Clear Explanations
I'll give written explanations, along with photos and screenshots from my online video course, "Shoto Tutorial."
High Quality Production
Some of the photos will be screenshots from my online video course, "Shoto Tutorial." These videos were shot and edited in Hollywood, California by a professional video team.
What you'll gain:
- New insights into classic techniques
- New ways of moving
- Clarification on footwork
- Steps to better body alignment and posture
- Insight into internal aspects of technique
What people are saying about my work with shoto...
"Hello Lia.
Super cool! Thank you so much for your help.
There's a lot of ikkyo variations. Excellent! Very inspiring. I also notice the very soft but powerful body alignment."
Ingo, Germany
"One element that really stuck with me was continuing to lead with center, connect, and move with that connection. I valued using the shoto to demonstrate open hand techniques and feel the extension."
Cam, Petaluma, California
Testimonials
"I've found Suzuki Sensei to be a very effective teacher and martial artist. She combines quality of communication, technical proficiency, and a sense of joy in her teaching and technique.
I am also very impressed with her drive and commitment to improving access to Aikido programs for youth, especially those who might otherwise not have the opportunity to receive the benefits of Aikido training."
"Lia Sensei spent years in Japan absorbing the essence of Aikido training and Japanese perseverance and grace from great teachers, and in turn she now transmits that depth of feeling to her students. Her fundraising and charitable works are exemplary, and she does lots with very little. She is admired from far and wide."
Nat McCully
"Lia Suzuki Sensei is a highly qualified teacher of Aikido. She is one of the senior women in the United States in the art. Her training history is top notch and her instruction is powerful, clear, and personable. Very professional."
George Ledyard
Lia Suzuki
Shihan, 7th dan Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Sensei is a senior student of Yoshinobu Takeda Shihan and National Director and Founder of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA, headquartered in Los Angeles, California, USA. She's also the author of the book, "The Teacher", from the Aiki Dialogues.
Suzuki Sensei began training Aikido in 1982. Through her first teacher, the renowned William Gleason Sensei, 7th dan, she was introduced to the distinctive Aikido of the late Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan, 9th dan and one of his most accomplished students, Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan, 8th dan.
In 1987, only 3rd kyu, Lia moved to Kamakura, Japan to train with Takeda Shihan, known for his highly dynamic, uniquely flowing and physically liberating Aikido practice. Suzuki Sensei lived in Japan and trained almost daily from 1987 to 1996, receiving her 1st through 4th dan gradings at Takeda Shihan’s dojo during that time. Suzuki Sensei's experience in Japan also gave her the opportunity to train with the late Yamaguchi Sensei and other notable masters.
At Takeda Shihan’s urging, Suzuki Sensei returned to start dojos in the USA in 1996. Aikido Kenkyukai International (“AKI”) was formed to connect all the dojos around the world that are under Takeda Shihan’s umbrella.
Suzuki Sensei’s Aikido clearly reflects years of dedicated training with Takeda Shihan and his senior students. It defies typical categorizations of “hard” versus “soft.” She possesses an uncanny ability to draw an attacker into her center and effortlessly redirect, either softly or with huge force.
Suzuki Sensei directs her energies between AKI USA headquarters in Los Angeles, her other AKI USA dojos, and even dojos outside of her own organization. She has conducted seminars in Great Britain, Germany, China, the Netherlands, Australia, and other countries.
Suzuki Sensei continues to travel regularly to Japan to train with Takeda Shihan and his senior students.
Suzuki Sensei's personal mission is to foster inclusion in the Aikido world and to increase Aikido’s popularity among youth and those in their 20's and 30's.
Suzuki Sensei is available for seminars worldwide.
