Lia Suzuki’s Virtual Dojo

Distance in Aikido — maai — is often misunderstood as physical space. But it’s not about how far apart you stand. It’s a relationship that changes moment to moment. In this episode, we explore how distance is...

Why does trying to “get it right” often slow our progress in Aikido? In this episode, I explore how the desire for correctness can create tension in both the mind and body — and how real learning emerges through...

In this episode, we explore why watching is essential to learning Aikido and how it shapes perception, timing, and the ability to absorb principles. Progress doesn’t stop when your body stops moving. In fact, some of...

When people say “stay calm” or “calm down,” it often sounds like advice you’re supposed to will into existence. In Aikido, calm means something very different. In this episode, I explain calm as a trained physical...

Many people believe that progress in Aikido comes from trying harder. While effort is sometimes necessary, applying it in the wrong place can actually slow development. In this episode, I explain why forcing technique...

Why does Aikido feel confusing at first? And why does that confusion often linger longer than we expect? In this episode, I talk about why confusion is a normal and necessary part of learning Aikido. When we begin...

In this episode, I share what I wish someone had explained to me during my very first year of Aikido. Many students are surprised when their fast early progress suddenly slows down, and they begin to wonder whether...

Fast attacks in Aikido can feel overwhelming — but speed itself usually isn’t the real issue. In this episode, I explore why our internal reaction to speed matters more than how fast an attack actually is. When...

What makes an Aikido stance truly stable? In this episode, I clarify a common misunderstanding that affects many practitioners: stability does not come from fixing your feet, lowering your stance, or holding your body...

If your Aikido feels stiff or choppy, it’s probably not because you don’t know enough techniques. In this episode, Lia Suzuki explores why smooth movement breaks down — and how to restore flow without adding force,...

Aikido Basics: 3 Mistakes That Quietly Slow Your Progress Many students believe they’re training Aikido basics—but unknowingly reinforce habits that slow their progress over time. In this episode, Lia Suzuki breaks...