akido and bjj

**Gorgeous George** · Posted On: 10/27/2011 7:15pm

Originally Posted by Rock Ape

Not sure where you're based but have you heard of Rik Ellis or trained with him? Hes a pro MMA fighter and a black belt in Aikido, he does very well in the cage.

Hi,

i'm based in England. I've heard of Rik Ellis, yeah: I post on Aikiweb, and heard of him through his father, who also posts on there.

I wasn't aware of his rank in aikido, however, or his success in MMA; i'll give that website a read.
Thanks.

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 10/27/2011 7:19pm

No Probs.

His dad is a very good friend of mine and one I hold in very high regard. He is one of the first Englishmen to hold certificates signed by Ueshiba Morihei.

**Tom .C** · Posted On: 10/28/2011 4:46pm

Originally Posted by Gorgeous George

I train them both, and see them as perfect accompaniments: I apply the same principles in BJJ as in aikido, and the sparring in BJJ has certainly helped me to develop a stronger centre, and hips.

What style of Aikido training are you associated with?

**Gorgeous George** · Posted On: 10/28/2011 4:54pm

Originally Posted by Rock Ape

No Probs.

His dad is a very good friend of mine and one I hold in very high regard. He is one of the first Englishmen to hold certificates signed by Ueshiba Morihei.

I remember reading some of his 'site, a while back; and i've read many of the stories he has about the various Japanese aikidoka who he trained with. Interesting stuff.

I believe he was awarded a sixth dan when the Doshu came over, last year, too?

**Gorgeous George** · Posted On: 10/28/2011 4:58pm

Originally Posted by Tom .C

What style of Aikido training are you associated with?

I am a member of the BAF - England's principle Aikikai affiliate.
The dojos I train at are strongly influenced by Takeshi Yamashima, and Seishiro Endo.

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 10/31/2011 12:21pm

Originally Posted by Gorgeous George

I remember reading some of his 'site, a while back; and i've read many of the stories he has about the various Japanese aikidoka who he trained with. Interesting stuff.

I believe he was awarded a sixth dan when the Doshu came over, last year, too?

Henry has been promoted both to Rokudan and Shihan via the Aikikai however, if my memory is correct these promotions we'rent directly connected to the Doshu's visit. I do recall Chiba Kazuo Sensei being involved in promotional process and presenting Henry and Derek Eastman their certification at the "Hut" dojo where, British Aikido was very much fostered when it arrived in 1955.

**Rock Ape** · Posted On: 10/31/2011 12:23pm

Originally Posted by Gorgeous George

I am a member of the BAF - England's principle Aikikai affiliate.
The dojos I train at are strongly influenced by Takeshi Yamashima, and Seishiro Endo.

I've spent a number of hours at the Chester summer school :-)