After 45 years in Aikido, I've never trained another martial art, so I can't compare them. What I can tell you is the specific, demanding list Aikido has asked of me. This week's video starts with the fact that there's no scoreboard.
I explain why your partner's well-being is a technical requirement, not just an ethical nice-to-have, why ego shows up in your hands whether you want it to or not, and a story about a student named Richard and a big hug.
▶️ Watch here:
As always, thank you for training with me each week.
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
This week, notice one moment where you're tempted to push a partner into position. Instead, pause and ask yourself what they're already predisposed to do, then work with that instead.
Share your experience—I read every reply.
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Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
❤️ Support
🗓 Upcoming Seminars
- October 2-4, 2026
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, MT, USA - November 20-22, 2026
Aikido Kenkyukai Pennsylvania
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Fort Washington, PA, USA
Looking Ahead to 2027
I'm planning three small-group Aikido Training Tours for 2027:
🌸 March — Kumamoto, Japan
Aikido training during cherry blossom season
🇯🇵 May — Tokyo • Yokohama • Kamakura
Aikido training across several dojos
🇩🇪 🇳🇱 September — Germany + Netherlands
Aikido training across multiple cities
Interested in joining me? Click here to join the interest list.
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