A Gentle Warrior Is Called Home

Farewell, Sensei

I once read how it is scientifically proven that if you place your heart against that of someone you love, your heart will eventually start beating at the same rate as theirs.
On January 14, 2014, God placed His heart next to Babis Polychronopoulos’ heart and they began to beat as one. Angels sang and acoustic and electric guitars played - all to a harmony of love and compassion. God played His best symphony, calling one of His sons back home.

The pace of Babis’ life followed the same swift pattern he mastered in karate. As a warrior inside the dojo, he became a great teacher, a “sensei” to hundreds. He trained his body to defend itself quickly and swiftly and without panic and eventually was honored with one of the highest titles in karate, that of kyoshi sensei. In May 2011, he received the rank of 8th degree black belt, bestowed upon him by his own sensei of many years, world-renowned Master Tadashi Yamashita.

For Kyoshi Polychronopoulos, karate was never a sport. The dojo where he trained and taught was not just a place to train the body, but a place to also train the mind. The training did not end when the physical practice was over or when the opponent was overcome. For sensei, the dojo extended itself outside the four walls - it became a way of life. It was the “do” in “Budo” that captivated him for over 40 years in the martial arts, and it was this journey that helped him create “a life uncommon.” This passion he had for life, was what characterized him in the martial arts and in life in general.

His personal faith in God, his determination, and hard work transformed him into a loyal and dedicated student, a loving husband and father, an inspirational speaker and a trustworthy friend.

In the spring of 2011, Babis heart was attacked by a common virus that sat on his heart muscle, which, in time, became fatal. For two and half years this tender warrior gave his last battle for life. Kalli, his wife of 28 years, attests that it was his faith and trust in Christ which gave him comfort and peace up until that afternoon when his heart stopped beating and he swiftly left this world.

Babis', earthly life has now come to completion, and the legacy he left will remain etched in the hearts of his family, his students and his friends forever.

(In memory of my uncle and teacher, who believed in me before I believed in myself. Nadia Abou)