If you've ever watched a senior student train and thought, "that doesn't look anything like what I'm doing," you're right — and the difference isn't just skill level.
It's a fundamentally different relationship with the training itself.
In this week's video, I share a story about a sandan student who once told me why advanced students stop over-explaining: "That's when we understand that we don't really know very much."
Beginners learn techniques. Advanced students study principles, using technique as a container for what they're really practicing. Knowing the steps isn't the same as understanding them — and understanding isn't the same as embodying them.
I also break down why beginner's mind isn't just a nice metaphor but a technical requirement for progress, why over-explaining robs your training partners of real growth, and the story of the day Yamaguchi sensei told a room full of sandans and above, "None of you know shihonage."
▶️ Watch here:
As always, thank you for training with me each week.
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, notice one thing you already "know." Can you tear it down and approach it with true beginner's mind today — as if you were learning it for the very first time?
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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2026
- 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
DĂĽsseldorf, 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 - November 6-8
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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