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🎥 WATCH: What “Calm” Really Means in Aikido Training

by Lia Suzuki
Feb 03, 2026
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What does it actually mean to be calm in Aikido?

It’s not about pretending, suppressing nerves, or trying to relax on command.

2 person attack (Ni-nin gake)

In this week’s video, I explain calm as a trained physical state—one that gives you more time, more choice, and better technique.

If you’ve ever felt rushed, tense, or stuck using force against force, this perspective may change how you train.

Let’s check it out.


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🎥 WATCH: What “Calm” Really Means in Aikido Training

2 person attack (Ni-nin gake)

🌿 Your Practice Prompt

In your next class, when you feel rushed or tight, don’t tell yourself to calm down. Lengthen your exhale and soften your vision. Let the body lead, and notice what choices become available.

💬 What changed? How did it feel different?

Share your experience—I read every reply.

- -

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

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LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!


🗓 Upcoming Seminars


2026


  • 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, 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 13-14
    Aikido Wexford
    Lia Suzuki Sensei
    Wexford, Ireland
  • June 20-21
    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
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🎥 WATCH: Why Aikido Feels Confusing at First (And Why That’s Normal)
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