I was sitting in a coffee shop in Japan with Yamaguchi Sensei and some of his students, near Ochanomizu Station, right after training. I was maybe shodan or nidan at the most. I was blown away, first by the range of topics he pulled into the conversation, and second by how often he drew me in, de...

Years of observing Japanese Aikido teachers revealed surprising lessons about timing, posture, zanshin, and why expert practitioners often seem to move less while accomplishing more.

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.

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.