Ikkyo can be tricky—even for seasoned Aikido practitioners.
In this video, we continue our series on refining this foundational technique. We start by addressing common pitfalls like collapsing or overextending the lower arm. Using a shoto in the upper hand, we guide students to focus on spatial awareness and natural, cooperative movement—rather than stiffness or force.
This clip is from our Los Angeles Summer Camp, and toward the end, I share an exciting update: my new book Mastering the Shoto is on the way! Plus, details on how to grab my current book The Teacher and info about upcoming seminars.
I hope this gives you new insight, fresh inspiration, and motivation to keep refining your technique—and take your Aikido to the next level.
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Let’s dive in. And be sure to stick around until the end for a special announcement.
🎥 WATCH: Aikido Ikkyo: Avoid These Common Mistakes & Unlock Fluid, Powerful Technique
đź’¬ Question for You:
Let me know in the comments:
- Do you find Ikkyo to be a challenging technique?
- And if you’re an instructor, what kinds of exercises do you do with your students to help them with Ikkyo?
Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
❤️ Support
LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
đź—“ Upcoming Seminars
2025
- September 12-14
Ima Juku Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Baarn, Netherlands - September 16
Aikido-Shinboku-Verein
Lia Suzuki Sensei
DĂĽsseldorf, Germany - September 17-21
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
Lia Suzuki Sensei
- - September 17-18: Yudansha Seminar
- - September 19-21: Mixed Levels Seminar
Bonn, Germany - September 22-23
PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Heidelberg, Germany - October 10-12
Aikido & Healing Arts Center of Roseville
Senseis Michael Friedl, Craig Fife, and Lia Suzuki
Roseville, CA, USA - November 14-16
Denver Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Denver, CO, USA
2026
- March 27-29
Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
Senseis Sakabe, Johansson, Lin, and Suzuki
Kumamoto, Japan - July 3-5
Aikido Aishinkan Latvia
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Riga, Latvia - July TBD
Aikido Kenkyukai Los Angeles Summer Camp & 30 Year Anniversary!!
Senseis Lia Suzuki and Others
Los Angeles, California, USA - October 2-4
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, CO, USA
Click here for details on all my seminars.
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