A much-loved and respected martial arts instructor whose wife and son were his world has tragically died aged 57, weeks after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. David Tuff, from Grimsby , passed away on February 27, leaving behind his beloved wife Kate, an 11-year-old son, Daniel, with whom he was "inseparable", and many
Friends in the jiu-jitsu community. His sudden death came just weeks after he began complaining of stomach pain and tiredness. After being referred to Grimsby Hospital by his GP, he was diagnosed with bowel
cancer and told it had already spread to his liver. Read more : Tragedy as 'funny and mischievous' Grimsby mum, 38, dies leaving family heartbroken David's wife Kate, who he married in 2011, said: "It was just so quick and the decline was so rapid. He hadn't really shown any signs of illness and then four weeks later, we lost him. It's been horrific. He didn't have time himself to process what was happening. "But he was so strong. To sit down and tell our son that chemo wasn't an option and we didn't know how long he had left, it was awful. The day before he died he let out his anger. He said that it was wrong and that he must have done something wrong to deserve that, but apart from that he stayed strong for Dan and I. But his bond with Daniel, their relationship was second to none." David and Daniel (Image: Kate Tuff) David was born in 1966, the only son of Malcolm and Joan Tuff, and attended Fairfield Primary School and Wintringham Secondary School. He was first introduced to the world of jiu-jitsu as a teenager after he and a group of friends were attacked. Kate said: "As a teenager, he and a group of friends were attacked and I think his parents thought then, 'Right, we need to get him into something where he can protect and defend himself'. His jiu-jitsu was a major part of his life since being a teenager and Daniel has followed in his footsteps. He was a major asset to the jiu-jitsu world." David was a black belt in jiu-jitsu (Image: Submitted) Over the years, David worked his way up to a black belt and has instructed hundreds of students in the area at the Katho Ryo Club, initially at Grimsby Leisure Centre and at the Comma Dojo Club in Immingham from 2014 onwards, where he trained twice a week. David worked as a bricklayer since he left college and worked for Hillen Projects in Caistor shortly before his death. In his spare time, as well as jiu-jitsu, he also enjoyed travelling to the Lake District with Kate and Daniel, as well as visiting family in
Ireland. He enjoyed cooking and cycling and had a passion for classic cars and rock
music. Kate continued: "He had a really strong work ethic and he was very dedicated to his family, he was so family-oriented. He was gentle and quiet-natured, but very physically strong and mentally strong. Dave never rated himself, but his knowledge of the world and politics was amazing. David died on February 27 (Image: Kate Tuff) "He worked so hard for everything he achieved and there's so much he wanted to do with Daniel. As a father, he was second to none. We were soulmates, but he and Daniel were inseparable." "He was just amazing," Daniel said. The Comma Dojo club in Immingham will be holding a seminar in David's memory on Saturday, March 25, attended by various instructors. Anyone interested in attending the seminar or making a donation can call Lindsey Evans on 07951526080. READ NEXT: Tragedy as Grimsby man, 38, dies on Meadowhall shopping trip Veterans' support group named after local fallen soldier launches in Scunthorpe Tributes to 'amazing' Grimsby businessman who made signs for
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