ilustrisimo-usa.com » Kali Ilustrisimo with Master Christopher Ricketts

Starting November 1, 2010, we will be adding 2 more days to the training schedule. In addition to Saturday and Sunday classes from 3:00-4:00pm, Guro Bruce will hold class on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 8:30-9:30pm.

Master Topher Ricketts and Guro Bruce Ricketts demonstrate Dos Manos Solo Baston.  This was part of the Ilustrisimo exhibition at the 26th Annual Philippine Cultural Arts Festival in Balboa Park this past August.

It is with sadness and joy that we announce the passing and rebirth to

eternal life of Grandmaster Christopher N. Ricketts on October 5, 2010 at
3:02AM. May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace.
Amen.

A loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, he is
survived by his wife Beth Ricketts and sons Jason Ricketts, Bruce Ricketts,
Brandon Ricketts and Christopher Ricketts, Jr.; daughter-in-law Jeanne, wife
of Jason and grandkids Jacob, Jennell, Josh and Justin; parents Edith and
Max Ricketts; younger brother and sister-in-law, Alex Ricketts and Mariebeth
and nephews Jamie and James; and youngest brother and sister-in-law, Ronnie
Ricketts and Mariz and nieces Marella and Marie.

Master Topher, known world wide as a consummate martial artist of Filipino
decent, was loved by many but more importantly, respected by all. He was
one of the founders and the Chief Instructor of Bakbakan International, a
fraternal brotherhood of martial artists established in the Philippines in
1968 whose motto is “Matira Matibay” (The Best of the Best). Concerned with
training and passing on his knowledge to students rather than collecting
accolades and titles, Master Topher’s skills and credentials are impeccable
and second to none.

A senior disciple of the revered Grandmaster Antonio “Tatang” Ilustrisimo
and one of the “Five Pillars of Kali Ilustrisimo”, he remained loyal to the
memory and legacy of his teacher and was the highest ranked Ilustrisimo
instructor in the United States. A close friend and training partner of the
late Punong Guro Edgar G. Sulite who founded Lameco Eskrima, he was also the
highest ranked Lameco instructor in the United States. With teaching
credentials in several martial arts systems including Ngo Cho Kun (5
Ancestor Fist), Sagasa (Filipino Kickboxing System), as well as being a
professional boxing trainer and fight choreographer, his was a life
befitting a true warrior.

A public viewing, requiem mass and farewell offering (Halad) will be held on
Thursday, October 14, 2010 from 4:00PM to 8:00PM at the California Cremation
and Burial Chapel, 5880 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, California 92115.

All members of the warrior class are encouraged to come in uniform to pay
their last respects to one of the best of the best.

Sumasaiyo at Maraming Salamat (With Sincere Thanks),

The Ricketts Family

Correspondence addressed to the Ricketts Family may be sent to 2184 Gill Village Way #501, San Diego, California, 92108.

Guro Bruce Ricketts will be holding a seminar for his father, Master Topher Ricketts on September 26, 2010 from 11:00am – 2:00pm in Woodland Hills, CA. As Master Ricketts has been battling an illness, this seminar will be a fundraiser. There is no set fee, all donations will be gladly accepted. If you would like to attend, please bring your own sticks, training sword and dagger. The seminar will be held at the Team Karate Center in Woodland Hills. Thanks to Ron Balicki for organizing the Benefit Seminar for Master Topher Ricketts.

Date: September 26, 2010

Time: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Location: Team Karate Center, 21038 Victory Blvd. #A, Woodland Hills, CA 91367

Cost: Donations Accepted to Raise Funds for Master Topher Ricketts. You can click on the button below to donate funds, or send funds via PayPal to topherricketts@gmail.com.