How to Stop Fixating on the Arm and Start Leading from Center in Aikido

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...

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Taking Your Aikido to the Next Level: Seeing the Big Picture in Standing Techniques

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...

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Unlocking the Big Picture in Aikido: Shoto Techniques to Elevate Your Training

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 ...

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See the Big Picture in Aikido: Enhancing Shomen Uchi Ikkyo with Shoto for Deeper Awareness

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...

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How to Stop Pushing in Aikido: Sharpen Your Kokyunage with Shoto Practice

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...

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Deepening Iriminage: Integrating Shoto and Empty-Hand Practice in Aikido

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.

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Deep Dive into Ikkyo: How Shoto Practice Transforms 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...

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Unlocking Ikkyo: How Shoto Training Can Deepen Your Aikido

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...

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Weight Shifting in Aikido: Preview Techniques from 'Mastering The Shoto'

Today’s video from our New Year’s seminar focuses on weight shifting in kokyu nage, a key principle for maintaining connection and control in Aikido. This principle is essential for both empty-handed practice and shoto mastery.

I’m excited to share more in my upcoming book, 'Mastering The Shoto ...

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Enhance Your Aikido Techniques: Mastering Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Without Pushing

In our latest Aikido seminar in Los Angeles, we addressed a common challenge: pushing during shomen uchi ikkyo.

This blog post delves into the techniques demonstrated in the seminar, where we were using shoto (short sword) to eliminate pushing.

Learn how integrating shoto training can refine yo...

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Happy Thanksgiving (WATCH Lia Suzuki's Virtual Dojo)

Hi {{ first_name }},

If you celebrate the holiday, I'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you and yours are enjoying good health, happiness, and warm fellowship this Thanksgiving.

Instead of a new seminar clip this week, I thought I'd send you a link for an overview of my entire YouTub...

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Mastering Shomen Uchi Ikkyo: Aikido's Essential Technique Unveiled

Unlock the essence of Aikido with shomen uchi ikkyo. Dive into insights from our 5-Day Summer Camp, where we explore the importance of closing the gap, committing attacks from the center, and extending attacks through the partner. Watch the video to grasp the nuances and elevate your Aikido pract...

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