Rik Ellis. Aikido / MMA.- Rik a professional MMA/ Cage fighter - UK1 L/heavy weight champion 2012 Trained with Sol Rajah `Prize Fighters Team at Nick`headhunter` Chapman - Fight Science Gym - Aldershot .Richard Ellis a student of Aikido with his father Henry Ellis of the ``Ellis Schools of Traditional Aikido``. Rik is the son of Henry Ellis Shihan 6th dan AikiKai Hombu...Aikido Bracknell and Basingstoke Dojos - Visit -> Dojos <
Henry Ellis the last survivor of the original first group of five Aikido pioneering students and dan grades of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from the 1950s.
Ellis Sensei tells many stories starting from the origins of the legendary Hut Dojo. Memories from his 70 years of travelling and spreading the word of Aikido and Budo.
The stories bring to life many of the people from those incredible times, the stories vary from serious to the hilarious .
Ellis Sensei has spent his final years documenting in several Amazon books the history of British Aikido, Including The life of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei -
Henry Ellis a student of K Williams - K Abbe - T Abe - M Nakazono - M Noro - K Chiba - N Tamura - M Harada - T Otani.
This is a short, easy to read book. It's interesting reading about Henry Ellis & his path through budo. I was originally just going to put it on a shelf with the rest of my collection but I decided to read the first page & couldn't put it down. I wasn't expecting it to keep my attention the way it did but I'm glad I ordered i
The Amazon books ` Kenshiro Abbe Sensei ` - `British Aikido History` - The Founding of Jujitsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` The books are written by Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman two of the last of the surviving direct students of Kenshiro Abbe from the 1950s. - Co-author Abdul Rashid.
If you are interested in the factual history of British Traditional Aikido as documented by a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei from 1955. Please visit the British Aikido History site, take a look at the Amazon book " British Aikido History " a great book with many photos of past and present teachers both British and Japanese.
Read the recently resurfaced Mutsuro Nakazono letter from 1966. This letter was received by Ken Williams Sensei at a time of great upheaval in British Traditional Aikido, and the break up of the `British Aikido Council` BAC . This was just months before the arrival of TK Chiba Sensei.
"It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit " Noel Coward
Click Book Image for Amazon. Book price £6 - 64p.
This book acknowledges the many British Aikidoka and Japanese Budoka that Ellis and Eastman met along their journey to promote the little known martial art of Aikido. from a time when the Hut Dojo was the only Aikido dojo in the UK - There now have a dojo in almost every town and city.
Rik `the hammer` Ellis Sensei made UK Aikido History
by being the first Aikido dan grade to fight successfully in the MMA Cage. 2012 - Rik became the UK1 British Light Heavyweight Champion beating a 6th dan TaiKwonDo MMA fighter in 46 seconds of the first round. Rik was unbeaten and won all of his fights in the first round.
Read Rik's story in the book `` British Aikido History`.
Click image to enlarge or click image in R/H column to go straight to the Amazon book page for [LookInside] a free preview. The book " British AikidoHistory " this is the story of the last of the original pioneers still involved in the promotion of the true history for future generations. There are many old photos from the 1950s/60s. There are acknowledgments to those that have helped to protect and preserve our origins from the era of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1955.The book is 311 pages of stories - interviews -anecdotes - history - and much more - Please visit the free preview to see what this book has to offer. Over the years I have been asked many times `what was it like to study directly under Kenshiro Abbe Sensei?`, this book will give the reader a taste of that era, a time when Aikido was a martial art and the people who trained were martial artists in the truest sense of the term. Sadly, so many of the Japanese and British early pioneers of Aikido are no longer with us, we will remember as we pay our respects to them, may they rest in peace. The book was published by Amazon on the 7th of March 2021 - Cost B/W £6-35p or colour version £27-00.
Tuesday 12 September 2023
New Amazon Book now Available. Cardback £12-95p
KENSHIRO ABBE SENSEI 1915 - 1985 - The Forgotten Budoka
Amazon page Click Image.
Published by Amazon 20th - May - 2021 Compiled by the Martial Arts researcher Abdul Rashid.
