End of 2025.

As the year comes to an end it's always good to reflect on the highs and lows of the year. It's fitting that we remember Hanchi Roger Payne Sensei who passed away in November. Sensei was someone who I considered to be a friend and mentor. He represents the essence of budo and the dedication for excellence we all strive for in life. Apart from the martial arts, I enjoyed his company and his zest for life where we shared a love for shooting. His legacy as a loving husband and dedicated father and grandfather is a testimony of a life well lived. Be at peace sensei, with love from all of us at Ty Sign Aikido.

My journey with the BAB continues with my development, at the close of this year I've achieved my Coaching Level Three and am in the process of being a member of the BAB coaching Team. Bryn Powis sensei and I have completed all the training and have held a successful coaching course. We have one more event to complete before we finalise our places.

Continuing with the BAB, it was a pleasure to host Piers Cooke sensei at the club when he came and visited in November. Piers sensei spent time training with all the students at the club, where we enjoyed his teaching. Sensei has a effective nikkyo!

Other news includes the club continues to grow and prosper with new members and seeing the return of old friends such as Helen sensei from my Oakdale days. It's a pleasure to have sensei Helen back on the mat and it's awesome to see her technique is as seamless as ever.

and that's a wrap for 2025. We have two more training sessions for before Christmas where we break for the holiday season and then we're back and ready for a new year. All that is left to say is a continued thank you to all the supporters, friends and most importantly, the students for making Ty Sign Aikido a great place to train and develop our budo.

Osu!

Sensei Marc.