The Late Soke Richard Morris
Born 21st May 1936 - Passed 15th July 2019
aka Dicky Morris
Styles : Aiki Jujutsu / Juko Ryu Jiu-Jitsu
Soke Richard Morris was a master of Jiu-Jitsu who was active in the art for some Sixty odd years and was still active in the martial world up to his passing in 2019, which in it self is a great achievement .
Richard Morris's first experience of Martial arts came when his Father and Uncle came back home after the Burma Campaign they had experienced the arts and passed on what they new to Richard.
But his first real teacher was Professor Alf Morgan , one of the first men in the UK to be trained by Sensei Yukio Tani from Japan.
Richard Morris attained his 4th degree black belt from Professor Morgan ,he passed away some time after.
After this he met Professor James Blundel and Robert Clarke.
Richard Morris went on to become the chairman of the British Jiu-Jitsu Association (BJJA) and the Director of the World Jiu Jitsu Federation (WJJF) in partner ship with Professor James Blundel and Robert Clarke.
Now from what i Know the Richard Morris and James Blundel eventually broke away from WJJF ,for reasons i won't go into here.
This was in 1986 when Richard Morris resigned from both posts in the WJJF and BJJA.
It was now that he set up and founded Jiu jitsu International in a bid to bring together the best in Jiu-Jitsu ,not just in the UK ,but Worldwide.
In 1992 he co-founded the World Kobudo Federation with John Therien and Alain Sailly ,bringing together more and more World renowned masters ,he ran the UK part of the organization along with Bryan Cheek who was appointed ''International Coordinator'' they had met when Bryan got involved with Professor James Blundell ,they formed a alliance with Other Masters from Europe and Canada and the Eastern Block.
Linage
Sensei Yukio Tani came to the UK in the late 1800's .
It's here he took residence and taught Jujutsu in his own clubs and later at the London Budokwai.
His style was of a Fusen- Ryu style Jujutsu.
He paid his way by fighting in matches in London Music halls. He met Alf Morgan who was a Catch Master ( British Wrestling) , he taught him Jujutsu and it was Alf Morgan who Taught Richard Morris.
Soke Morris is also credited as one of the trainers of KickBoxer star and Martial Artist Alain Moussi along with John Therien , John -Yves Theriault and Carlos Machado.
Alain Moussi Holds a 6th Dan in Jujutsu
And a 1st Dan in Brazilian Jujutsu
Source : Wikipedia