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🎥 WATCH: What Yamaguchi Sensei Taught Me About Presence

by Lia Suzuki
Sep 01, 2026
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Years ago I sat in a coffee shop in Japan with Yamaguchi Sensei after training, and the quality of his attention in that conversation was identical to his attention on the mat. This week's video is about what that taught me about Zanshin.

I break down what Zanshin actually is, why the most advanced thing any practice develops is accurate perception rather than technique, and a simple way to start training your own attention to arrive earlier.

▶️ Watch here:

https://youtu.be/M-u1pZ6XcHo

As always, thank you for training with me each week.

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🌿 Your Practice Prompt

This week, in one class, try moving a moment earlier than you usually would, before your partner's grab or strike fully arrives. Don't change anything else. Just notice what that fraction of a second changes.

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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🗓 Upcoming Seminars

  • August 29-30
    Shanghai Xijiao Aikido Dojo 15th Anniversary Celebration
    Lia Suzuki Sensei & Others
    Shanghai, China
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    Aikido of San Diego 
    Lia Suzuki Sensei
    San Diego, CA, USA
  • September 14-27, 2026
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      PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
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    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

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Aikido training across multiple cities

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