Soft Aikido often looks effortless from the outside.
But in reality, it may be one of the hardest things to develop in training.
In this week’s video, I talk about:
- why softness actually requires strong structure
- how tension disrupts timing and connection
- the hidden danger of “getting good” at forcing techniques
- why mature Aikido often looks simple only after years of repetition
I also share a story from training in Japan connected to Yamaguchi Sensei that deeply shaped how I think about softness and ukemi.
Watch here:
https://youtu.be/bsaHfOGehgY
I hope the video gives you some ideas to explore in your own practice this week.
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, pay attention to the exact moment you begin forcing a technique. Can you release unnecessary tension and reorganize your movement instead of pushing harder?
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
- May 28-31 (Registration for in-person attendance now closed. Click to join via Zoom!)
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.
- July 15-19 (Early Registration closes June 13!)
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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