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WATCH: Master Katadori Nikkyo with These Aikido Tips

by Lia Suzuki
Aug 13, 2025
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Katadori can be pretty challenging, no matter what technique you’re doing.

When someone grabs our lapel, the natural reaction is to contract or collapse the chest. We then lose our center and are no longer grounded.

ikkyo don't push

 

In today's video, I had my students do an exercise where they’re simply falling backwards, against uke’s resistance. But uke is asked to provide enough resistance that nage MUST make themselves heavy, expanding the chest and staying centered.

Later in the video, I ask them to return to orthodox katadori (in this case, katadori nikkyo), but apply the same principle as we were just practicing - expanding the chest, staying centered and being heavy.

I hope today’s video gives you some insight, inspiration, and motivation to help you make the most of your training and take your Aikido to the next level.


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Let’s check it out. And be sure to stick around until the end for a special announcement.

🎥 WATCH: Mastering Katadori Nikkyo: Staying Centered & Heavy in Aikido

ikkyo don't push

💬 Question for You:
Let me know in the comments:

  • Do you find katadori to be a challenging attack?
  • And if you’re an instructor, what kinds of exercises do you do with your students to help them with katadori?

Lia Suzuki
Author
   â€˘ The Teacher
   â€˘ Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA

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A weekly video message from Aikido instructor Lia Suzuki, sharing insights from the dojo, behind-the-scenes moments, and teachings from recent seminars around the world. Whether you're a dedicated practitioner or simply curious about the Aikido path, these short videos offer inspiration, practical wisdom, and a glimpse into real-life martial arts training.
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