jperna6Apr 112 minWhat Would O-Sensei Think Now?When I first stepped on an Aikido mat, O-sensei had only been gone for about 20 years. My teachers still spoke of him often and instilled...
J. PernaApr 17, 20203 minNo "Experience" Necessary?What is training really about? Often we think of the physical techniques, and the day to day practice that goes along with polishing...
J. PernaApr 12, 20202 minThey Call it Social Distancing; We Know it by Another Name.I think it’s interesting how quickly the whole of society is beginning to raise their awareness of space and distance. Those who practice...
J. PernaApr 5, 20201 minNo Partner, No Problem!A few thoughts regarding how to practice on our own during the Covid-19 crisis. . Please stay strong, stay safe, and stay well. We'll see...
J. PernaMar 30, 20203 minIf you receive it, keep it!From time to time I talk to my students about my late teacher, the Rev. Kensho Furuya Sensei. We maintained a long-distance relationship,...
J. PernaMar 28, 20201 minLooking InwardMany of the great hero myths and stories of the warriors of old include some period of isolation. Many are gifted from the beginning with...
J. PernaFeb 8, 20182 minGoing BeyondWhen I was a child, any sort of space mission was always an event. If a new shuttle was about to be launched, the whole country stood...
J. PernaJan 25, 20182 min"S" is for SensitivityWhen it comes to being a senior student, or “senpai,” there are many responsibilities that come with the territory. A senpai is expected...
J. PernaJan 16, 20182 minPass it onThis post is about raising up students with the necessary technical and human skills to take over and help the art of Aikido flourish
J.PernaNov 5, 20172 minDaily Dosage?Once, a student admitted to me that the reason they hadn’t been around for a while was because they thought they had sufficiently...
J. PernaAug 18, 20172 minChoosing Your PathPictured here is the most recognizable metaphor of the 21st century for “making a choice.” Each day we are presented with options that...
J.PernaAug 10, 20172 minFor the Right ReasonThe dojo is a place where students are always coming and going, it’s just the way of things. Sometimes a student, after years, months, or...
J.PernaMay 23, 20171 minThe Gift of PracticeWe are all gifted a finite number of days to spend in this world, and only some of those will carry the distinction of being “practice...
J.PernaMay 18, 20172 minAn Artist’s Heart vs. a Head for BusinessFor years I have struggled with navigating the very thin line between operating and maintaining a traditional Martial Arts school vs....
J. PernaMay 16, 20171 minA Call to Practice"A Call to Practice" No fame, no glory, not proud, not sure Let my worldly worries be shed in this breath As I wield the blade that...
J.PernaFeb 23, 20172 minThe Value of Art?I consider Aikido to be a "living art", manifested in one who embarks on a transformative journey of daily practice. But why?
J. PernaFeb 7, 20171 minConnectionsIn our daily practice, we should try to see the sword in everything. Everything is the sword. #DailyPractice #Sword #JPerna #JasonPerna...
J. PernaFeb 1, 20171 minCaring for the DojoIf you are simply unaware that the dojo requires your attention, then your connect to dojo is ......
J. PernaDec 3, 20161 min"At Least"Why avoid the struggle to preserve our pride? Though failure may come, at least we’ll have tried Stand fast in the battle though all...
J.PernaDec 2, 20161 minAppreciationNot long ago during one of my weapons classes, I was walking around observing when a student turned to me, bowed, and said “Thank you.” I...