event. The planet Mars, the warrior's planet, came to its closest approach to earth. On Friday night of this past week Mars was outshining all others. So it was with Bob. Even now, though Mars' light is fading back to its norm, it is not so with the light that Bob Longo shared with us and brought to focus in our lives. His light will be seen for as long as people practice Kokondo. We'll see his light in the faces and in the technique of the many people he trained. We'll see his light in the power, stability and effectiveness of the art he loved, mastered, helped to build and spread. The past few days have brought back memories of many hours training in the dojo; many laughs, and a dozen or more New Years eves spent celebrating with Bob and Bev and the Arel's. Master Robert Longo is missed already. His memory will not fade as long as we continue in the tradition he helped to build and maintain. There are tears in Chicago. There is Kokondo in Chicago also and I hope that we are found faithful to his memory. Sadly, Steve Dunne

I personally extend special thanks to Mr. Scanlon for inviting me to participate in this tribute. Jim has lead by example demonstrating true dedication to honoring Master Longo's legacy. Ossu- Scott Cohen

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