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...

If you or your students struggle with katadori techniques in Aikido, this post will provide the tools and insights you need to overcome these challenges.

In this article and video, we delve into key exercises demonstrated during my New Year's seminar at my dojo in Los Angeles, focusing on the im...

Discover how to enhance your Tenchi Nage by mastering weight shifting techniques in Aikido. This blog explores insights from Lia Suzuki’s New Year’s seminar, where she introduces a Kokyu Nage variation that’s directly applicable to Tenchi Nage. Whether you're looking to deepen your connection wit...

Discover how to improve your kokyu ho and kokyu nage techniques with insights from Lia Suzuki’s New Year’s seminar in Los Angeles. Learn how to use your knees, lower back, and arms to absorb your partner’s force for better results. Plus, get an exclusive look at Lia’s upcoming book, “Mastering th...

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...