Have you ever been told to “relax” in Aikido?
Yep, me too — but in Japan, my teachers never said “relax.”
They said “chikara wo nuide.”
It doesn’t mean to chill out or go limp. It means remove strength — release unnecessary tension so your power can move freely through your body.
In this week’s video, I share what that really means — and how you can train it, no matter your age or experience.
I also go over three ways to loosen up without relying on endless ukemi sessions (though that kind of training, under the right teacher, is incredibly powerful).
These small shifts can completely change your Aikido — making your movement more alive, connected, and even paradoxically heavier to your partner.
And for those of you who’ve ever trained with someone who feels 400 pounds but still moves like water — that’s the result of chikara wo nuide.
Let’s check it out.
💙 Enjoying these weekly Aikido insights?
You can support the project and help keep them coming — starting at just $5/month.
Support the Newsletter →
🎥 WATCH: Loosen Up in Aikido: The Hidden Key to Real Power (Chikara wo Nuide Explained).
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class…
💨 Notice where tension hides — shoulders, hips, hands.
🌀 Try loosening just one joint at a time while keeping your structure.
🤝 Feel if your partner’s grip or movement changes as you soften.
💬 What did you discover about looseness and connection?
Share your experience—I read every reply.
P.S. This video also is part of a new playlist: Aikido Insights with Lia Suzuki — a series of short, concept-driven talks exploring the philosophy, mindset, and “why” behind Aikido.
- -
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
❤️ Support
LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2025
- November 14-16
Denver Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Denver, CO, USA - November 30
Aikido Kenkyukai Pennsylvania
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Fort Washington, PA, USA
2026
- January 9-11
New Year's Seminar
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Los Angeles, California, USA - March 6-8
Orange County Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Orange, California, USA - March 20-21
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Kaosung, Taiwan - March 22
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Taipei or Hsinchu (TBD), Taiwan - March 27-29
Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
Senseis Sakabe, Johansson, Lin, and Suzuki
Kumamoto, Japan - May 28-31
Aikido Kenkyukai Los Angeles
Senseis Hiroshi Ikeda, Lia Suzuki, and Bruno Gonzalez
Los Angeles, California, USA - June 26-28
Aikido Wexford
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Wexford, Ireland - July 3-4
Marple Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Marple, Stockport, Cheshire, UK - July 15-19
AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
Senseis Daiyu Takeda, Lia Suzuki, and others
Los Angeles, California, USA - 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...
Click here for details on all my seminars.
Coming to one of my seminars? Want your own Limited-Edition Lia Suzuki Shoto? Reserve yours and I'll bring one for you!
👉 Click here to reserve yours.
💙 Enjoying these weekly videos?
If you’d like to support my work and help keep these coming, you can subscribe at any level that feels right for you:
All tiers receive the same content — it's just a way to support the project and keep it sustainable.
Unsubscribe: If you'd rather not receive these weekly videos, you can use the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. You'll still stay subscribed to my other lists unless you opt out separately.
