11/02/2025
Hi Aunty,
I wanted to send our deepest condolences to you, your family, and Papa’s family. After finding out about his passing, I took some time to reflect on what he meant to me and to so many others who knew him. I’m so honored that I got to train under him as a student and learn all the valuable lessons from him for both Karate and life. One memory that sticks out to me was when we still held classes at Kiwanis in the gym, I was an orange belt and it was the first time I was learning how to roll. The first roll I did was a little lopsided and I had landed on my arm and shoulder wrong, so it was a little sore. I remember that I hadn’t gotten up right away because I was a little scared of the pain. Papa then came over as I was holding my arm and clapped his hands together and rubbed them to create some heat and held my arm like the same scene from Karate Kid. I remember it made me laugh and it took my mind off the soreness and it helped me feel better. After that I got back in line and continued practicing. I think that was the first lesson I learned about not giving up and to get back up and keep going. As I got older and continued training, I would often reflect back on that memory and remember that first lesson I learned from him. Even now as an adult, I reflect on all the different things I learned from Karate and how big of an impact it had on my life. As LFMA continues to grow, his legacy will live on and his memory will live on in the hearts and souls he touched. My family and I are here if you ever need anything.
All our love, Brianna and the Cohen family 💜