When you first start Aikido, your focus is simple:
Just get through class without getting hurt.
You’re trying to remember the movements, figure out which foot goes where, and survive your first attempts at ukemi.
But over time, something interesting happens.
Your training begins to shift — from survival…
to refinement…
to sensitivity, timing, and efficiency.
In this week’s video, I talk about how Aikido evolves as you train longer, and what students often experience at each stage of their journey.
If you’ve ever wondered why training feels different after a few years (or decades), this video may resonate with you.
Let’s check it out.
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🎥 WATCH: How Aikido Changes as You Train Longer (Beginner to Advanced)
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
Next time you train, notice what you are focusing on.
Are you still trying to remember the steps?
Are you refining posture and relaxation?
Or are you beginning to feel timing and efficiency emerge?
Each stage of Aikido reveals something different.
Instead of rushing ahead, try this:
Pick one small refinement — maybe relaxing your shoulders, bending your knees more deeply, or paying attention to timing — and work on it throughout the class.
Over time, those small refinements accumulate into real transformation.
Share your experience—I read every reply.
- -
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
🗓 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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