Rick Ellis is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under the renowned Professor Roy Dean. His BJJ journey began at the age of 41 in an unconventional setting - an old Taekwondo dojo with questionable mat hygiene. Despite this humble start, Ellis quickly fell in love with the art of Jiu-Jitsu.

Ellis holds the distinction of being one of Roy Dean's first students when Dean opened his academy in Oregon. He was Dean's seventh black belt promotion, achieving this rank later in life than his initial goal due to injuries and relocations. This experience has shaped his approach to BJJ, emphasizing the importance of managing intensity, recovery, and nutrition, especially for older practitioners.

Before his BJJ career, Ellis had a background in technology as a programmer and worked in creative fields as a graphic designer. He also had a stint as a musician, playing in a rock band in Cancun in the early 1990s. This diverse background has influenced his analytical and creative approach to Jiu-Jitsu.

Currently, Ellis is an entrepreneur, BJJ coach, and the creator of the popular YouTube channel "The Art of Skill." Through this platform and his website, he shares knowledge from some of the best instructors in the world. Ellis teaches BJJ through online courses, private lessons, and group settings in San Diego. He also conducts camps and seminars across the United States and internationally.

Ellis's teaching philosophy emphasizes efficiency, leverage, and control. As an older athlete, he has built his game around these principles, believing that effectiveness in Jiu-Jitsu comes from technical mastery and body awareness rather than physical attributes alone.

Rick Ellis continues to be an active member of the BJJ community, sharing his experience and knowledge to help aspiring practitioners become exceptional in their own Jiu-Jitsu journeys.