Nine years ago today, Sensei Paul Recchia was taken from us. Today’s training and the following Hatsu Bon Poem (used in the traditional memorial training ceremony) are offered to his spirit. Should today’s readers so desire, please join us and perform a kata of your choice in memory of Sensei Paul and a fallen comrade you may wish to remember. May Sensei’s spirit find our training and poem worthy.
HATSU BON POEM
Please don’t cry before my grave
That’s not where I am
Nor am I sleeping for eternity
SEE!!
I am already part of the breezes numbering a thousand
I am part of the light that brightens this world
Like a diamond glittering in the snow
Like the sun that coaxes seeds to sprout
And in the Fall I become the gentle rain that nurtures all.
When you open the window in the morning / I am the breeze / That causes your hair to flutter;
And at night, / I am the star / That watches over your sleep.
So, please . . . don’t cry before my grave
That’s not where I am.
I am not dead. I have been born anew.
Sincerity in sweat, rest in peace, Sensei.
Sensei John Szmitkowski
Kata-RX For wellness 
A truly great poem to pay tribute to Sensei Paul! He was a very special person, near and dear to our hearts. i, particularly, miss our many discussions while sitting in the dojo. He will forever be a part of our lives and continue to teach us many things…he was from the old school generation which taught us respect for ourselves and others. Paul, you are missed by all and a simple memory of you will always bring a smile to my face.