🎥 WATCH: Why Aikido Feels Impossible When You First Start Training

Many people watch Aikido and think it looks effortless.

Then they step on the mat for the first time and suddenly it feels… almost impossible.

Why does that happen?

In this week’s training video, I explain one of the biggest reasons beginners struggle with Aikido—and why what you see in advanced practice can be very misleading.

Understanding this can completely change how you approach your training.

🎥 Watch the video here:
https://youtu.be/TIRtb6GOLK0

If you’ve ever wondered why Aikido feels so difficult at the beginning, this perspective may help you see your training in a very different way.

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🌿 Your Practice Prompt

During your next class, pay attention to moments where you start adding strength or tension to “make” a technique work.

Instead of pushing harder, experiment with softening your shoulders and loosening your knees. Notice whether removing tension changes your timing, balance, or sensitivity to your partner.

Sometimes improvement in Aikido comes not from adding effort—but from removing it.

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

• 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

⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE

This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
Click to join the notification list and be first to receive registration details.

• July 15-19
  AKI USA Annual Summer Camp & 30th Anniversary Celebration
  Lia Suzuki 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...

Click here for details on all my seminars.

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