0

New Book! "THE TEACHER: INTERVIEW WITH LIA SUZUKI" Click here.

Header Logo
About Seminars Contact Blog
Log In
← Back to all posts

🎥 WATCH: Why Fixing Your Feet Slows You Down

by Lia Suzuki
Dec 30, 2025
Connect

Many Aikido practitioners work hard on their stance—yet still feel slow, heavy, or slightly behind the moment.

2 person attack (Ni-nin gake)

In this week’s video, I clarify a common misunderstanding: stability doesn’t come from fixing your feet or locking into a position. In fact, over-focusing on foot placement often creates rigidity and delays movement.

I explain where real stability comes from, when a wide stance does make sense (and when it doesn’t), and why soft knees and alive feet are essential for being ready rather than braced.

Let’s check it out.


đź’™ Enjoying these weekly Aikido insights?
You can support the project and help keep them coming — starting at just $5/month.
Support the Newsletter →


🎥 WATCH: Aikido Stance Explained: Adaptable, Not Fixed

2 person attack (Ni-nin gake)

🌿 Your Practice Prompt

During your next class…

  • Take Kamae and notice whether your knees are softly alive or quietly locked.
  • Let your feet respond instead of holding them in place.
  • Observe whether you feel immediately ready—or braced and waiting.

đź’¬ What changed when you focused on readiness instead of stability?

Share your experience—I read every reply.

- -

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

❤️ Support


LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!


đź—“ 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, 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.


đź’™ 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:

  • Supporter – $5/month
  • Sustainer – $10/month
  • Patron – $20/month

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.

🎥 WATCH: Why Your Aikido Doesn’t Feel Smooth Yet — And How to Fix It
Many people assume stiff Aikido means they need better technique, more strength, or faster movement. In this week’s video, I explain why that’s rarely the real issue — and where smooth Aikido actually breaks down. If your practice feels choppy or disconnected, pay close attention to what happens between movements. That’s where flow lives. Let’s check it out. 💙 Enjoying these weekly Aikido ins...
WATCH: Aikido Basics: 3 Mistakes That Quietly Slow Your Progress
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 y...
WATCH: Aikido Solo Training That Works
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 tec...

Weekly Aikido Training Videos

Get weekly Aikido videos from Lia Suzuki Sensei — short lessons to level up your technique, stay healthy, and be first to know about global seminars.
Footer Logo
About Seminars Contact Blog
© 2026 Lia Suzuki

Did you find what you were looking for?

Tell me your interests and I'll do my best to send relevant information.

I hate SPAM. I'll never share your info with anyone. And you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want to know more?

Submit the form below and I'll send you info relevant to your interests.

Or contact me directly at +1-424-209-2083 | [email protected]

IMPORTANT! After you submit the form, please check your inbox for a confirmation email and a gift from me.