Can you improve your Aikido without a partner? Many people assume the answer is “not really”… but that’s not entirely true.
Over the years, I’ve noticed something interesting: when students practice certain movements on their own — even small, subtle ones — they start developing better posture, clearer footwork, and a deeper sense of Zanshin. And when they return to partner training, their technique often feels more grounded and connected.
In this week’s video, I share the solo exercises and training approaches that consistently help people make real progress, even when training on their own.
Inside the episode:
- The surprising value of mindful solo movement
- How subtle motions activate the right neural pathways
- Why shoto work can mimic an attacker’s arm
- A simple footwork-grid drill you can do at home
- A 10-minute solo routine for posture, timing, and awareness
Solo training doesn’t replace working with a partner — but it can strengthen your Aikido in ways you might not expect.
Let’s check it out.
💙 Enjoying these weekly Aikido insights?
You can support the project and help keep them coming — starting at just $5/month.
Support the Newsletter →
🎥 WATCH: How to Practice Aikido Alone — Solo Drills That Actually Work
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next solo practice session…
• Slow each movement and notice what your feet are actually doing.
• Try one technique “in the air,” focusing on clear lines and relaxed arms.
• Use a shoto as an “attacker’s arm” and practice nikyo
• End with a minute of suri-ashi and see if you can maintain good posture.
💬 What felt different when you moved with full awareness—even without a partner?
Share your experience—I read every reply.
- -
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
❤️ Support
LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- January 9-11
New Year's Seminar
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Los Angeles, California, USA - 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 or Hsinchu (TBD), 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...
Click here for details on all my seminars.
Coming to one of my seminars? Want your own Limited-Edition Lia Suzuki Shoto? Reserve yours and I'll bring one for you!
👉 Click here to reserve yours.
💙 Enjoying these weekly videos?
If you’d like to support my work and help keep these coming, you can subscribe at any level that feels right for you:
All tiers receive the same content — it's just a way to support the project and keep it sustainable.
Unsubscribe: If you'd rather not receive these weekly videos, you can use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. You'll still stay subscribed to my other lists unless you opt out separately.
