Many Aikido students focus almost entirely on learning techniques.
But there’s another skill that often gets overlooked—and it can make a huge difference in how quickly you improve.
It’s the skill of how to watch.
Experienced practitioners observe demonstrations very differently than beginners. They notice posture, timing, alignment, and connection—not just the obvious movements.
In this week’s video, I explain how developing your observation skills can dramatically change your training.
Once you begin to see these details, Aikido starts to open up in new ways.
Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/EGW-3srW2EI
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
At your next class, choose one demonstration and focus on observing just one element.
First watch the feet. Then watch the hands. Then observe the alignment between partners.
You may be surprised how much more you notice.
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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LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- May 28-31 (only 7 spots remaining!)
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.
Click to join the notification list and be first to receive registration details.
- July 15-19 (Super Early Registration closes May 9!)
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 - 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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