Skip to content
Sign in
Artwork for Lia Suzuki’s Virtual Dojo
Lia Suzuki’s Virtual Dojo · July 28 · 11 min

The Real Difference Between a 3rd Dan and a 4th Dan

In this episode, Lia Suzuki breaks down what actually separates the dan grades in Aikido — and it isn't more complicated technique. Prompted by watching a student's presence shift almost overnight, Lia unpacks the real markers she looks for when deciding someone is ready to test, and shares four things any practitioner can start practicing today, regardless of rank. In this episode: Why presence — not confidence — is what Lia actually looks for before testing a student What changes between 3rd dan and 4th dan (hint: it's not more techniques) Why connection replaces control as your primary organizing principle Four practical tips: slow down and don't cut corners, train what you already have, be first on/last off the mat, and chase down your sempai An announcement about Lia's September Germany tour Resources mentioned: Free Weekly Training Video Newsletter: https://www.lia-suzuki.com/newsletters/2147530761/subscribe Body Alignment Checklist for Martial Artists: https://www.lia-suzuki.com/body-alignment-checklist The Teacher (book): https://lia-suzuki.com/book Mastering the Shoto, A Comprehensive Guide for Aikido Enthusiasts: https://lia-suzuki.com/shoto-book Germany Tour waitlist (Sept 14–27): https://lia-suzuki.com/seminars Remote training options: https://www.lia-suzuki.com/remote-membership-options In-person LA classes: https://www.aki-usa.org/intro-options-adults Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/a1nj9qq8a7A CTA: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training partner working toward their next rank. And if you'd like a free training video like this delivered every week, join the newsletter using the link above.

0:00-11:42
Play in

transcript

No transcript — this publisher did not publish one.

show notes

In this episode, Lia Suzuki breaks down what actually separates the dan grades in Aikido — and it isn't more complicated technique. Prompted by watching a student's presence shift almost overnight, Lia unpacks the real markers she looks for when deciding someone is ready to test, and shares four things any practitioner can start practicing today, regardless of rank.

In this episode:

  • Why presence — not confidence — is what Lia actually looks for before testing a student
  • What changes between 3rd dan and 4th dan (hint: it's not more techniques)
  • Why connection replaces control as your primary organizing principle
  • Four practical tips: slow down and don't cut corners, train what you already have, be first on/last off the mat, and chase down your sempai
  • An announcement about Lia's September Germany tour

Resources mentioned:

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/a1nj9qq8a7A

CTA: If this episode resonated with you, share it with a training partner working toward their next rank. And if you'd like a free training video like this delivered every week, join the newsletter using the link above.

links8

more episodes

All episodes