Most people believe they’re training Aikido basics.
But very often, they’re unknowingly reinforcing habits that slow their progress — sometimes for years.
In a new video, I look at three subtle mistakes I see again and again in Aikido training. They’re not dramatic or obvious, but they affect distance, timing, and how smoothly techniques actually work.
If your practice ever feels harder than you would like, or progress feels inconsistent, this may help clarify why.
Let’s check it out.
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🎥 WATCH: How to Practice Aikido Alone — Solo Drills That Actually Work
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class…
• Notice if you’re misjudging maai and reacting instead of choosing.
• See whether strength is creeping in before looseness.
• Slow down and resist the urge to “make” your partner fall.
💬 What changed when you focused on principles instead of outcomes?
Share your experience—I read every reply.
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Lia Suzuki
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• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- January 9-11
New Year's Seminar
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Los Angeles, California, USA - March 6-8
Orange County Aikido
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Orange, California, USA - March 20-21
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Kaosung, Taiwan - March 22
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Taipei, Taiwan - March 27-29
Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
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Kumamoto, Japan - May 28-31
Aikido Kenkyukai Los Angeles
Senseis Hiroshi Ikeda, Lia Suzuki, and Bruno Gonzalez
Los Angeles, California, USA - June 13-14
Aikido Wexford
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Wexford, Ireland - July 20-21
Marple Aikido
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Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, UK - July 15-19
AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
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Los Angeles, California, USA - September TBD
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
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Heidelberg, Germany - October 2-4
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Livingston, CO, USA - October 9-12
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Redlands, CA, USA
2027
- September
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Baarn, Netherlands - More Seminars added soon...
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