A grief, sharing, song gathering and ritual for Sensei Ryan Pedley will be held at Balam Balam Place this Thursday, 28th May at 7:00 p.m. The community of Ryan is warmly invited, with the intention of bringing together the many expressions of grief—its wildness, its differences, and its depth—into one shared space of remembrance and presence.
This gathering is being held for Ryan’s wider network at a time of profound pain and loss, offering an opportunity for family, friends, students, and all who were touched by him to come together in reflection and support. It is a space created not to contain grief, but to hold it collectively, allowing each person to arrive with their own memories, emotions, and connection to him.
It is with the deepest sadness that those close to him share news of the tragic passing of Sensei Ryan Pedley. To many, he was like a brother; to his long-time teacher, he was like a son who had been guided, mentored, and loved for over 25 years. He is remembered not only as a sensei, but also as a student, yogi, musician, performer, friend, son, and brother—an exceptional human being whose presence left a lasting mark on everyone he encountered.
He is described as someone with extraordinary natural ability, yet equally defined by relentless discipline and humility. He gave everything he had to every pursuit, always striving for excellence, integrity, sincerity, and dedication beyond measure. In the words of his teacher, he was both a successor and a teacher in return—someone who surpassed expectations and inspired growth in others simply through his way of being.
His family, including Karen and David, his sister Shanni and brother-in-law Christian, along with his dojo brothers, sisters, students, and friends, are all held in deep love and respect during this time of mourning. The impact of his life reaches far and wide, leaving behind a legacy of discipline, compassion, and brilliance.
As the community gathers at Balam Balam Place, the intention is to honour Ryan’s life, share stories, offer songs, and sit together in grief and gratitude. Further details will follow soon, but the invitation remains open to all who carry him in their hearts.
Though he is gone, Sensei Ryan Pedley’s essence remains—a guiding presence, remembered always, and carried forward in the lives he touched.