Rest in Peace: Roger Barnes

Roger Barnes

Ermar Alexander and Roger Barnes competing for the
Gold at the 2008 British Low Armour Championships.

JKD Northampton's official statement:

"On the 8th of March 2009, during attendance at the W.E.K.A.F British Championships. While coaching one of his fighters, Guro Roger Barnes was suddenly and tragically taken from us.

Guro Roger was at an event that he was extremely proud to be a part of, and was surrounded by people who loved and respected him.

Although he would be embarrassed to have us say, he was one of the best Stick Fighters in the World, a fantastic teacher, a very humble and genuine man and a true friend.

Roger is survived by his Wife and two children, our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Guro Roger, you are loved by many and will be sadly missed by all who knew you."

Ermar Alexander says,

"I am so sad with Roger gone just like that. I coached Roger when he first began competing in WEKAF in 2006. He improved quick and excelled fast. He is one of the kindest people and I wish this didn't happen.

I've been competing in the British Low Armour tournament since 2004 and Roger was the best fighter I've ever fought. I will never forget that fight as he left a mark - a scar - on my chest. And it is still there. Roger is a very strong and agile fighter.

Last Sunday at WEKAF (8th March), he collapsed while he was cornering his student against mine. I saw him and I rushed to him. I wanted to catch him. How I wish he heard me when I was calling his name, while my student performed CPR on him. I desperately wanted him to get up.

As we (my 5 students and Roger's most faithful students and friends) got to the hospital, we were heartbroken when we were told he was gone. I was shaking. I wish there was something I could do.

Now lets all hope that he's in a much better place."

The entire Doce Pares family would like to extend our condolences to Roger's family and friends. Roger has been supportive of our events such as the WEKAF Invitational we have hosted, the Seni Eskrima Championships and KOMBATA Limited Armour. We thank Roger for everything.

Read news story from the Northampton Chronicle "Club stunned as stick fighting coach dies at tournament" >

Read the lead story regarding this tragic loss on the Bob Breen Academy website >

Posted by David Onuma on Facebook on 17 March 2008:

On behalf of Roger's family, I would like to thank everyone so far who has sent in their kind messages offering condolences and pledging support.

Whilst the family is still awaiting the results of the post mortem, it is likely that his funeral will take place towards the end of the month in Northampton.

Roger, as you know was a family man with two young children and was the sole breadwinner for the family. It would be fair to say that like many others in these hard economic times he was barely able to make ends meet although you would never really have known as he was not one to complain.

As friends, colleagues, adversaries etc of this great man, apart from honour his memory, the best thing we can do, is what I have no doubt he would do for us and try to support his family in the best way that we can.

It is hoped that all fundraising efforts could be co ordinated through the foundation so that the family can be kept informed and also to avoid any clashes of dates etc.

In the mid to long term, it is hoped that as many people as possible will agree to sign up a standing order/direct debit mandate to an account (being set up at the moment) purely for the benefit of his children Kim and Daniel. I am suggesting a minimum figure of only £3.00 per month. I think it is a figure that we could all afford to contribute without substantially affecting our own personal financial circumstances. This can be left to run for as long as it suits you bearing in mind both of the children are under 10 years of age.(Daniel is 3!!)

Once the account details become available, they will be posted here.

There will also a series of fundraisers which will be done all around the country with a view to helping the family.

However, a more pressing issue is the need for immediate 'one off'' contributions by all who can towards the cost of the funeral expenses. The family have rallied together and are trying their best, but it is certainly clear to me that this very proud family need help. Many people from former colleagues and training partners have expressed a willingness to contribute and that time is NOW!! Whatever you donate will be appreciated but please do it and do it now.

Payments can be made to an existing account - Sort code 40.02.38 and the account number is 01267760. For others who prefer to send a cheque, please make it payable to SUSAN BARNES and send it in an envelope addressed care of the Roger Barnes Foundation, Bob Breen Academy, 16 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NT. They will then be forwarded on.

Please please please do this now and lets put into practice the things that have been said. We can all make a difference to his family the same way he made a difference to our lives

Updated 23/03/09: FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS

The cause of death has now been communicated to the family. It would appear that Roger died almost immediately but fortunately without pain as a result of a blodclot in his heart. It is not possible to say why this happened.

The family have now arranged his funeral for Thursday 26th March 2009 at 11.30 am. The service will take place at ST ALBANS THE MARTYR, CHURCH OF ENGLAND, Broadmead Avenue, Northampton, NN3 2RA. The reception will follow after the burial at a venue currently being arranged.

All martial artists and other attendees who wish to show such support are invited to bring a Kali stick in to honour the champion that he was and we hope the turnout will be fantastic.

Susan has asked me to convey her thanks to all who have expressed their best wishes, condolences and support and despite the circumstances, she looks forward to seeing you there.

- David Onuma

17 March 2009, Tuesday

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