Most Aikido students think that learning more techniques will make them better. But after nearly a decade training in Japan, I learned that real Aikido skill comes from going deeper into a few essential movements — not collecting more waza. In this post, I share stories from my training with T...

Learning to move from your center is one of the most important skills in Aikido — but also one of the most misunderstood. In this week’s video, we look at why techniques often feel shaky, weak, or disconnected, especially under pressure, and how arm-driven movement creates tension long before ...

Many Aikido students think faster movement means better technique. But real skill lies in timing — not speed. In this week’s video, Lia Suzuki Sensei explains how awareness, rhythm, and relaxation create effortless effectiveness on the mat.

Many Aikido students misunderstand what Japanese teachers mean when they say “chikara wo nuide.” It doesn’t mean to “relax,” but rather to remove unnecessary strength so that movement becomes alive, connected, and powerful.

In this post, Lia Suzuki Shihan explains how to train looseness t...

Most students think Aikido progress comes from training harder, getting stronger, or memorizing more techniques.
But what if the real key isn’t physical at all?

In this week’s video, Lia Suzuki Shihan (7th dan Aikikai) explains how developing your ability to observe changes everything — from how y...

Ever been locked down in Morotedori (Ryote Mochi) — when both of uke’s hands clamp one wrist? It can feel like your movement is gone.
In this week’s lesson, Lia Suzuki Sensei demonstrates how to absorb that pressure into your Hara, deflect it upward, and lift your partner’s center so the flow...

Have you ever been doing a technique from katatedori with no trouble, only to suddenly get confused when you try to execute the same technique from ryotedori or morotedori? Your posture falls apart, you stiffen up, and maybe you even grab the wrong wrist.

In today’s lesson, we’ll work on kata...

Tsuki Kotegaeshi often fails because students arrive late with their hands instead of their feet. This lesson breaks down the step, the heel-of-hand placement, and the practice drill that teaches you to create a heavy, connected wall so the technique runs smoothly.

Fix posture and smoothness issues in your Shomen Uchi Irimi / Kokyunage with these training tips from Lia Suzuki Sensei.

Learn Ryotedori Kokyunage step-by-step: lying on tatami, hanmi handachi, and standing. Release shoulders, center from the hips, and move with ease.

Sutemi Waza can feel like one of the most intimidating techniques in Aikido. For nage, the challenge is maintaining openness in the chest and learning to use body weight rather than strength. For uke, the fear of forward rolls can create hesitation.

Learn how to maintain center and connection in Katadori through the powerful “pulse” concept. Suzuki Shihan explains how to unify with your partner, transmit energy, and avoid common pitfalls in both uke and nage roles.