Johan Lindgren Sensei Bio
Johan Lindgren Sensei, 5th dan Aikikai, practices and teaches at Vanadis Aikido Dojo in Stockholm, Sweden, which he co-founded in 1994. He has mostly studied under Franck Noël Sensei from Toulouse, whom he sees three to four times per year, usually. He has also practiced a great deal with Endo Seishiro Sensei and Christian Tissier Sensei. He finds great inspiration from of these amazing masters.
From an interview with Helena Wikström Sensei:
Why did you start practicing aikido?
I was fascinated by the samurais and budo, from old Kurosawa films that appeared on TV in the mid-1970s. Also, my father had some old books about jiu-jitsu and judo … Viking Cronholm and ladies with handbags… In my late teens I found a little book about aikido at my uncle’s. I became very interested, but it wasn’t until 1989 when I moved to Stockholm that I had the opportunity to start training aikido. Through the yellow pages of the telephone directory I found Iyasaka Aikido Dojo in Stockholm, where I started on April 1, 1989.
What made you continue training?
I was hooked directly! The training was exciting, and I felt very welcome, there was a positive mood. It was so much fun that after only a couple of weeks I started attending all the sessions, I practiced six days a week. In addition, I got several training buddies, which I still practice with today.
What do you think is important when you teach Aikido?
Well, it’s a little difficult to describe, but some important things are that it should be fun and everyone should have learned / found something new, that will help them to continue. There is also a very serious aspect in this training that should not be forgotten because it is Budo. When training, we practice different roles, Uke and Tori, it is important to fully put yourself in these roles, otherwise it becomes meaningless. Aikido is as real as it gets but in a controlled way, and it’s a lot of fun!
Seminar Theme
Tai-Sabaki and Angles
(“Tai-Sabaki” refers to ‘whole body movement’, or repositioning. It can also be translated as body-management.)
What to Bring to Class
You can practice solo or with a partners. You can have wear normal comfortable clothing or keiko-gi. It would be good to have some kind of mat to sit/lie on during the warm-up.
Register to receive the Zoom link for the seminar class.
The seminar is by donation, and all proceeds will go to support our work as we continue to bring this practice into the world.
Suggested donation: $15-35
Donate via Paypal: (paypal.me/nolaaikido)
(If that’s too much, pay whatever feels comfortable. If you’re feeling a financial squeeze just come to class.)
Beginners are warmly welcome.
We look forward to practicing with you this Saturday!
Please share this email with any and all you think might like to attend.
Thank you!
Brian Levy
Chief Instructor/Dojo Cho
NOLA AIkido
New Orleans, LA, USA