Sanders

In Memory, Paul Sanders -

inayan school of eskrima

On April 24th, 2005 our world became much darker with the passing of Mr. Paul Sanders. He was a loving husband, Father of two, Law Enforcement Officer, talented Martial Artist and inspirational role model for many.

Paul started his training in the arts at the Inayan School of Eskrima in Knoxville, TN in 1995 after moving from California to Tennessee. Paul excelled in his training and soon became a cornerstone and leader at the ISE. After ten years of training Paul was due to be promoted once again in just three weeks and will in turn be posthumously awarded the rank of Assistant Instructor (Katalungan Guro) in the near future by his teacher Tagaturo Klement.

Paul will continue to be an inspiration to many and will never be forgotten by his brothers and sisters of the ISE. We hope you have found the peace you needed. It is with obvious selfishness we wish you would have stayed a little longer. Rest in peace Paul, you will be greatly missed...

The fear of death follows from the fear of life.

A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time. -- Mark Twain

Memories . . .

My Friend, Cousin and Student is gone from this place. My hands are tied and there is nothing I can do. Nothing at all. If only I could go back in time - maybe, just maybe things could have been changed. I will truly miss our workouts and conversations, our laughs and inside humor. You have given me a thousand beautiful memories of which none I deserve. You were the guiding light of the school and a true source of inspiration for all. A big part of me went with you my friend. Until next time...

Tagaturo Klement

Steve,

Please accept my deepest sympathies and condolences to you and forward these thoughts to the family. While I didn’t know Paul very well, the time I did meet him in Wisconsin, I thought he was a fine man and I know that you cared deeply for him since you and he were young.

My thoughts are with you all.

--Jeff

Steve,

Give my regards to everyone out there. I will be at the Convention this week so I won't be able to come out. I look forward to seeing everyone at the camp.

Be strong and safe.

Masirib Hanosh

I cannot describe my feelings at the moment. No words of wisdom come forth. I am stricken with grief for the loss of a close friend, an inspirational senior and a brother law enforcement officer. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

Paul Sanders was a warrior and will always be remembered as such. His true potential was still as yet untapped and he was loved and respected by all who knew him.

Mabuhay ang Inayan Eskrima!

Randall S. Crisp

Dear Masirib Klement,

Tom, the Appleton students and I are so sad to hear this news. Even though Tom and I cannot attend the memorial class tonight in TN, we will be there in spirit.

Please let the TN students know Tom and I are there in spirit. I know Paul is resting in peace... because he was a great person.

May God be with Paul and his family,

Keith Schuch

I just wanted to extend my most sincere condolences to Mr. Sander's family and other loved ones for their loss.

Gumagalang

Federico Malibago

All of us at AIA in Paris will hold him in our thoughts and include him in our classes for the week. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his close family and those that were his close Eskrima brothers and sisters. Although our time together was short, I learned to respect Paul as a student in the arts and even more so as a good man. He was always (and will continue to be) a big part of my time at the ISE. He will be missed by me greatly.

Until we meet again Paul, R.I.P.

Masirib Hart

My deepest condolences go out to Paul's family and extended Eskrima family. Paul was a kind and generous man who embodied what it meant to be an Inayan Eskrimador, and was always willing to share his knowledge as such.

I had the highest respect for him both as a martial artist and a person. He will be greatly missed. We will keep his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. We, too, will dedicate this evening's workout to honor him.

Tom Skoglind

Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Paul was my Cousin, friend and one of my Eskrima Brothers. I cannot at this time - and maybe ever - express how I feel. I think what bothers me the most right now is the realization of how much pain he must have been in.... I don't know what else to say... R.I.P.

Guro M. Klement

Dear Masirib Klement,

I have the deepest sympathy for you at these moments. Paul is an unfathomable loss. He has the love of so many. I can't make sense of what has happened, but I can't stop thinking about what all his time with us teaches us. His presence taught me about family and gave me a glimpse of how to be a Lion among men.

