Sometimes the strongest students face the biggest challenge in Aikido.
If you're stronger than your partner, techniques may seem to work immediately. Your partner falls, everything appears successful, and it can feel like you're progressing quickly.
But that early success can be misleading.
In this week’s video, I talk about why relying on strength can eventually stall your development—and why smaller students often develop sensitivity earlier in their training.
It's an interesting paradox in Aikido.
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🎥 WATCH: Why Strong Students Often Struggle in Aikido Training
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, notice any moment when you feel yourself pushing or forcing the technique. Instead of completing the movement with strength, experiment with reducing tension step by step and observe how the interaction changes.
Share your experience—I read every reply.
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Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- 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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