Most people think distance in Aikido is about how far apart you stand.
It isn’t.
Maai is a relationship — constantly shifting based on your partner, intent, timing, and presence.
When distance is off, panic creeps in.
When distance is right, movement becomes simple… and you suddenly have options.
This video explores:
• why distance can’t be measured
• how it affects calm and timing
• how to start developing real sensitivity
Let’s check it out.
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🎥 WATCH: Why Maai Creates Calm (Not Panic) in Aikido
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
This week, don’t try to “measure” distance.
Instead, notice:
-
when you feel rushed
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when you feel calm
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when movement feels simple
-
when you suddenly have options
Ask yourself:
What changed in the relationship — not the space?
Train with different partners and observe how maai shifts each time.
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 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, 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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