Santa Barbara Aikido Sensei Shares Her Expertise With Students Across the U.S.

SANTA BARBARA, CA--(Marketwire - Apr 18, 2012) - Lia Suzuki Sensei, a 6^th dan chief instructor at Santa Barbara's premiere non-profit Aikido organization, Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara (AKSB), has been invited to share her expertise as a guest instructor at two dojos this month. Suzuki Sensei, a 30-year Aikido veteran, trained in Japan for almost ten years with Aikido master Takeda Yoshinobu Sensei. Suzuki Sensei is credited with bringing Takeda Sensei's unique style of Aikido to the United States.

Suzuki Sensei will teach at Aikido Kenkyukai Pennsylvania on April 20-22. The seminar is dedicated to the dojo's instructor, Steve Trinkle Sensei, who is currently recovering from a stroke. Suzuki Sensei will work to give the students and the interim instructor guidance, confidence, and moral support during this difficult time.

"I'm inspired by Steve Sensei and his tireless use of Aikido principles in his recovery. His work will undoubtedly benefit others in the future," said Suzuki Sensei.

Suzuki Sensei is also honored to be invited to Fremont for a second annual seminar, on April 28-29^th. The Bay Area has perhaps the highest number of Aikido practitioners per capita of any city in the U.S., with many outstanding instructors. Although Aikido of Fremont is an organization apart from Aikido Kenkyukai, Suzuki Sensei stands for working together rather than competing.

"The founder of Aikido was very specific that there should be no competition, but rather a contest with ourselves. I honor this philosophy and support other dojos whenever possible," said Suzuki Sensei.

For more information about these seminars please visit: http://aki-usa.org/events/

About Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara

Aikido Kenkyukai Santa Barbara is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging the practice of the Japanese non-violent martial art of aikido and promoting Aikido as a positive and effective vehicle for self-improvement and spiritual growth. In addition to offering traditional Aikido classes to beginner through advanced level practitioners, AKSB has done pioneering work using Aikido as a therapeutic vehicle for youth and adults with mental health and substance abuse issues, and has worked closely with drug rehabilitation centers, probation departments, and jails, offering workshops on AiKi Conflict Transformation.

For more information on AKSB, to schedule an introductory class, or make a tax deductible donation please visit www.aksb.org