Most Aikido students think progress only happens when they’re actively training.
But some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you’re simply watching.
In this week’s training video, I share why observation is a core skill in Aikido — and how it develops perception, deepens understanding, and helps principles transfer faster than technique memorization.
This changes how you sit at the edge of the mat.
How you watch seminars.
Even how you watch videos.
Let’s check it out.
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🎥 WATCH: Why Watching Is Essential to Learning Aikido
🌿 Your Practice Prompt
Next time you're at the Dojo or watching a video:
• Watch the feet
• Watch the angles of the center
• Watch the relationship between Uke and Nage
• Move subtly as you watch — even if it’s just small internal shifts
• Watch once as Nage… then again imagining you are Uke
Observation trains perception.
Perception accelerates learning.
Training continues — even when you’re not moving.
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
- March 6-8
Orange County Aikido
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Orange, California, USA - March 20-21
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Kaosung, Taiwan - March 22
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Taipei, Taiwan - March 27-29
Cherry Blossom Seminar in Kumamoto, Japan
Senseis Sakabe, Lin, Takahashi, and Suzuki
Kumamoto, Japan - 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.
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- 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 TBD
Bewegung & Lebenskunst Bonn
Lia Suzuki Sensei
- - September 17-18: Yudansha Seminar
- - September 19-21: Mixed Levels Seminar
Bonn, Germany - September TBD
PSV Heidelberg Aikido Sansuikai Dojo
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Heidelberg, Germany - October 2-4
Mountain West Aikido - Livingston
Lia Suzuki Sensei
Livingston, CO, 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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