🎥 WATCH: Why Trying Harder Can Actually Slow Your Aikido Progress

One of the most common mistakes beginners make in Aikido is simply trying too hard.

Not trying too hard to attend class.

Not trying too hard to improve.

But trying so hard in the technique itself that the body becomes tense and the partner gets overpowered.

In this week’s video, I talk about a few principles that can completely change how your training feels.

They involve structure, timing, and connection — and they often show up right when people stop forcing techniques.

If you've ever felt like you're working harder and harder but the technique still isn't flowing, this video may resonate.

Watch here:
https://youtu.be/n4zijASNxaA

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🌿 Your Practice Prompt

In your next class, pay attention to where effort appears in your technique.

Instead of trying to throw your partner with more strength, focus on your alignment and structure. Ask yourself: Am I moving efficiently, or am I compensating with tension?

See what happens when you prioritize structure first and allow the technique to unfold from there.

Share your experience—I read every reply.

- -

Lia Suzuki
Author
   • The Teacher
   • Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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🗓 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.
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• 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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