Instructor Profiles
Stewart Johnson Sensei
Dojo cho/Chief Instructor
Johnson Sensei began his Aikido and formal Buddhist training in 1992 at Jikishinkan Dojo under Joseph Jarman Sensei. Currently ranked Yondan (fourth degree black belt), he became Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho of Jikishinkan Dojo in 2005. As part of the Aikido Association of America, Johnson Sensei was able to attend seminars and receive instruction from Shihan Fumio Toyoda from 1992 until 2001, when Toyoda Sensei suddenly and unexpectedly passed away.
A long-time practicing Buddhist, Johnson Sensei took formal vows in the Jodo Shinshu tradition from Rev. Saito of Higashi Honganji in 1996, and again in 2009 with Greg Tensho Noble Sensei as part of the White Plum lineage.
Johnson Sensei’s teaching at Jikishinkan Dojo is centered around the importance of realizing the kernel of truth common to both Aikido and Buddhism. This intersection is best characterized by the following statement by Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the founder of Aikido: “Opponents confront us continually but in reality there is no opponent there”. Truly understand this and all confusion will melt away.
When not on the mat Johnson Sensei is busy with a full life of work and family. Married 28 years, two children, one with Autism; whatever free time he had evaporated when his son was diagnosed 18 years ago. Throwing himself into research on Autism for a decade and a half culminated in discovery of a potential new avenue of treatment for some of the worst symptoms; this led to an organized clinical trial, and the successful treatment of his son.
Adam Krent Sensei
JSK Dojo Instructor/BBA Board member
Adam Krent Sensei began his martial arts training in New England in 1984 practicing Shotokan Karate. His efforts to pursue a universal self defense system in college in Brooklyn led him to discover Aikido and Zazen at Jiki Shin Kan, then a secluded word-of-mouth small membership Dojo with a basement mat space in the residential Limestone of Joseph Jarman Sensei.
Krent Sensei trained and attended AAA seminars regularly with Fumio Toyoda Sensei as head instructor through the 90’s until the passing of Shihan in 2001 on Independence Day. Since that time, Krent Sensei has been regularly teaching weekly classes and is now honored to be recognized with the rank of Nidan by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan.
In addition to the his guidance as an instructor, shared learning and joyous training with his fellow Aikidoka, Adam Krent Sensei works on balancing and achieving parallel Dan ranks in his life as a father, husband, friend, Design associate and morning/weekend warrior as he consciously focuses the principles and practice of Aikido to all of his life endeavors.
The simple idea of living with full spirit and calm awareness in the moment is the primary pearl of wisdom that stands out for Krent Sensei from his decades of modern Budo training.
Michelle Perreault
Michelle Perreault Sensei started aikido in 2002 as a student in Jikishinkan’s six-week introductory course. She is ranked as nidan (second-degree black belt) by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan, and received assistant instructor certification (fukushidoin). Being a creative person in her profession life as well, Michelle appreciates that Aikido, like any art form, can be interpreted and applied individually.
Seth Giammanco
Seth Giammanco Sensei started aikido in 2002 as a student in Jikishinkan’s six-week introductory course. He is ranked as nidan (second-degree black belt) by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan, and received assistant instructor certification (fukushidoin). Seth has a background in education and finds the lifelong learning and continuous improvement that training in the the Art of Aikido offers, an ever-present, life-altering challenge and source of enjoyment. Off the mat, Seth is a Principal of a design and technology studio that works with nonprofit organizations.