Arik Ancelin

Arik Ancelin (born July 19, 2002) is an American TikToker, rapper, and martial artist known for his song Diamond In The Rough. His candid TikTok videos talking about his interests, music, and feelings have helped him accumulate 14 million likes across the platform. He is a third-degree black belt in taekwondo and also has Down syndrome.

Personal life
He was born on July 19, 2002 and raised in the United States. He’s in the eighth grade at the LaVilla School of the Arts in Jacksonville, studying dance, following in the steps of his two sisters. Audrey, one of his sisters, now attending college in Jacksonville, is a former professional dancer with the Charleston Ballet.

Jennifer Ancelin, his mother, remembers having the conversation with her two young daughters following the birth of Arik. She told them the bustling bundle of joy was born with Down syndrome, explained what the condition meant, and prepared for their questions. Both asked, ‘Is he going to have any friends?’ Ancelin recalled Audrey, 8, and Ava, 4, asking simultaneously.

Chapter President Derek Stanley and secretary Heath Theodore surprised him with a bid card to become an honorary member of Phi Delta Theta. “It made me feel surprised and very happy. I felt loved,” Arik said with enthusiasm Thursday. “They learned more about me and they involved me in their brotherhood. I was just shocked. The young men gave me the best time ever.”

Taekwondo
Arik has gotten his third-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and he hopes his story inspires others to achieve their goals. Master Jason Watson, of Watson Martial Ares in Jacksonville, tells the family that as far as he knows, Ancelin is the first person with special needs in Florida to achieve this.

"We don’t change the curriculum, or we haven’t for Arik. He’s done everything that kids who don’t have special needs do," Watson said.

TikTok
His first TikTok video was uploaded in November of 2019. In the video, he shows off his Rolex watch while in his car. His account has now gone viral, with over 700,000 followers that support him and his music.

Music
He released an original song in February of 2021 on Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music and other streaming platforms. The song is titled "When I Turn 18." It was accompanied with a music video along with it.

On July 5, 2021, his hit single Diamond In The Rough released on all platforms. Many people on TikTok have used the song in their videos, causing it to go viral.