This new book is a thoroughly researched and detailed, documented history, including a personal interview with Henry Ellis one of the last surviving direct students of Abbe Sensei from the 1950s.
A new book published by Amazon Books -. This book is an in-depth look at the life and times of this legendry man of Budo, from his childhood to his time as a captain and Brigade Commander in the Imperial Japanese Army during WW2 - his time at the Busen - Butokukwai - His competition successes in front of the Japanese Emperor, his defeat of the great Judoka Kimura also his time in the UK and Europe. This will complete our `library` of British Martial Arts history as associated to the influence of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei 8th dan Judo - 6th dan Kendo - 6th dan Aikido - 6th dan Ju-Kendo.
The following Amazon Book titles may be of interest to the student and teachers who value the true origins of British Martial Arts. " The Founding of Ju-Jitsu - Judo - Aikido in the United Kingdom " --- " British Aikido History " --- " Kenshiro Abbe Sensei the Forgotten Budoka " --- " Positive Aikido " by Dave Rogers --- " The Life - Giving Sword " the life of K Chiba by Leise Klein.
Founding of JuJutsu-Judo-Aikido in the United Kingdom`
There are many books on Martial Arts - it is our intention to offer a selection of only the best researched books available.- Abdul Rashid the martial arts researcher has worked tirelessly to research the very origins of the evolution of martial arts in Britain from the 18th century prior to the arrival of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei in 1955 and the everlasting influence left by Abbe Sensei [1915 - 1985 ].
There are sadly now just a very small group of direct students surviving to this day. Abdul Rashid has been fortunate to have the opportunity to work with two genuine pioneers from the incredible Kenshiro Abbe Era, Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman were students of Judo in the 1950s and shortly after they became a part of the very first group of Aikido dan grades in the UK.
There are two books available a black and white copy for £6-95p or the enhanced coloured copy at £29-00.
Sunday 10 September 2023
Important new book released by Amazon. Cardback £8-90p.
Past history is an important part of present day life, much of todays lessons of life are learned from the lessons of past events of history.
In the past, and the life we lead today, the facts of history can be lost in time as the people that were an indelible part of any historic events become fewer and fewer, such is the case of the British Budo Controversies .
With the demise of the central figures to our budo history, such as Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - Tadashi Abe Sensei - Mutsutaro Otani Sensei - Mutsuro Nakazono, Kazuo Chiba Sensei . We must not forget the many English Budoka that were a part of the early development of British Budo, there are too many to mention here, I must add two of my greatest friends the late Bill Woods Sensei RIP - Gerry Gyngell Sensei RIP. they both worked in the BJC London office with Abbe Sensei, they were a great source for information of those wonderful early days.
As these legendary figures have now passed into history, there are the unscrupulous and shameless characters that will write their own versions of their associations and ``friendships `` with the past Budo masters, their imagination would be more fitting in a sequel of `Harry Potter`.
This book documents two of the most shameless attempts to corrupt our proud heritage and lineage, it also sadly exposes individuals and organisations that to this day offer their full support of many more fraudulent claims . All fraudulent grades and titles are never questioned.
Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman are two of the last few survivors of the Kenshiro Abbe era from the 1950s, with the support of their co-author Abdul Rashid they intend to leave a documented history in all their books of an amazing and historic time of which they were proud to be direct students of Kenshiro Abbe and so many other legendary Budoka from that early era.
Quote; " If you tell the truth - You don't need to remember anything." - Mark Twain.
Rik Ellis the son of Henry Ellis Shihan - Aikikai Hombu, a student of Aikido from the
age of five years. Rik continues to enjoy his Aikido as taught to him by his father a
direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Rik follows his fathers teaching that,
whilst Aikido can be practised in harmony in the dojo - it is totally unsuitable
for application in `the street`in a time of need. Teachers should teach students
how to adapt their Aikido to meet any, and all hostile situations - The problem
is - many teachers are unable to adapt. Rik believes in `Positive Aikido` - If
threatened - take a positive approach - deflect your opponents attack - enter -
finish. no time to talk of aiki love and floating around the universe - no time
to breath through your toes or slap your attacker with a coloured ribbon. - This
would be a good time to test your `no touch` throws, or perhaps try a `Ki Blast`
( reality check ) - Good luck. Rik Ellis Visit the "Aikido in MMA " Blog
-> Visit the " Aikido in MMA " Blog July 21st - UK1 MMA Fight Night - Fight Science Arena - Aldershot UK Rik Ellis - Aikido MMA - wins the Light Heavy weight title in 46 seconds of the first round. UK1 MMA - Fight Science Arena - Aldershot - Hampshire UK - 21st - July - 2012 - Rik Ellis wins in 46 sec 1st Round.
