Where Part One explored the formal titles of aikido and the circles of influence they create, this piece turns toward something less visible but equally powerful: the symbolic roles we inhabit, often without recognition or ceremony. Not every influence in a dojo comes from rank or title. Some arise from character, compassion, and the quiet burdens people carry for the sake of others. To explore this, I draw on a figure from Welsh and border‑county folklore — the Sin Eater — and the archetype...

Titles in martial arts carry weight. Some people hold them dearly, others barely think about them, yet they shape the way we relate to one another on the mat. Recently I’ve noticed a renewed emphasis on the honorifics Sensei and Shihan, which prompted me to reflect on what these titles actually mean — not just linguistically, but culturally, symbolically, and within the lived experience of our aikido community. This article explores the meanings behind some of the names and terms we use in...

From time to time I'm going to post articles on here as part of a wider focus on improving of public image, one of the ways I'm going to do this is through written articles. To start off the new year, here is the first. Osu! Sensei Marc Introduction Like most dojo leads, I can say 2020 has been a tough year for Ty Sign Aikido and it is clear we’ve done well to survive. Like many clubs, we have kept members engaged and have been proactive and like everyone else, we have had our losses....