It is with a sad heart that I post this Hatsu Bon for a fallen student. In respect of his family, I shall refer to him only as “D.”
When I taught him a decade ago, there was no way of knowing that he would leave this world before his twentieth birthday. He passed away on July 26th, 2017, but the cause his his passing actually occurred Monday, July 24th. Each Monday I shall perform and dedicate the three Taikiyoku kata to his memory and the memory of all students that have passed before my time.
In addition, today’s kata is dedicated to his eternal spirit. Please join me and dedicate a kata to a student, or dojo comrade who has passed before our time.
The following Hatsu Bon poem is not the one I normally post. This poem is taken directly from the memorial card used for “D’s” services. The sentiment is; however, the same. As “D’s” family is of polish descent, the poem was also written in the Polish language.
May your eternal spirit find peace young “D.”
Sensei John Szmitkowski
Kata-RX For wellness 
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