2025 News Update.

As Summer School draws to an end, part of my reflection has included looking back at what we've achieved so far this year with the obvious one being my return to the tatami.

We've had some good in house gradings, with Jack, Paul and Woody coming on in context to their 1st Kyu develeopment. With some refinement and push, we're coming into the preperation stage for dan gradings. Ukemi and flips being the main issue but we're working out things like this.

At this point, time, grit and drive will determine on how ready they will be, where a review will be made at Easter 2026 to determine if they're ready or not for Summer 2026...

On a personal front, I gained my Coaching Level Three with the British Aikido Board and am in the process of becoming part of the Coaching team. It's a challenge learning how to work with other and older instructors but it's something I'm passionate about and looking forward to seeing how it develops. Congratulations to Bryn Powis Sensei from Pen-Y-Bont Aikido who also gained his Coaching Level Three and who has helped and supported me through my journey of getting back to training full time. Thank you my friend.

We've held our first coaching assessment weekend, enabling eight instructors in the (SGT) Association to gain Coaching Levels One through to Three, including long standing coaches who have historically been put off for various reasons for going higher.

This is the culmination of a five year drive and passion for me - helping to develop the Shin Gi Tai Association just as we were coming out of Covid. The Executive Committee was a mess, and coaching development was just stagnating. I've now retired from the Exec Committee and am proud to know that it is stronger, more driven and focussed on training and aikido.

Not too bad, even if I do say so myself! ;)

Anyway, the work with the BAB is just beginning, so watch this space as my journey with the BAB continues.

In context to the course circuit, I've only managed to get onto one for a morning session, of which I took Shihan Peter Thomas, from Oakdale Aikido. For those who don't know, Sensei Thomas is my sensei, where I was part of Oakdale Aikido before it closed and before I started Ty Sign Aikdo.

It was a balance of really enjoying being on a course training with everyone whilst also being mindful of building myself back up to mat fitness. Sensei Thomas and I had a great time and a good natter on the journy to and from the course. Good times.

Osu!

Sensei Marc.