Katadori is one of the most challenging attacks in Aikido. Learn how to stay centered, expand your chest, and create heaviness to improve your Katadori Nikkyo technique and overall grounding during practice.

Are you or your students struggling with Ikkyo? Discover how one simple shift in focus—from force to space—can lead to smoother, more effective technique. Lia Suzuki Shihan explains how to avoid common mistakes and deepen your understanding of this fundamental Aikido movement.

In this advanced Aikido lesson, we explore the concept of redirecting attention from the point of contact to the center and space.

Learn how using the shoto (wakizashi) as a pointing and guiding tool can transform the way you approach techniques like ikkyo.

Through horse-lunging metaphors and g...

In this post, we dive into a non-traditional hanmi handachi shihonage variation that builds on last week's kokyu ho and kokyu nage session.

Taken from last year’s Aikido Summer Camp in Los Angeles, this training continues our deep exploration of grounding and centering.

Whether you’re a student...

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 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...

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!

Explore advanced tachidori techniques in this session from our New Year’s seminar at the Los Angeles dojo.

This blog highlights key insights and drills that can inspire and elevate your Aikido practice. Whether you're seasoned or looking for a challenge, this session delivers!

Delve into the spiral principles of Aikido as we explore advanced jo techniques and their application to empty-hand waza. Discover how using your arm like the jo itself can elevate your practice and deepen your understanding of Aikido’s core principles.

Learn to apply spiral and fulcrum principl...

In Aikido, shoulder tension can be a common barrier to effective technique, especially in tenchinage. In this post, we’ll explore insights from my New Year’s Aikido seminar in Los Angeles. Discover how to use weight shifting and relaxation to improve your tenchinage and kokyunage, helping you cre...

In this blog post, we delve into the nuances of Katadori Kokyunage. Drawing from my recent New Year's seminar in Los Angeles, I explore Katadori Kokyunage, while also sharing tips for working with beginners and refining one's own technique. Don't miss out on the insights that can take your Aikido...