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Martial Arts Teacher Promotes Peace

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By DEREK MAUL Tribune correspondent

Published: January 2, 2008

BRANDON - Sensei Paul D. Cobo is at ease sitting cross-legged on the mat floor of his spotless new aikido dojo at 119 N. Kings Ave.

Dojo, which means "place of the way" in Japanese, refers to training. Sensei means "teacher." Aikido translates to "way of harmony." Cobo, chief instructor at his aikido training school, aims to lead others into harmony through discipline, respect, tradition, compassion, patience and loyalty.

"Aikido is a different martial art in that it is a nonaggressive, circular form of self-defense," Cobo said. "Aikido has no competitions. It is an art that helps one obtain inner peace along with a calm, relaxed body. Because aikido does not pit strength against strength, it is effective for all ages and genders."

The discipline was created by Japanese master Morihei Ueshiba, who lived from 1883 to 1969 and was the descendent of a respected samurai.

Aikido has a dual purpose, Cobo said. First, practicing self-defense in a nonaggressive manner. Then, developing the ability to work on spirituality and becoming a better person.

"The way to enlightenment is to practice, to become stronger and more open to different possibilities," Cobo said. "You must deal with your own ego. You have to learn to get rid of your own self-esteem and become more compassionate and humble. It's a process that takes a long time."

Cobo's family moved to New Jersey in 1961, when his parents were forced to flee Cuba. His father was a doctor but learned to cook so he could work until establishing credentials as a physician in the United States, Cobo said.

As a youngster, Cobo studied karate, but he lost interest.

"But I was always searching," he said, "because I knew I needed to continue my training, not just physically but spiritually, too."

Classical music was an important element in Cobo's childhood home.

"My interest and love has always been in the arts," he said. "I made my operatic debut singing dramatic tenor with the Jersey Lyric Opera at 25."
Cobo worked in the banking industry, sang in the opera and continued to search for his path.

"Then my brother took me to a Steven Seagal movie," "Above the Law," he said. "I thought, 'This is for me'. Every martial art fits a certain personality. Aikido fits me."
Cobo remained in New Jersey, learning and teaching with Aikido of North Jersey until 2005. Then he and his wife, Vivian, had the opportunity to move to Florida.

"I was getting tired of the cold," Cobo said, "and I wanted opportunity for me and my family. Vivian is a tremendous rock of support."

They chose Tampa over Miami and are pleased to have landed in the Brandon area.

"I would never go back" to New Jersey, Cobo said.

It made perfect sense for Cobo to open the dojo he had long envisioned in Brandon.

"I still work with a mortgage underwriting firm," he said, "but this is my path."

Aikido of Tampa Bay opened Nov. 1 and has 10 students.

"We are open to everybody," Cobo said. "Students will learn awareness, both in mind and visual perception," he said. "Classes are highly cardiovascular, so they will lose weight and gain strength. They'll also learn discipline and respect and tradition.

"We practice compassion, patience and loyalty - it's just being a good human being," he said. "It's great to see families get involved in doing things together."

PAUL D. COBO
BORN: New Jersey, 1964

EDUCATION: Essex Catholic School, Union County College, New Jersey

MARRIED: Vivian Ponce de Leon, 1985

CHILDREN: Julian, 14;

Jaquelyn, 8

WEB SITE: www.aikidotampa bay.com

QUOTE: "Come with open minds and hearts and learn to be a better person."

Derek Maul can be reached at derekmaul@gmail.com.

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