For you Sir, Mr. Sanders means so much. You both love and understand him and who he is. That has got to make it so tough. The Cherokee used to say that "kin" were those you loved, not just blood relatives. To them love and understanding were the same thing. You couldn't love something you didn't understand. He leaves such a void. Paul touched all who knew him because he brought out the best in everyone.

We all have so many great memories and lessons Paul gave us. He is remembered.

Tonight I will enjoy your presence in remembering our brother. Love and blessings.

Mabuhay ang Inayan Eskrima,

Paul Fortsch

Steve,

I am truly sorry to hear of your loss. I found out the day before you sent this and I was in complete shock. I just spoke with Paul a couple of weeks ago and ran into him fairly frequently at work. He was always such a great guy and I'm having trouble understanding this whole thing. Tamara, the kids, and your whole family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope that everyone is coping well with being faced with such a difficult situation.

Thinking of you,

Joan Lamontagne

------

We will have to find out the cause of sorrow and the way to escape from it. The desire for sensual enjoyment and clinging to earthly life is the cause of sorrow. If we can eradicate desire, all sorrows and pains will come to an end. --Buddha

Masirib,

I extend my condolences to all of Mr. Sanders family and also an offer to be of assistance to his departed loved ones. To Mr. Sanders' Inayan family I also offer to be here for them whenever anyone needs to talk or share.

The highest honor paid to me since I began the path of Inayan Eskrima were the words spoken only a couple of weeks ago by Mr. Paul Sanders to Mr. James Earles and passed to me prior to training with Mr. Earles. Mr. Sanders said that I was his brother and more. These words are so high in honor, and I treasure them in such deep humbleness. Travel the new trail well, my brother; I know that you walk it without fear.

This work given me after my father passed seems very appropriate to share again now:

"Do not stand there at my grave and weep;

I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand there at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die."

-Gwydion

Sincerely, Humbly, Respectfully,

Bill

Dear Masirib Klement, Instructors and Members of ISI,

It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Paul Sanders. I had the privilege of meeting Paul on several different occassions, not only was Paul an outstanding Inayan Eskrimador but he was one of those people that you like as soon as you meet them. We shared training and laughs...and those will be the memories that I cherish of him. To Pauls Family - thank you for sharing him with us all...he was and still is truly a bright light...

With my deepest Condolences and Respect,

Jon Ward

Paul Sanders was a brother to me and many other family, students, law enforcement officers and friends. He inspired many people to become more than they were. That was his gift to us, and let us not forget that. Let us hold onto to that with ferocity.

There was a time that some of us were lost and wandering. Paul brought us home and told us that we did indeed have a family. There was a time when many of us were unsure. Paul came to us and said, I have been here before, forge ahead little brother. Let us remember the face of our brother.

There was a time when we all said, Paul I don't get it or I can't do it. Paul showed us what he went through to achieve. There was a time when we felt the overwhelming pressure to become better warriors and humans. Paul was there to guide us down our own paths. Let us remember the works of our brother.

There was a time when we didn't feel well or we didn't have that extra push. Paul was there with his light-hearted soul. There was a time when our moods were foul or our minds were full or worries. Paul was there with a brother's gesture and a kind word. Let us remember the energy of our brother.

For those of you that didn't know Paul well, cry for those that have lost him. For the ones that did know Paul, cry for the people who never did. If I had to describe Paul to someone who had never had the fortune of being in his presence it is this: A Pit Bull of pure sun light.

We all lost a brother, friend and guide; but if we keep him in our minds then he will always be with us.

Paul, we miss you.

Patrick N. Christian

Mr. Klement, please accept my words of sorrow...

Our hearts beat behind a badge, a badge of honor, courage and duty. We have lost one of our brothers that exemplified what that truly means. My heart now beats with a saddened sorrow for that loss, that loss of a true friend, a teacher in so many ways, a compassionate caring person that brought so many smiles and all out laughter to me. Paul J. Sanders mirrored our favorite Football Team's motto in many ways "Commitment to Excellence". Paul had a Warriors mentality, and he strived to make perfect everything he did. He is and will be missed so much. I cannot see his smile anymore and his physical body is not with me, but he is with us in every step we take.

