In this special session from my 5-Day Aikido Summer Camp in Los Angeles, we tackle one of the most common problems in ushiro ryokatadori: what to do when uke doesn’t fully come around. I share a progressive drill that allows nage to explore how to use gravity, body weight, and center-lowering to ...

In this video from my 5-Day Summer Camp in Los Angeles, we tackle a common issue in Kokyu Ho: the feeling of being "locked down" during practice. By analyzing ryotedori attacks and focusing on body structure, we can deflect our partner’s energy and transition into more fluid movements. Watch this...

In this blog post, Lia Suzuki shares an in-depth look at ryotedori shihonage, focusing on how to adjust your body structure and movement for effective defense and counterattacks. Recorded at her 5-Day Summer Camp in Los Angeles, this training session provides both foundational insights and advanc...

In this video from my 5-Day Summer Camp, I share advanced insights on how to handle ryotedori attacks. Learn how to modify your body structure to deflect a stronger, larger opponent’s attack and stay grounded in your center. These techniques are crucial for intermediate and advanced Aikido practi...

In this in-depth video from my recent 5-Day Summer Camp at my Los Angeles dojo, we continue working on suwari waza shomen uchi ikkyo but transition to a standing position. The focus of this session is learning how to shift your perspective from fixating on the contact point to understanding the f...

In this post, I share insights from my 5-Day Summer Camp, focusing on how to expand your perspective during Aikido practice. In this video, I demonstrate the importance of breaking free from the tunnel vision that can arise when we focus too much on the contact point. By using a shoto to connect ...

In this blog post, we delve into an advanced Aikido concept explored at my 5-Day Summer Camp. By shifting focus from the contact point to the bigger picture, we enhance our training and deepen our awareness of our partner’s movements. This video shows how employing a shoto to uke's base during su...

Do you catch yourself pushing during kokyunage or iriminage? In this behind-the-scenes look from our 5-Day Summer Camp in LA, you’ll see how blending shoto work with empty-hand techniques can reveal key improvements in your Aikido flow. A great lesson for those looking to refine their movement an...

This week’s blog post takes you inside our Los Angeles Aikido Summer Camp, where we explored iriminage through both empty-hand and shoto practice. Discover how weapon work enhances your understanding of core techniques and adds nuance to your Aikido.

From my Los Angeles Summer Camp, this advanced Ikkyo workshop shows how moving between empty-hand and shoto training can sharpen your awareness and technique. Discover how switching modalities helps you feel and move through space more effectively. This is Part 2 of our Ikkyo exploration—don't mi...

In this behind-the-scenes look at our 5-Day Summer Camp in Los Angeles, we dive deep into the foundations of ikkyo. By alternating between empty-hand and shoto, we explore how this hybrid approach opens up new pathways for flowing around resistance. Discover how this method can shift your underst...

Many Aikido practitioners struggle with Iriminage, especially when their partner feels immovable. In this post, we explore a game-changing approach—shifting from stiff to relaxed contact on the shoulder—to create seamless, powerful throws. Learn how to refine your technique!