Shihan Paul Arel - Founder, 1st International Director, IKA.
(November 12, 1935 - January 2, 2009)

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.

For more information on Shihan Arel, please follow this link.

Kaicho Gregory P. Howard - International Director, IKA.

Kaicho Gregory Howard began his martial arts training as a child at the honbu dojo (world headquarters) of the International Kokondo Association (IKA) under its’ founder, Shihan Paul Arel (10th dan). Today, Kaicho Howard is the world’s leading authority on the authentic martial arts of Kokondo.  In late 2008 at a meeting of IKA Board of Masters, he was appointed as successor by Shihan Paul Arel, his Sensei for over 37 years. As the International Director, he is responsible for leading the IKA worldwide as well as maintaining the authenticity of both Kokondo arts.  Kaicho Howard was promoted directly by Shihan Paul Arel to the rank of 7th dan in both Jukido Jujitsu & Kokondo Karate. He is currently the highest-ranking black belt in Kokondo.

For more information on Kaicho Howard, Please follow this link.

Sensei David Smith - Chief BKA Instructor

Sensei Smith has been interested in the martial arts since junior high. He began training in the Kokondo martial arts just over twenty years ago. Sensei Smith holds the rank of Sandon (3rd degree black belt) in Kokondo Karate and Shodan (1st degree black belt) in Jukido Jujitsu.

Sensei Smith is employed by the Kern County Probation Department. His other interests outside the martial arts are shooting and tennis.

Sensei Michael Shinault - Assistant Chief BKA Instructor

Sensei Shinault is a respected accountant and family man who started his training in 1991.  With his children grown he has expanded his business and taken to teaching a few classes at the local university, all while still finding time for the dojo.  As a Nidan (2nd degree black belt,) in both Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate, Sensei Shinault is the backbone of the Bakersfield dojo.  He oversees dojo administration needs and Jukido Jujitsu instruction.  Sensei Shinault is always recruiting new members to keep our dojo strong and growing.

Sensei Kimber Chavez - Assistant BKA Instructor

Sensei Chavez began her training in November of 2003.  As a college freshman, she was looking for a way to stay active.  She found that, along with a growing passion for the martial arts.  “I love it because training gives me the confidence to know that I can always take care of myself.” After graduating with her Bachelor’s of Science in Mathematics, Sensei Chavez is looking forward to teaching Math at the high school level.  Now with the rank of Shodan (1st degree black belt,) in Jukido Jujitsu and Prosho (Probationary black belt) in Kokondo Karate Sensei Chavez is continuing her training while assuming some of the responsibilities of Jukido instruction. 

Mr. Chase Compfort - Dojo Assistant

Bio on Mr. Compfort coming soon.