Rik Ellis with his father Henry Ellis being presented with the UK1 MMA title belt by Grant Waterman.
The Fight in Brief
Rik `hammer`Ellis - vs - Kriston `hulk` Buxey Kriston Buxey really brought it on with a great opening shot that spurred Rik in to action in a fight he was just as determined to win as was Buxey. After the opening shot from Buxey Rik allowed his 18 pounds heavier opponent to push him back into the cage wall where Rik made a very effective tight `Tenkan` turn off the cage wall taking his opponent down into a punishing `ground n pound` finishing with a rear naked choke in the 46th second of the first round. The 46 second win should not undermine what was a battle from the bell to the end. Rik Ellis Aikido - MMA wins in 46 seconds of the first round. Professional photos and video to be added as soon as available Rik `hammer` Ellis fought Kriston`hulk`Buxey for the UK1 MMA light heavyweight title and championship belt. Rik won with a RNC in a hard fought 46 seconds.
Jay Dods Ellis unbeaten in 5 straight MMA fights. 18 yr old Jay Dods Ellis made it 5 straight wins as a semi-pro MMA fighter by beating 30yr old Polish fighter Pavel Famel in 56 seconds of the first round to take the UK1 MMA Light weight semi-pro title with a KO. It was a great night for Henry Ellis as he watched his son and grandson demonstrate the Ellis family fighting spirit.
Saturday 21 May 2022
Scroll down past the books and video information for the blog content as titled.
CLICK The above YouTube video heading the live link will take you to the video of the history of the arrival of the martial arts to the UK from the late 18th century - The video is narrated by Abdul Rashid with many photos and much factual in-depth research. This video is based on the now popular and highly credited book of the same name. The UK visiting Japanese masters from pre - WW1 and post WW2 were - Yukio Tani - Kaneo Tani - Seizo Yamamoto - Taro Miyake - Sadakazu Oyenishi - Akhitaro Ono - Gunji Koizumi - Matsutaro Otani - Kenshiro Abbe - Mutsuro Nakazono - Kazuo Chiba.
Sunday 1 May 2022
"Its discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit" ~ Noel Coward
Martial Arts Books by Abdul Rashid & Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman
Click on Image to Enlarge
The books authors respectfully acknowledge the many `genuine` Budoka involved in the UK origins of Aikido and other inclusive Martial Arts.
L to R: `British Aikido Board Controversy` - `Kenshiro Abbe Bio` - The Founding of JuJutsu - Judo - Aikido in the UK` - `Positive Aikido` - ` My Interviews with Henry Ellis ` - `British Aikido History`
The six books above are all factually honest books, documenting and protecting the legacy of UK Traditional Martial Arts from its UK origins. All the books are available on. Link> " Amazon Books ".
Thursday 10 March 2022
"It's discouraging to think how many people are shocked by honesty, and how few by deceit " Noel Coward
This book consists of a interview I conducted with Henry Ellis, a pioneer of Aikido in the UK since the 1950s. With over sixty years of experience in Aikido he shares his views on the above topic, warm-ups with Karate style kicks and punches, daily runs,full contact training, read about what he went through under the direction of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei and Ken Williams Sensei at the famous "Hut Dojo". You will have a different perception of Aikido after reading this book.
Henry Ellis - Derek Eastman are now sadly amongst the last of a very small group of surviving direct pioneer students of the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe.[1915 -1985]
Anecdotes, stories, historic events are vividly brought to life from the incredible 1950s/60s.
