Have you ever watched a senior instructor move and felt like something was different, but couldn't quite say what?
I've felt that for years.
I spent nearly a decade living and training in Japan, and there's a quality to how the senior instructors there move that I've never seen fully replicated anywhere else.
In this week's video, I try to put words to that difference - and what it actually is.
It starts with timing: an entrance that begins before contact even happens.
It continues with a stillness so complete that their preparation becomes invisible.
That stillness is also why structure and shock absorption start to replace raw strength at a level most of us never reach - and why every movement can feel complete rather than pieced together.
I also share a story from a class with Yamaguchi sensei that still humbles me to this day, and why finding the right teacher matters more than most people realize.
▶️ Watch here:
https://youtu.be/6r7JuJRpwZ8
As always, thank you for training with me each week.
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, notice the moment before physical contact. Are you waiting for the technique to begin—or are your attention, structure, and body already prepared?
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
2026
⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
- July 18
AKI USA 30th Anniversary Celebration: EMBUKAI!
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 - November 6-8
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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