🎥 WATCH: What Makes Aikido Feel Soft Without Being Weak

Softness in Aikido is often misunderstood.

From the outside, it can look effortless — even gentle. But anyone who has trained for a while knows that the softness you see in experienced practitioners isn’t weakness at all.

It’s responsiveness.

In this week’s video, I talk about what actually makes Aikido feel soft and why that softness only works when it’s supported by structure, alignment, and repetition.

It’s one of those ideas that can completely change how your techniques feel on the mat.

Watch the full video here:
https://youtu.be/jnJKdctckYs

Then try experimenting with this idea in your next class and see what you notice.

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🎥 WATCH: What Makes Aikido Feel Soft Without Being Weak

🌿 Your Practice Prompt

During your next class, focus on removing unnecessary tension from your shoulders, knees, and lower back while maintaining a stable center.

Instead of trying to “do” the technique, pay attention to what information you receive from your partner through touch, balance, and movement.

Notice how much easier it becomes to adapt when your body stays responsive.

Share your experience—I read every reply.

- -

Lia Suzuki
Author
   • The Teacher
   • Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 Upcoming Seminars

2026

• March 27-29
  Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
  Senseis Sakabe, Lin, Takahashi, 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
• June 20-21
  Marple Aikido
  Lia Suzuki Sensei
  Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, UK

⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
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• July 15-19
  AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
  Lia Suzuki Sensei and others
  Los Angeles, California, USA
• August 29-30
  Shanghai Xijiao Aikido Dojo 15th Anniversary Celebration
  Lia Suzuki Sensei & Others
  Shanghai, China
• 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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