With the encouragement of Martial Arts researcher - author - Abdul Rashid - Ellis and Eastman were inspired to put their personal `documented true factual history recorded in to book form to memorialize all those involved in the early days, never to be lost or forgotten.
The books credit many other Judoka and Aikidoka that were
involved from the Abbe Era, honourable people who played a role in the early days when Aikido was a Martial Art, there were so many others that are remembered who later helped to promote and protect the legacy of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei.
The following titles are available from Amazon Martial Arts Books
" The Founding of Ju-Jutsu - Judo -Aikido in the UK " ------ " British Aikido History "
VISIT - ` AIKIDO STORIES ` Click > True Aikido Stories It Only Takes the Good Aikidoka to Stand Quietly By - For the Fraudulent Plastic Samurai to Succeed.
Rik Ellis recommends the book `Positive Aikido`
Aikido in MMA
A mystery - why is Ki Aikido only effective on other Ki students ? If there were `real` competition in Aikido, where a man puts his technique to the test, as there is in Judo and MMA, it would eliminate a lot of the bs dancers who have little or no true fighting spirit from hiding behind the protective cover of `Aikido is Love `. AIKIDO TECHNIQUES TRANSFERABLE / APPLICABLE in MMA Video Below
21st July 2012 - Rik `hammer`Ellis vs Kriston `hulk`Buxey - Rik won in 46th sec of the first round
Early evening - 16th December 2015 - The first anniversary of the passing of my beloved son` Richard -Rik - Ellis. Henry and friends light a series of ` Sky Lanterns ` in memory of `Rik` - Henry's thoughts were of all the people that loved Rik, and those that were dear to him. This was a truly beautiful and memorable sight to remember a loved one by, as the lanterns soared high in to the night sky, they appeared to join in harmony with the brightest of stars. 16th Decemeber 2016
The second anniversary
Please think of our son, brother and many beloved friends of Rik on this day of all days.
Rik, we miss you every single day, the pain of your loss never eases.
Rik Ellis
10th - 3rd - 1973 - - - 16th - December - 2014
Tuesday March 10th
Thinking of Rik on what would have been his birthday.
Scroll Down for Rik's Fight Video's & Articles.
" I will train and fight to fulfill my fathers dream that I will one day make it to the UFC. " I know my father will always be in my corner Jay `the prodigy ` Dods - Ellis Don Bayney Japanese Swords
" Learning is the gift, when pain is your teacher " - Rik Ellis
Left: 2011 Henry Ellis Aikikai Shihan and son Rik at the Hut Dojo before having lunch with TK Chiba Shihan.
Right: Rik Ellis - UK1 MMA Light Heavyweight Champion 2012
Memorable comment from Chiba Shihan during lunch " Most Dojo's ( martial arts clubs ) are now no more than social clubs, Aikido is now so watered down it is vaporized ". To read Rik Ellis's views on modern Aikido - Visit Aikido in MMA
21st-July-2102 - Rik `hammer` Ellis wins the UK1 MMA Light Heavyweight Title in 46 seconds of the first round against Kriston `hulk` Buxey.
Academy of Hard Knocks Rik Ellis was very proud of his association and voluntary work supporting underprivileged youngsters with the AHK ` The Academy of Hard Knocks ` Visit the AHK website - contact CEO Sam Rowe to support this great cause or to seek help. Rik would be smiling down on you if you could make a small donation to AHK - Thank you. Endorsed by Sir Gerald Howarth MP.
Rest in Peace My Beloved Son
A Tribute by Henry Ellis
Richard ` Rik` Ellis - R.I.P. - 10th 3rd 1973 - - 16th December 2014.
I am totally devastated and heartbroken to report the passing of my beloved son Richard on the 16th of December 2014. From childhood until his death Rik always said his father was his hero, I always replied that the roles were now reversed - he had become ` my hero ` he was a totally fearless ` gladiator `
`Rik's` many friends and supporters from around the world are constantly kept updated on Rik's good friend's facebook site - Nick ` headhunter` Chapmans MMA Fight Science Facebook page.
