🎥 WATCH: Why Aikido Feels So Confusing at the Beginning of Training

Almost everyone feels confused when they first start training Aikido.

The movements feel unusual.
The timing feels backwards.
And many of the instincts we rely on in conflict—blocking or retreating—don’t seem to apply.

But this confusion isn’t a problem.

In fact, it’s part of the learning process.

In this week’s video, I explain why Aikido feels so strange in the beginning—and how that awkward stage eventually becomes one of the most important parts of your training.

Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/-rNiHMY2PVM

If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “doing it right” during those early stages, this video may change how you think about that experience.

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🌿 Your Practice Prompt

During your next class, notice any moment when you feel confused or awkward during a technique. Instead of resisting that feeling, treat it as information. Ask yourself: What new movement or timing is this practice trying to teach me? Then simply keep repeating the movement with patience.

Share your experience—I read every reply.

- -

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

2026

• May 28-31 (Registration closes THIS Saturday!)
  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

⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
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• July 15-19 (Super Early Registration closes May 9!)
  AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
  Lia Suzuki Sensei, Hideo Numata Sensei, and others
  Los Angeles, California, USA
• 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
  Düsseldorf, 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
• October 9-12
  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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