Aikido is the ever-evolving manifestation of principles and technical movements first envisioned by its founder, Ueshiba Morihei (O' Sensei). Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art which seeks to blend and harmonize with an attack rather than fight against it. An emphasis on traditional martial aspects such as proper timing, spacing, blending, and awareness are continually refined through our practice.
Aikido provides practitioners with a physical vehicle with which to train the body while also opening the door to deeper spiritual and philosophical avenues. In the end, it is for each student to decide just how far along the path they will travel, or how much they wish to discover.
Aikido provides practitioners with a physical vehicle with which to train the body while also opening the door to deeper spiritual and philosophical avenues. In the end, it is for each student to decide just how far along the path they will travel, or how much they wish to discover.
Services
Carefully hidden away within the heart of Philadelphia's historic Downtown district, Old City Aikido is a martial arts school that offers all the convenience of the big city while preserving the more reserved nature of a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo. Our facility provides our students with a variety of amenities to make their training more enjoyable.
Our adult program offers an exciting and challenging curriculum suited for practitioners of all experience levels. Our teaching philosophy allows for all of our students to train together regardless of rank or experience. A beginner at our Philadelphia martial arts dojo will train in the same classes as everyone else, but from the first day they will receive one-to-one personal instruction from one of our senior students.
The Old City Aikido children's program is focused on working with children between the ages of 6 and 13 to improve listening skills, discipline, alertness, self-confidence, and of course, learn Aikido! We have a great bunch of kids and the parents are very engaged as well. Our Philadelphia martial arts school is a wonderful environment to learn, share and become a member of an Aikido family.
Old City Aikido is home to one of the most comprehensive weapons programs in the United States Aikido Federation. Unlike many dojos which offer weapon only once per week or not at all, our Philadelphia martial arts school offers several weapons classes each week that help to build familiarity and proficiency.
Deconstructing Ikkyo is the first in a series of workshops that have been years in the making. I have developed it specifically for the Aikido practitioner as a method of pressure testing accepted norms, critically revaluating conventional thinking, and filling in the gaps wherever possible.
It is not my intention to present this material from the negative aspect of what does not work, rather, our purpose for the time we spend together will be to reimagine the possible.I believe that even a modest willingness to explore beyond the basic shape of our everyday practice can bring a new understanding that is easy to apply and explore over a lifetime.
It is not my intention to present this material from the negative aspect of what does not work, rather, our purpose for the time we spend together will be to reimagine the possible.I believe that even a modest willingness to explore beyond the basic shape of our everyday practice can bring a new understanding that is easy to apply and explore over a lifetime.
Reviews (10)
Maryam Ansari
Jul 03, 2021
Report
I’ve loved my experience with Old City Aikido! I’ve been a member for about a year and a half now. I was hoping to find a community in the city, and when I joined the dojo, I felt immediately welcomed. I had no prior experience practicing aikido, and Perna Sensei was very encouraging about attending all of the classes despite my level.
While I’ve really missed coming into the dojo throughout COVID, Sensei Perna and many of the senior students have helped keep our sense of community. I heavily recommend for anyone interested in practicing aikido to check out Old City Aikido!
While I’ve really missed coming into the dojo throughout COVID, Sensei Perna and many of the senior students have helped keep our sense of community. I heavily recommend for anyone interested in practicing aikido to check out Old City Aikido!
Ivan Gostuski
Jun 26, 2021
Report
I arrived at Old City Aikido when I moved to Philadelphia from another country as I was looking for a place to continue my Aikido practice. My experience has been fantastic. At Old City Aikido I found a community ready to embrace new members and open to people with different backgrounds. The dojo is fantastic, beautiful, big and well kept and it boasts an easy to access location.
Finally, Sensei Perna is an excellent Sensei; teaching his own style of Aikido without deviating from the core tenants. Leads his dojo by example and embraces anyone willing to learn.