My sincere condolences to his Family and to his Eskrima Family.

St.Mary's Security Dept.

Michael L. Reed

----

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (mat5:9)

Paul was a great person and I loved him as a friend and Eskrimador. I, as everyone else, wish a different ending to the story of Paul Sanders but it’s not the ending that should be focused on but the story.

Paul, from the first time I walked into Fierce Tiger in Knoxville was someone to be noticed as a great person and a great martial artist. I would always watch Mr. Sanders during class and try my best to be paired with him for a brief training. He was a hard working person outside of class and in class and that was a very respectable thing to me. He always called me brother which to me was a great accomplishment in itself that I had reached a level of trust with such a person that I looked up to in the art.

I will miss you Paul…..

Garry Phillips

Hi Steve,

It's me Kendra. I guess I will see all you guys tonight, although I wish it was under different circumstances!!!! I am so sad, my mouth hit the floor when mom received Mike's phone call and explained to me what had happened. I want to offer everyone my deepest sympathies. Paul was always one of my favorite people and I will miss him.

Sincerely,

Kendra

Hello Masirib Klement,

I'm a student of Masirib Hart at Paris. I want to express all my condolences to you and Sander's family. I haven't the honour to know Paul, but I'm sure he was a great, honourable and very precious man.

All my respect for a big martial artist, rest in peace Paul.

Xong Vysavat

I remember one of the first times that I worked out with Paul. Masiribs Hart and Klement were teaching a seminar at the Alcoa school. I was fortunate enough to work out with Paul that day. I was telling Masirib Klement that afternoon that I worked out with the man that had a real intense look on his face. I could even feel his energy. This is one of the first memories I have of Paul.

The world is a lesser place without Paul. I am pleased to have met and spent some time with him. He will always be in my thoughts and memories.

Imagene

My heart goes out to all who knew Paul and loved him. He was truly a great friend to all he knew. It is always sad when someone so young dies from anything. This was truly a shock to us all. Paul would always speak to you no matter who you were or where you saw him at. I truly hate that he is gone, but he will forever be in our hearts. I will keep everyone in my prayers as I know this is a very sad time in their lives. I will always remember how great Paul was as a friend and co-worker. May God bless each and everyone who is saddened by this tragedy.

Beverly Armstrong

Hello Masirib Klement,

I'm a student of Masirib Hart at Paris. I want to express all my condolences to you and Sander's family.

I never don't meet Paul, but I'm sure he was a great and honourable man.

All my respect, rest in peace Paul.

Christian Kerbellec

Dear Masirib Klement, Dear TN Inayan Eskrimadors

Please, accept my deepest condolences for the passing of your cousin/brother Paul Sanders.

I met Paul on two occasions: first at the Lenoir city school and then at the Appleton camp. I liked his easy going and friendly attitude and always found him to be a deadly serious Inayan guy.

Having meet him only a short time, I can though feel how sad you can be having lost such a person as Paul. I think he was one of the pillars of the TN school and the ISI, and that he took this role with honor.

Please forward my sympathies and condolences to his family.

Regards

Stéphane Fernandez, Paris, France

Dear Masirib Klement,

I am very sad to hear this news. I have had the honor of meeting Mr. Sanders only once during my first trip to Knoxville. I can see Mr. Sanders had a great influence in Inayan Eskrima. He was truly loved and respected by everyone. I will keep Mr. Sanders in my thoughts and prayers. R.I.P.

Sincerely,

Vince Grindle

My sincerest sympathies to you and the Sanders family for this untimely loss.

I remember Paul being very passionate about the art and willing to spend time with others to learn and understand. I met him only once, but he left a lasting impression on me.

Not gone...not forgotten...but living on in the lives he touched.