The pain I feel cannot be expressed in simple words alone - Rik was so deeply loved by his father Henry Ellis Shihan - sister Doctor Julie Anne Elphick and his son `Jay- The Prodigy ` Dods - Ellis We apologies for any delay in answering the large volume of calls - messages - it is so difficult to deal with the grief and the endless pain at this time. Tribute Read by David Wilson Jnr on behalf of his Uncle Henry.
A Tribute to Richard
my beloved friend and son
To all those that knew Richard, he was
known simply as `Rik`
Richard was an intelligent and
articulate young man, a man who would be most unhappy if we were to make sweet
flowery statements about him and his life. He would often say about
everything “ Just tell it as it is “
Rik read extensively on the origins
of life, he sincerely believed there was
a better after life, many of Rik’s friends had their cauliflower ears bent for
hours listening to his sincere beliefs in the next world.
~~~~~
To his father Henry, Rik was many things, `` The Good – The Bad – and The Handsome.
Rik would tell his father
each and every day that he loved him, in fact, his final words to his father
were ““Dad - I really do love you ! ””
To Henry, Rik was a `Gladiator
` - Henry recalled watching Rik win his first professional fight,
Henry entered
the cage to congratulate his son – Henry hugged Rik and said “ Son, this fight was like watching a ` Gladiatorial
Contest ` Henry doesn’t even know to
this day if Gladiatorial is a real word or not ? but it was a word he has used
so many times from that day on.
~~~~
As children, Richard and his sister
Julie who were aged respectively 4 and 5 - began their education at a
prestigious private school.
On the first day of school Henry instructed Richard to take good care of
his little sister Julie.
It wasn’t
long before Henry was called to a meeting before
the school principal.
Richard had
been playing on a small hill overlooking the school playing field - he looked down to see his sister Julie being
pushed back and forth by four young boys who were in the year above Richard.
At four years of age Richard did then
what he has always done to this day, he went down that hill like a steam train,
knocking all the bully boys over – the Principal spoke sternly of Richard’s
possible expulsion.
Henry asked Richard “ Son - Why did you attack all those boys ?
“ Richard simply replied “ Dad
– you told me to look after my little sister – so I did “.
Yet, there is one story Henry will
never forget - Richard would then have been in his late twenty’s
A lady came up to Henry
at a car boot sale at the Bracknell Judo Club.
The lady asked Henry directly “ are you Richard Ellis’s father ? “
Henry immediately thought “” OH – OH - WHAT NOW “”
The lady then told Henry that her son
Simon had died at the age of 23 years after a short life time of illness – she told
how she had cried each and every day that she dropped her son off at the senior
school gates, because her son Simon was physically weak he was bullied every single day – until one day, for the first time ever,
Simon came home with a beaming smile on his face, he told his mother he had
made a new friend at school named Richard Ellis, and his new friend was the “
Cock of the School “ Simon told his
mother that Richard Ellis had spread the word that no one should ever upset his
new friend Simon “” OR ELSE ! “”
The lady then said “ from that day,
to the end of Simon’s school days, she never had to worry ever again, stating
“ I will always be grateful to Richard for his
protection of Simon and my peace of mind.
Read by David Wilson Jnr on behalf of his Uncle Henry.
Richard began Aikido at the age of 5 years with his father Henry Ellis Shihan - then Henry was Richards Hero never realizing that one day he would become his fathers hero.
the future of `Academy of Hard Knocks ` and its success with local youths. The system is based on strict discipline with a total no nonsense approach.
FIGHT SCIENCE TEAM GYM ALDERSHOT
Click - Fight Science Gym -> - Fight Science Gym - Here Rik `hammer` Ellis with Nick `headhunter`Chapman. Rik demonstrates his method of aikido transference techniques on Nick Chapman the UK1 MMA L/H champion. Nick has never done any Aikido before. Rik Ellis is the son of Henry Ellis 6th dan AikiKai; a direct student of Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. Rule:ix.Small joint manipulation = fingers - toes - is illegal.
Nykko - Sankyo - Kotegaesh are not small joint manipulations,they are wrist control techniques and therefore legal and applicable.Video - Rik Ellis - Nick Chapman demonstrate Aikido / MMA techniques.
