AKI USA Annual Summer Camp
in Los Angeles
August 7-11, 2024
Lia Suzuki Shihan
7th dan, Aikikai
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All-Levels Aikido Classes
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Yudansha Aikido Classes
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Teacher Training Theory
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Teacher Training Practicum
Both in-person, as well as remote attendance options available.
Welcome!
We are so excited to welcome you to Los Angeles for our annual summer camp!
Since reopening after the COVID lockdowns, the landscape has really changed! More women through the doors, more white belts, deeper commitment, etc.
So we've been experimenting with lots of new ideas in the last couple years, with great results!
In keeping with this spirit of experimentation, this year will be the first time that we're offering a 5-Day Camp, rather than our usual three. And it's the first time we're offering Yudansha Classes, as well as our usual, All-Levels Classes.
There will also be Teacher Training Theory & Practicum classes for Yudansha.
Check all the details below.
Looking forward to training together soon!
Lia Suzuki
Chief Instructor: Aikido Kenkyukai International USA
*1st kyu and 2nd kyu students are also welcome to join the Yudansha Classes and Teacher Training Course. Register in the "Registration for Yudansha" section below.
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
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 for Yudansha
(If you are 1st kyu or 2nd kyu and would like to join the special yudansha classes and Teacher Training Course, register here.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Super Early Registration Ends in...
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White Belts Registration
(Those who do not yet have dan rank.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Super Early Registration Ends in...
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Registration for Black Belts
(If you are a white belt and would like to join the special Black Belt classes and Teacher Training Course, click here for consideration.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Early Registration Ends in...
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White Belts Registration
(Those who do not yet have dan rank.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Early Registration Ends in...
00
DAYS
00
HOURS
00
MINS
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SECS
Registration for Black Belts
(If you are a white belt and would like to join the special Black Belt classes and Teacher Training Course, click here for consideration.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Registration Ends in...
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DAYS
00
HOURS
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MINS
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SECS
White Belts Registration
(Those who do not yet have dan rank.)
Can't make it all five days?
Single-Day rates also available. Click here to inquire.
Registration Ends in...
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DAYS
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HOURS
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Notification List
Registration opens soon. Would you like us to notify you?
Thank you for your interest in our Annual Summer Camp in Los Angeles! Registration will be opening soon. You can get on the Pre-Registration List if you'd like and we'll be sure to notify you as soon as we open the doors.
Get On The Notification ListWhat 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.
Super 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.
Early Registration ends in...
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DAYS
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HOURS
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SECS
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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DAYS
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HOURS
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SECS