This Thursday, April 10th, 2014 marks the eleven year anniversary since Sensei Paul Recchia was taken from us. Please join me in performing either Sanchin, my Shibumi Kata or other karate-do kata at sunset on this date in memory of Sensei Paul and all whom we have lost. The following Hatsu Bon Poem, together with the above training, are offered to his spirit.
May Sensei’s spirit find our training and poem worthy.
Sensei Paul, age 60
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, you are not forgotten, Sensei.
Sensei John Szmitkowski
Sensei John is now on Facebook, under – FLY FISHING DOJO, you are invited to send a Facebook friend request.
You may wish to view my other blogs – the Goshin-Do Karate blog at http://defeliceryu.com and this one dedicated to the interrelationship between martial arts protocol & ideology to fishing http://flyfishingdojo.com
Kata-RX For wellness 
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