If you’re new to Aikido, there’s a moment that almost everyone goes through.
The first few weeks feel exciting. You’re learning something new every class. Then, suddenly, it feels like you’ve hit a wall. Progress slows down. Frustration creeps in. And you start wondering if you’re doing something wrong.
In this week’s video, I explain why that phase is not a problem — it’s actually one of the most important parts of real training. I also share why taking ukemi and learning how to observe properly can help move you through that plateau faster.
Most people quit right before the breakthrough.
If you’ve been training for a few months and feel stuck, this will help you understand what’s really happening in your body and your nervous system.
Let’s check it out.
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🎥 WATCH: Aikido for Beginners: What I Wish I Knew in My First Year
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class…
The next time an attack speeds up, don’t try to match it. Exhale, widen your gaze, and see if you can slow down internally while allowing the external speed to be what it is.
💬 What changed? How did it feel different?
Share your experience—I read every reply.
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Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- March 6-8
Orange County Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Orange, California, USA - March 20-21
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Kaosung, Taiwan - March 22
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Taipei, Taiwan - March 27-29
Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
Senseis Sakabe, Johansson, Lin, and Suzuki
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
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Wexford, Ireland - July 20-21
Marple Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, UK - July 15-19
AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
Senseis Daiyu Takeda, Lia Suzuki, and others
Los Angeles, California, USA - September TBD
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
Lia Suzuki Sensei
- - September 17-18: Yudansha Seminar
- - September 19-21: Mixed Levels Seminar
Bonn, Germany - September TBD
PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Heidelberg, Germany - October 2-4
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, CO, USA - October 9-12
Redlands Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Redlands, CA, USA
2027
- September
Ima Juku Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Baarn, Netherlands - More Seminars added soon...
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