After a tough work-out Rik Ellis always finds the time to help the up n coming youngsters like 16 yr old Niall. ________________________________________________________________________________Click photos to Enlarge. These are some of the Aikido techniques that I consider transferable to MMA.I want to show how Aikido can be adapted for MMA in the cage and the street, if, and when needed. Rik Visit the "Aikido Articles Blog"->Aikido Articles Rik Ellis with his good friend Nick headhunter Chapman the UK1 light heavy-weight champion and CEO of `Fight Science Gym Aldershot` Left: Applied Sankyo - Right: Taking Ikkyo from clinch to the ground. From clinch; irimi with elbow in to face,keeping body tight turn and take into kotegaesh. The Aikido that my father taught me was Traditional Aikido as taught by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Aikido was a `martial art. To many the word `martial` is irrelevant and the word `art` appeals more to the tree huggers. ARTICLE -- "AIKIDO in MMA" Rik Ellis's views - Aikido/MMA - VISIT " Aikido in MMA " CLICK HERE Click for " Aikido in MMA
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Saturday 26 September 2015
RIK ELLIS AIKIDO - MMA BLOG
Articles - Videos - Photos.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLES AND VIDEOS by Rik Ellis
British Aikido History
1955 - 2012
BRITISH AIKIDO HISTORY BLOG - Is dedicated to the true history of Aikido in the UK from its inception in 1955 by the legendary Budo Master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei. Right: Kenshiro Abbe Sensei with Ken Williams Sensei at the Hut Dojo. The site is maintained by AikiKai Shihans Henry Ellis and Derek Eastman - The last two surviving pioneers from that exciting era of the birth of Aikido in the UK at the famous "Hut Dojo" Ellis & Eastman Sensei's are co-authors of the book `Positive Aikido`- they are proud to have their diplomas signed by legends - Osensei Morihei Ueshiba - Kenshiro Abbe - Masahilo Nakazono - Masamichi Noro - TK Chiba - Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba. Right: Mitsusuke Harada SenseiRight: Henry Ellis - Mitsusuke
Harada - Derek Eastman join Harada Sensei at the TK Chiba Celebration in 2006.
Harada Sensei was invited to the UK in 1963 by Kenshiro Abbe Sensei - He held
his first classes at the Hut Dojo. Harada had no students to begin with - Henry
Ellis and Derek Eastman studied Karate with Harada, he in turn studied Aikido
with them - Harada began to incorporate Aikido moves into his Shotokai Karate as
can beseen in his teachings today. Click here for the British Aikido History Blog > British Aikido History Site
2nd - Article: Masahilo Nakazono Sensei______”A Man of Peace and Pieces”______ .Visit Aikiweb Click here >- Aikiweb - Nakazono Sensei Article
3rd - Article: Masamichi Noro Sensei______The White Tornado__ Visit Aikiweb - Click Here - "The White Tornado" 4th - Article: Kazuo Chiba Sensei ______Two Handsome Young Men___Click here - "Two Handsome Young Men"
Henry Ellis a direct student of the legendary Budo master Kenshiro Abbe Sensei from 1957. "AikiWeb" has published 4 articles to add to their popular Ellis Amdur article collection of "It Had to be Felt" `IHTBF`.
Click photo for YouTube Fight Video ~ ~ ~ L to R = Alex Reid of Frimley Budokan ~ Rik Ellis - Suleman Raja of PrizeFighters......Article below......... " Aikido in MMA " just my personal thoughts on this often discussed subject...Rik Ellis.... Visit the Ellis Aikido articles blog at Click here Articles site ..Scroll down for the article " Aikido in MMA "......... Rik Ellis Fight Video
2 - Rik ( Hammer ) Ellis Aikido / MMA
Rik Ellis getting his point across !!..... ...Listen !! no-touch throws do not work !!.......Click Photo for YouTube Video.
3- Rik ( Hammer ) Ellis Aikido-MMA high traditional aikido kick
Yes there is kicking and punching in Aikido.....In the 1950s/60s all Kenshiro Abbe Sensei's Aikido classes began with 30mins hard kicking and punching exercises. and 200 pushups on the back of the wrists. - Click ~ Push-ups on back of wrists