Finally, Sensei Perna is an excellent Sensei; teaching his own style of Aikido without deviating from the core tenants. Leads his dojo by example and embraces anyone willing to learn.
Duy Nguyen
Jun 23, 2021
Report
Being a long time Aikidoka training at many different locations outside of Pennsylvania before, I am happy and grateful to find this beautiful dojo with Perna Sensei in Philadelphia where I can join as a member and resume my training. I like his soft but powerful Aikido techniques, his weapon classes and the practical approach in Aikido as well as some extra things in martial arts we practice on the side. This place is a community where everyone respects one another, pushes each other and grows together, and ultimately we can achieve what we really desire. I am really excited to resume my training
Tamer Ureten
May 04, 2021
Report
Old City Aikido in downtown Philadelphia is easy to access by PATCO train, get off at 8th & Market and it's right there. The workout area (Dojo) is spacious, clean, and provides a wonderful atmosphere to practice Aikido. Sensei Perna is very knowledgeable, professional and really cares about his students. Highly recommend!
Adam Di Angelo
May 03, 2021
Report
Jillian Langford
Apr 20, 2021
Report
I have been training at Old City Aikido for about two months now. With no martial arts experience, I was very worried about joining a martial arts school with so many advanced practitioners.
So far, all of my training has been incredible. Perna Sensei keeps an eye on each student and helps to develop him or her exactly at their skill level. I have also been warmly welcomed by all of the other students at the school, making the training experience fun, exciting, and an important part of my life. I can't wait to come back up those stairs every week!
So far, all of my training has been incredible. Perna Sensei keeps an eye on each student and helps to develop him or her exactly at their skill level. I have also been warmly welcomed by all of the other students at the school, making the training experience fun, exciting, and an important part of my life. I can't wait to come back up those stairs every week!
Jennifer Yabut
Sep 27, 2020
Report
Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality, Value
I have practiced Aikido for over 14 years, and trained in a few different dojos. My experience at OCA over the past two years has been very positive. Jason Perna Sensei is an excellent teacher and cares about the welfare of his students. The training is high quality and sincere. Highly recommend.
I have practiced Aikido for over 14 years, and trained in a few different dojos. My experience at OCA over the past two years has been very positive. Jason Perna Sensei is an excellent teacher and cares about the welfare of his students. The training is high quality and sincere. Highly recommend.
William Radicchi
Oct 28, 2019
Report
I've been training in the Art of Aikido since 2011 and of the several dojos where I've spent time training, Old City Aikido is by far the best. Perna Sensei is one of the most knowledgeable teachers I've had the privilege to study under. It's difficult to find anyone who knows more about weapons as well as the fine points of each technique.
Angela Wolf Quaintance
Dec 12, 2017
Report
I was extremely nervous about learning a martial art, but it was a new thing that I was determined to try. After some research I decided to join OCA based on the Aikido philosophy and the amazing reviews of OCA specifically. This Dojo has been nothing but welcoming and supportive! Sensei Perna has been patient in working with me (I came into it with no experience at all) and the students have been friendly and welcoming! There are students of all levels, and Sensei Perna does an amazing job at helping each student progress to their next level. I've been at OCA for 2 years now, and have just passed
Phil J.
Jul 15, 2017
Report
I have been training at Old City Aikido for about a year and a half now. For those unfamiliar, Aikido is a Japanese style of martial arts that is more than just a knock down drag out MMA type of art, but is a series of control techniques which has benefits far beyond self defense and exercise purposes.
Everyone I've worked with at this dojo have all imparted their clear dedication to the art and instruction of Aikido. The current head instructor, Perna Sensei has over 20 years experience in Aikido and works hard to teach the style in a manner that honors the spirit of the founder and those he
Everyone I've worked with at this dojo have all imparted their clear dedication to the art and instruction of Aikido. The current head instructor, Perna Sensei has over 20 years experience in Aikido and works hard to teach the style in a manner that honors the spirit of the founder and those he
