Many martial arts students train for a few years and move on.
But in Aikido, it's surprisingly common to meet practitioners who have been training for 20, 30, even 40 years.
Why does that happen?
In this week's video, I explore three reasons Aikido often becomes a lifelong practice, including a story from my years training in Japan that still stays with me today.
If you've ever wondered why some people keep returning to the dojo year after year, I think you'll enjoy this one.
Watch the video here:
I'd also love to hear your own answer to the question:
What keeps you training?
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🌿 Your Practice Prompt
During your next class, pay attention to something that feels different than it did a year ago—even if the technique is the same. What has changed: the movement, your understanding, your awareness, or you?
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Lia Suzuki
Author
• The Teacher
• Mastering The Shoto
Director: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
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LET'S TRAIN TOGETHER!
🗓 Upcoming Seminars
2026
- July 1
Aikido Demonstration and Conversation: A Martial Path of Peace and Healing
Saint Paul's Episcopal Church
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Brookline, MA, USA
⭐ 30TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE
This year’s Summer Camp marks 30 years of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA.
- July 15-19 (Early Registration closes June 13!)
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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