Rik Ellis Passes Away

Posted 2015-01-02 10:37:48 by Jun Akiyama
News URL: http://rik-ellis.blogspot.com

I just got word that Rik Ellis passed away on December 16, 2014 at the age of 41. Rik was the son of Henry Ellis (6th dan, International Birankai) and was a professional MMA fighter as well as a student of aikido for many years. Below is an article by Rik on his thoughts about aikido and MMA.

My condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.

More info at: http://rik-ellis.blogspot.com.

Read article here: http://m.blitzmag.net/training/aikido/356-aikido-vs-mma

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What shocking news.

My heart goes out to Henry and his family; my condolences old friend although words are never enough at such a time.

Henry, I was shocked to read of your son's passing. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.

Condolences to the Ellis family.

Ellis Sensei,

I am terribly sorry to hear of Rik's passing. He was a warrior; a warrior with the qualities of a true gentleman as well. You and your family have my deepest sympathy.

Michael

Compassion and condolences ...

Hello Henry,

Please accept my sympathy and condolences.

I never knew your son, but all I have heard about him was very good.

Best wishes,

Peter Goldsbury

Hello Henry,

Ron and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept our condolences.

Ron Ragusa and Mary Eastland
Berkshire Hills Aikido

My condolences, Henry, to you and your family. Whenever you mentioned Rik in your posts it was obvious how proud you were of him.

Dan Rubin

Oh no! Henry, I'm truly sorry for your loss.

My sincere condolences to the Ellis family for their loss.

Dear Henry,
Henry, when I read the announcement of Rik;s passing to say the least I was shocked.I just cannot believe this has happened to your dear son.As you know it was only a two weeks ago since you ,Rik and I had a chat on the phone.We had a good talk as you know.
Henry, my heart goes out to you and the rest of the family.I cannot express to you the deep sadness that I am feeling as I write this message.Along with others on this forum both Jenny and I send you our condolences .Words cannot fully express my feelings .We share your pain and grief.
your friend, Joe.

I would Like to thank everyone for their kind word, especially Phillip Smith and saumanmekian my old freind Joe -
I find it hard to type through my tears where I cannot see my next word - I always thought I was an hard man- a warrior - I am no more than a shell of the man I was, I am destroyed and I am no longer the man I was - nor do I care. I am no more - Thank you all for your words of comfort.
I find it difficult to see the next word. - I am no more.

Henry Ellis
Co- author of ` Positive Aikido `
http: //rik-ellis.blogspot.com/

My condolences to Mr. Ellis and family.

Thank you, Henry for writing. Across the ocean, please know that we hear you.

Henry Sensei, let me join the others in sending my condolences to you and your family. I know the pain is deep right now, but let me ask you to think of the advice that you would surely give another at a time like this. Be strong, immerse yourself in your family and friends, cherish fond memories, and let time work its magic. Wishing you peace and calm spirit.

Henry Ellis wrote: I would Like to thank everyone for their kind word, especially Phillip Smith and saumanmekian my old freind Joe - I find it hard to type through my tears where I cannot see my next word - I always thought I was an hard man- a warrior - I am no more than a shell of the man I was, I am destroyed and I am no longer the man I was - nor do I care. I am no more - Thank you all for your words of comfort. I find it difficult to see the next word. - I am no more. Henry Ellis Co- author of ` Positive Aikido ` http: //rik-ellis.blogspot.com/

Henry.....my heart goes out to you in this dark time....breathe, and put one foot in front of the other, even when there seems no earthly reason to...a little at a time, there will be moments of respite, moments when these dark clouds lift for a bit, and in those moments, somehow despite the pain, you will be grateful for the day-to-day routines of life you have held on to the best you can.

Thoughts and prayers....

My thoughts and prayers go out to you Sensei Ellis. Hopefully i will see you personally soon to express them in person.

Regards

Mark

Henry Ellis wrote: I would Like to thank everyone for their kind word, especially Phillip Smith and saumanmekian my old freind Joe - I find it hard to type through my tears where I cannot see my next word - I always thought I was an hard man- a warrior - I am no more than a shell of the man I was, I am destroyed and I am no longer the man I was - nor do I care. I am no more - Thank you all for your words of comfort. I find it difficult to see the next word. - I am no more. Henry Ellis Co- author of ` Positive Aikido ` http: //rik-ellis.blogspot.com/

Dear Henry,
We have known each other a number of years. As a early pioneer of Aikido in the U.K. i am aware of the pain and sacrifices made by you and othersduring thse early years.It is my belief that a warrior encounters pain, hardship , setbacks and challenges on the mat and in life.The passing of your dear son Rik I am sure is a truly a terrible heavy burden to bear.Nevertheless I am sure that while the pain, sadness or you and the family is overwhelming ,you. knowing you like I do , however long , hard and painful the road may be, you will in due course find peace I consider you to be a true warrior , one who is perhaps perceived as being a tough guy , but in fact you are a gentleman and have of good heart. Rik may well have passed away , but I am sure you and the family will treasure the memories and continue to keep him in your hearts.Your friend Joe.

As a father my heart aches for the loss of your son.

dps

Dear Henry,

I just clicked on the Home Page of Aiki Web and was shocked at the sad news. Please consider the heartfelt wishes and sympathy of your friends to help get you through this sad time. While unbelievably heartbreaking for you, you must continue because so many care about you.

I remember your kindness on Aiki Web and add my thanks to you and my sympathy and wishes that the memories build to sustain you and your family. I'm not too good with words but they are heartfelt.

Take care, good friend, and keep in touch with us all

Dear Henry,
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

I am so sorry to hear about your son's passing, Ellis Sensei! Much love and sympathy from my family to yours. I am grateful for what little I was able to see of his example, even if it was from over the internet, it shines.
Sincerely,
Matthew Gano

Hi Everyone

Firstly, I would like to apologise for the delay in answering all the kind messages I have received on this forum, I have found it very difficult to respond as the pain of the loss of my son is still very raw.

Tomorrow the 10th of March would have been Rik's birthday, that will be a tough one :-(

On a positive note, Rik's son Jay, who like his father started Aikido at the age of 5 yrs - Jay fought his third professional MMA fight at ` Fusion 15 ` on Saturday March 7th - winning by a KO in the first round - this is his third consecutive win as a 20 yr old professional - all three by first round KO - just like his father :-) Rik would have been so proud Jay.
Jay has been voted the most promising UK youngster to make it to the UFC.

Thank you once again for your kind words and thoughts.

Henry Ellis
Co-author of ` Positive Aikido `
http: //rik-ellis.blogspot.com/
http://britishaikido.blogspot.com/