AKI USA Annual Summer Camp
in Los Angeles
August 7-11, 2024
Lia Suzuki
Shihan, 7th dan Aikikai
Optional Add-On:
-
Teacher Training: Practicum & Theory Classes
Welcome!
We're so excited to welcome you to Los Angeles for our annual summer camp!
Last year's camp was fantastic and we can't wait to train with you again this year!
Those of you who sent us feedback, thank you! I always appreciate know what you found helpful, fun, or... not so helpful.
Taking our cues from that feedback, you'll be glad to know that we're going to once again offer 5 days of training instead of only 3.
We're also going to include one of last year's most popular offerings - Teaching Practicum classes (classes taught by up-and-coming black belts and observed by me.)
I'd also like to add some optional outings to the schedule this year for between classes, such as a visit to the nearby Korean signature saunas and baths, Griffith Observatory, etc.
Hope to see you there!
Lia Suzuki
Chief Instructor: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
About The Instructor
Lia Suzuki
Shihan, 7th dan Aikikai
Lia Suzuki Shihan is a senior student of Yoshinobu Takeda Shihan and National Director and Founder of Aikido Kenkyukai International USA. She's also the author of the book, "The Teacher", from the Aiki Dialogues.
She began training Aikido in 1982 with the renowned William Gleason Sensei. Then, for nearly 10 years, she lived and trained intensively under Takeda Shihan in Japan.
Suzuki Sensei's experience in Japan also gave her the opportunity to train with Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the late Yamaguchi Sensei, and other notable masters.
She currently is based in Los Angeles, and directly oversees several dojos in her network. Suzuki Sensei travels extensively throughout the world, teaching at dojos outside of her affiliation, as well. She has taught in Berlin, Helsinki, Shanghai, New York City, and other cities around the world.
Suzuki Sensei's classes are active but meditative, and fun but intense. They focus on connection, posture and exploration. She encourages each individual participant to create their own Aikido, suited to their own body and temperament.
Her 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.
Lia Suzuki Shihan
7th dan, Aikikai
Demonstration at Hachiman Shrine in Kamakura, Japan, 2019
Schedule
All classes taught by Lia Suzuki Sensei unless otherwise noted.
* Denotes classes for those who purchase the Teacher Training Add-On.
Wednesday
- 10:00am-12:00pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 12:15pm-1:15pm: Lunch provided at dojo
- *1:15pm-2:15pm: Teacher Training*
- Review coursework
- Q&A
- 4:30pm-5:30pm: Teaching Practicum (All seminar participants invited to take this class and give feedback afterwards.)
- 6:00pm-7:30pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 7:45pm-ish: Refreshments
Thursday (Same as Wednesday)
- 10:00am-12:00pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 12:15pm-1:15pm: Lunch provided at dojo
- *1:15pm-2:15pm: Teacher Training*
- Review coursework
- Q&A
- 4:30pm-5:30pm: Teaching Practicum (All seminar participants invited to take this class and give feedback afterwards.)
- 6:00pm-7:30pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 7:45pm-ish: Refreshments
Friday
- 10:00am-12:00pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 12:00pm-6:00pm: FREE TIME
- 6:00pm-8pm: All-Levels Keiko
Saturday
- 10:00am-12:00pm: All-Levels Keiko
- Lunch provided at dojo
- 2:30pm-4:30pm: All-Levels Keiko
Sunday
- 10:00am-12:00pm: All-Levels Keiko
- 12:15pm: Testing
*Schedule is subject to change.
What people are saying...
"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. I really appreciated ato-keiko as well and the attention to ukemi - and particularly the way you pushed each of us appropriately to each of our growth edges. Another huge benefit was that each day had a flow and focus on a technique. I so appreciated breaking down ikkyo, irimi nage, shiho nage, etc. into smaller studies. Then the end of the day had a culmination of our learnings that helped me, as 5th kyu, understand at least a little bit more about the foundational techniques.
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 in Weilheim!
It was especially interesting to do some things we had done on Zoom during the pandemic lockdowns, now with real partners. It felt quite different (e.g. A+B footwork with real partner).
Nevertheless, the Zoom practice was very good preparation.
It was also great fun to practice "Monty pythons walk“ or techniques "against the wall“.
I think everybody enjoyed it and hopefully this will be repeated next year."
Thomas Petry, Germany
"Dear Lia, you gave a class in September 2017 in Hildesheim. Our Dojo likes to work with internal power. I was very impressed by your training. Pierre from Hildesheim"
Pierre Pihet, Germany
Registration
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Waitlist
Registration for in-person attendance is now closed. Want to join the Waitlist?
Thank you for your interest in our AKI USA Annual Summer Camp in Los Angeles with Lia Suzuki Sensei. Unfortunately, registration for in-person attendance has ended. But you can get on the waitlist in case a slot opens up. Or you can also attend remotely, via Zoom.
What people are saying...
"Lia sensei was cool with the absence of the heavy hands often found from ikkyo movement. The "drop" is a good idea to incorporate... thank you 💕
Thank you for the service you offered to the Aikidoka community!"
Suzanne Rudiger, Germany
"Lia Sensei changed my life. Her teachings in Aikido have had a profound impact on who I am today and continue to shape me everyday into a stronger, more grounded person.
Lia Sensei is truly a one-of-a-kind teacher. She is passionate to no end about Aikido which comes through in her thoughtful though very Japanese style of teaching. Her Aikido classes always leave me drenched in sweat by the end which I have almost never experienced anywhere else (except Japan!) They are intense, dynamic, and feel the way a martial art should truly feel, like a sacred practice."
Chris Coats
Filmmaker
"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
Remote attendance
We'll have Zoom running for all classes for those who cannot attend in person.
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Remote attendance
We'll have Zoom running for all classes for those who cannot attend in person.
Early Registration ends in...
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Remote attendance
We'll have Zoom running for all classes for those who cannot attend in person.
Registration for remote attendance ends in...
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