AiKi Conflict Transformation Workshops

“I was an inmate in the La Morada Women’s Minimum Security Jail. I would like to tell you how Lia’s teachings were incorporated into situations that might have otherwise become volatile. Anger was met with kindness and even the guards commented on how well we handled our conflicts. I have been a productive member of society for six years now and still incorporate Lia’s teachings, when necessary, into my life.”

August 2nd and 9th, 2001

On August 2nd and 9th in collaboration with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, a two-part workshop was given by Lia Suzuki Sensei at La Morada Women’s Correctional Facility in Santa Barbara, California. The title of the workshop was Aiki Conflict Transformation. Aiki Conflict Transformation is a system of Conflict Resolution, which using Aikido principles, strives to harness the power of conflict and transform it into positive energy enabling personal growth and development.

Testimonial

Melissa
July, 2006

“I was an inmate in the La Morada Women’s Minimum Security Jail in the summer of 2000. During that time I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in some workshops given by Lia Suzuki. Lia Sensei was teaching something she called ACT (AiKi Conflict Transformation).”

“Although these classes were mandatory, few of us wanted to attend. I remember thinking this was the last thing I wanted to do.”

“I will never forget my first impression of Sensei Lia. She was the epitome of confidence. She made eye contact with each inmate and was clearly not intimitaded. I was also impressed by what awesome shape she was in, WOW!!!”

“We started off by associating our mood with a color. I was a mellow mint green as I recall. We streched and warmed up for five to ten minutes then were placed with a partner for the next phase of class. Lia called this Verbal Conflict Resolution.”

“We were instructed to start an argument with our partner then asked to “diffuse or avoid” one. Lia pointed out the exact moments in our conversations where we could “turn the conflict around” and gave examples of how to do so. Her teaching was very clear and the examples were quite effective. I was really surprised to see women who usually handle confrontations with violence use Lia’s suggestions.”

“We then moved on to the actual physical attack avoidance demonstrations.”

“Lia demonstrated moves with her partner, (the biggest woman there) on how to prepare and/or avoid an attack from the front and behind. Lia Sensei instructed the inmate to “really attack” her, but time after time her partner was unsuccessful in presenting any physical harm. Lia’s instructions were clear and easy to follow.”

“We then practiced these moves with our partners. As somewhat of a small woman, I remember feeling more confident after only a few tries. I was really surprised at how easy it was to avoid physical cofrontation and without hurting your attacker.”

“After the session we then checked in with our “mood-color” association. I was now a revitalized red!”

“We were lucky enough to have Lia return for three more sessions, only now , everyone looked forward to her class.”

“I would also like to tell you how, on several occassions, Lia’s teachings were incorporated into situations that might have otherwise become volatile. Anger was met with kindness and even the guards commented on how well we handled our conflicts.”

“I have been a productive member of society for six years now and still incorporate Lia’s teachings, when necessary, into my life.”