Weisgard

Ethan Monnot Weisgard brings together music, aikido, and Japanese culture and communication through his professional work and teaching. A drummer since age seven, he became a professional musician at 15 after moving to Denmark in 1969. His instruments include drums, congas, timbales, bongos, and hand percussion, and his musical styles range from rock and funk to Cuban, Brazilian, fusion, and jazz.

In aikido, Weisgard founded a dojo in 2003 at Seidokan Japan Center in Valby, Copenhagen. He teaches at Copenhagen Aiki Shuren Dojo and offers training courses for other aikido clubs, martial arts groups, schools, and institutions. His instruction includes aikido body techniques, known as Tai Jutsu, as well as the traditional sword and staff forms Aiki-ken and Aiki-jo. He also presents aikido for businesses, connecting its physical principles with broader ideas such as timing, non-resistance, and harmonizing with an opponent.

Through JapanBridge, Weisgard provides courses in Japanese culture and communication for companies, individuals, and groups, drawing on decades of travel, martial arts practice, and experience in Japan.