"It was wonderful to see teachers from different federations at the same seminar. Overall, what caught my attention was how each instructor engaged with uke in the first instant of the techniques."

Chris Scarpinatto, Brazil

"My key takeaways were:

Suzuki Sensei's Class: Don’t change the force at the point of contact. Try and keep it as constant as possible while moving your body instead of the contact point. Techniques will emerge on their own accord.

Toyoda Sensei's Class: Again blending and leading were important but more focus was placed on extending forwards regardless of body movement.

Bell Sensei's Class: As I mentioned I only saw the first 20 mins but the main appeared to be maintaining a centre line connection with your uke while at the same time moving your body."

Dave Matthews, Perth, Australia

"Terrific class from both instructors today!

I appreciated that the content of the two classes was very complementary. I plan to shamelessly take ideas from both teachers and incorporate them in classes at my home dojo.

I felt that Bell Sensei skillfully distilled fundamental aikido principles -- e.g. drawing and extending the force of an attack to unbalance attacker -- into the progression of techniques she demonstrated.

Suzuki Sensei's focus on maintaining a relaxed natural posture (structure) as nage, and responsive connection as uke, are also both fundamental elements for a meaningful and enjoyable practice.

Finally I appreciated that neither instructor was overly "teachy" and gave students the permission and space for discovery together with their training partners."

Neville Nason, Redwood City, CA, USA

"It was my pleasure and honor to attend this seminar. I enjoyed training with everyone so much!

First, I found most interesting what all the respectful senseis were focusing on - the idea of not being angry, nervous, or having stress. Each of you trained us with a smile, on your face.

Second, the seminar transformed me personally a lot. Before training with you all, a friend of mine called me and told me to take care, because, according to him, great senseis don't accept anyone to talk with them or even come near them!

I called him after training the very first day to tell him that he was wrong. I told him that all the respectful senseis were humble, kind, professional, ❤️.....)

Technically, the seminar has transformed me to work more on my center of gravity. I have heard a lot during the training in Germany, Lebanon, or in Italy about working on the center of gravity, but in this seminar I felt it and understood it better.

Third, the most fun was in training in groups. This gave me the chance to train with all partners, and in each group we helped each other to focus on our techniques to make them as clean as possible and increase our cardio.

Finally I appreciate all of you, especially insisting several times on mentioning that Aikido isn't a show, Aikido is a martial art. It's not the work of my partner (uki) to fall down, it's not a show, be realistic (your words)

Thanks for you all, teachers and students for giving me the chance to train with you and learn from you."

Mohamad Barakat, Saida, Lebanon

"Good to meet you, Lia Sensei, and thank you for the (must have been huge) organizational effort you put into making the weekend work so well."

Fred Phillips, Albuquerque, NM, USA

"First of all, just a great big thank you! Your hospitality was very much appreciated. The dinners and lunch were fun. And thanks for including my wife and allowing her to watch. All of us from Aikido Ai had a great time.

It was great reconnecting with Ikeda Sensei. And it was great meeting and training with you and Angus Sensei. I particularly enjoyed your classes. I love your enthusiasm and creativity. It was inspiring!

Thanks again and hope to see and train with you soon."

Jason Oxman
Aikido Ai Whittier, CA

"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. 

As a student, I feel more confident going into an attack with energy and trust in my ukemi. I also notice more spirals in the techniques that help stretch out uke, and the importance of bending my knees and using the ground as a resource, connection point and ally."

Cam, Petaluma, California

"Thanks again for the wonderful seminar!

It was especially interesting to do some things we had done on Zoom during the pandemic lockdowns, now with real partners.

I think everybody enjoyed it and hopefully this will be repeated next year."

Thomas Petry, Germany

"The dojo where I am training now has a lot of beginners, so I am very focused on how to help them understand the principles behind our techniques, and also to avoid the mistakes I have made myself and have had to unlearn. All of the classes I watched showed practical, inspiring ways to do this.

I am grateful to you and the membership of your dojo for all of the work you did to make this event happen.

All the best."

Chris Scarpinatto, Brazil

"Thank you for the seminar and for offering this possibility to “be there” and learn.

I enjoyed how you as the Senseis created a continuum of exploration on the mat, almost taking over where the previous Sensei was teaching, giving insights into elements of shoto, connection and momentum."

Lydia Marti Fleury, Germany

"Doumo Arigato!

Thank you very much Lia Sensei, Ikeda Sensei, & Greg Sensei!

I've undoubtedly gained a lot of invaluable insights from this Seminar!
Including (but not limited to):

• learning to fix my gaze
• the value of staying within the center-line
• the importance of maintaining connection by responding & inviting

I especially thank you Lia Sensei for the Jo which is unlike any other Jo I've trained with!

I'm grateful for the opportunity & connecting with so many new Aikidoka!

Arigatou Gozaimasu!"

Jeremiah Herrera, Arizona