Fast attacks can trigger tension and panic in Aikido. In this video, Lia Suzuki explains why calm must be trained under pressure and how staying calm widens perception and improves timing.

A clear explanation of Aikido stance, why over-fixating on foot placement creates rigidity, and how adaptability, soft knees, and center awareness support real stability and readiness.

If your Aikido feels stiff or disconnected, the issue may not be technique. In this post, Lia Suzuki explains how micro-pauses, dropped awareness, and missed transitions interrupt flow — and how to restore smooth movement.

Can you really improve Aikido without a training partner? For most of my life, I assumed the answer was “not really.” Then the pandemic happened. My dojo in Los Angeles shut down for 15 months, and like many of you, I found myself training in my living room with nothing but a camera, a project...

A deep exploration of zanshin — what it means, why it matters, and how to cultivate sustained mindfulness throughout your Aikido training. Includes practical tips, daily assignments, and examples from classical instruction.

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.