Chris McWethy

How can anyone say anything that has not been said about our brother? Paul Sanders was a caring, brave, and honorable man. In short, Paul was a true warrior and friend. Paul always lived in the moment and was so charismatic with no ego. I have never known of anyone to meet Paul that did not like him. This is a brief description of Paul as a person, but mear words can only tell you what type of man he was. Paul was so unique, not only was he a good man, but also a wonderful experience. He touched many lives, some of whom never had the pleasure of meeting him directly. I can only tell you about my friend, my brother. To truly appreciate the gifts he had, I can only say, you would have had to met him.

During this time we mourn such a great loss to this place, but we also must begin to heal ourselves. More importantly we must remember our brother and how he touched each of us and the impact he had in our lives. This will truly honor Paul and his memory as we keep him here in our hearts. Paul will be missed but not forgotten.

I will miss you Paul. Until next time my brother. RIP.

Katalungan Guro Brad Hill

To the family that Paul held so dear in his heart. Though I don't know many of your faces, I feel as though I know each of you. Paul spoke of you everyday with a smile on his face and in his heart. He made it easy to love him. He made it easy to to be happy. Although we were not all of a blood relation, he called us his family, and truly meant it. I'm deeply sorry for your lose.

To my best friend,

It's hard for me to sit here and write down all the things that I want to say to you. How do I begin to say goodbye to you. If you only knew what you meant to me. You filled a hole in my heart that I didn't even know was there. You were the first person to make me smile in a long time. You made it ok to to be me. You changed my life and I didn't even know it until you were gone. I will forever cherish the moment that we shared, and never forget the time God let me spend with you. I wish that I had told you all of this, but I think that you already know. "Thank You". I will miss you for the rest of my life. Until I can see you again...

"Friendships begun in this world can be taken up again in heaven, never to be broken."

--Frances de Sales

Sam

Dear Masirib Klement,

I would like to express my condolences from Paris and let you know that even I did not know Paul, I'm deeply touched by his death.

Please send all my respect to his family and his friends. RIP Paul...

Mabuhay Ang Inayan Eskrima

Olivier Nguyen- Paris, France

It is with great sorrow in my heart that today i was able to retrieve my email and learn of Pauls passing. He was a great inspiration to me and great teacher, it was often over the past year with all my medical problems that our paths would cross. I regret that I was unable to attend Paul’s services. It is just so hard to believe.

Together,

Wayne Peace

Dear Steve,

I just heard last night of Paul’s passing. Paul was a MAN's Man. He was a friend - not just part-time - he was your friend always. He was an awesome father. I don't know of a person who cared for his kids more than Paul. He was a mentor never looking down on those who did not have as much knowledge as him. He simply give them what he had. He was a great guy. I am sorry for your loss. I know that he loved and respected you and the eskrima family. I am a better person because of Paul Sanders. I will truly miss him. May God comfort and bless your family in this time.

Fred Mathews

Steve,

You may or may not remember me… I had worked for a company called Hy-Tech in Knoxville and met you while you were working for a company that sold mostly Apple PCs (this was back in ’99-2000). I had met a couple of students (the only name I can come up with is Mike, I think) at ITT Tech who were taking classes at your school. I was intrigued and took a few classes and thoroughly enjoyed them… then Hy-Tech sent me out to Colorado Springs, Colorado. After that, I had lost contact with everyone back in the Knoxville area.

Nevertheless, I could not believe my eyes when I found out that Paul Sanders had passed away back on April 24th of this year. I remember him when I had taken the classes at your school. He was always willing to take the extra time to do a quick one-on-one session to help reinforce the lessons you had taught earlier in the day. He even picked me up at an auto repair place and dropped me off at my house when my car had broken down and wouldn’t be ready that day… even though I had only been going to the school a couple of weeks, at best. He was a dedicated individual in his training at your school, to friends (old and new) and to his family. Although I had only known him a short time, I do feel privileged to have crossed paths with such a dynamic individual. He will be missed… Sincerely,

John Alabaugh

Keep Me In Your Heart - Warren Zevon

Shadows are falling and I'm running out of breath