🎥 WATCH: Why Soft Aikido Is More Difficult Than Most People Think

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.

- -

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 (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...

Click here for details on all my seminars.

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