Have you ever felt like your Aikido wasn't improving?
Maybe you've even wondered whether you were getting worse.
Most of us have experienced that feeling.
In this week's video, I share one idea that completely changed how I think about long-term training.
What if Aikido isn't primarily teaching techniques at all?
What if every repetition is actually teaching your nervous system?
That simple shift explains why progress often feels invisible for long stretches, why breakthroughs seem to arrive suddenly, and why experienced practitioners often move so effortlessly.
If you've ever felt frustrated by your progress—or simply wondered why Aikido takes so many years to develop—I think you'll enjoy this one.
▶️ Watch here:
https://youtu.be/9sQiv6e0zJc
As always, thank you for training with me each week.
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, spend less attention trying to perform the "perfect" technique and more attention observing your nervous system.
- Can you notice unnecessary tension?
- Can you recover calm more quickly after each attack?
- Can you become just a little more sensitive to your partner's movement?
Rather than asking, "Did I execute the technique correctly?" ask, "What did my nervous system learn today?"
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
⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
- July 15-19 (Registration closes July 11!)
AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
Lia Suzuki Sensei, Hideo Numata Sensei, and others
Los Angeles, California, USA - August 29-30
Shanghai Xijiao Aikido Dojo 15th Anniversary Celebration
Lia Suzuki Sensei & Others
Shanghai, China - September 4-6
Aikido of San Diego
Lia Suzuki Sensei
San Diego, CA, USA - September 14-15
PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Heidelberg, Germany - September 16-20
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
Lia Suzuki Sensei
- - September 16-17: Yudansha Seminar
- - September 18-20: Mixed Levels Seminar
Bonn, Germany - September TBD
Aikido Shinboku e.V.
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Düsseldorf, Germany - September 25-27
Aiki Dojo Sehnde
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Sehnde, Germany - October 2-4
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, MT, USA - November 6-8
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.
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