Illinois/US Judo's loss...

[mckbln]

Irwin Cohen passed this morning. I couldn't even begin to describe the impact he had on my son personally, let alone US Judo as a whole.

http://www.usjudo.org/2012-irwin-cohen.asp

RIP Irwin, we will miss you.

[promartinez]

Sorry for your loss.
Sounds like he was a great person.

[bigvern77]

Another great person taken way too early. R.I.P!

[Greenskin]

He made a difference in people's lives and that is the mark of a life well lived.

[coach kirgan]

Both Irwin and Steve were outstanding people. I had the honor of competing against Steve in my Judo days. My prayers are with the family.

[mckbln]

What Irwin and the Cohen family have meant to me is beyond words; they took my son (Brad) in as a "raw talent" and in just one year turned him into a Jr National champ. The Cohen's created a true family atmosphere. I would make the drive from River Forest to Mundeline 3 times a week (in rush hour traffic on Tue and Thr)...and sit thru the practices and then drive back. During the summer when they had training camp Monday-Saturday 4-6 hours a day there was no way I could make the drive every day so Irwin put Brad up in his basement during that entire month...no small feat considering the way my kid eats. When we went to all the national summer tournaments, we all travelled together and if I couldn't make it, Irwin (or his two sons RJ and Aaron) would gladly travel with and share a room. At tournaments I always felt confident because there would be Irwin, Steve, RJ or Aaron coaching in Brads corner. I owe a HUGE debt of gratitude to Irwin and the entire Cohen family...my son would NEVER be where he is at now in judo without them.

Mack Bolen