When it comes to being a senior student, or “senpai,” there are many responsibilities that come with the territory. A senpai is expected to be strong and substantive in their practice; they must embody a sincerity in training that juniors come to know and respect. But there is another “S” word that I have been talking to my senior students about lately, and it is one that is much more difficult for them to grasp. The topic of my recent discussions with them has been “sensitiv

This post is about raising up students with the necessary technical and human skills to take over and help the art of Aikido flourish

Pictured here is the most recognizable metaphor of the 21st century for “making a choice.” Each day we are presented with options that will take our lives in this direction or that. Though not every choice will decide the fate of all humanity, many of them will have a significant impact on the course of our lives, and affect many other’s lives in the process. Often our choices will become entangled with the notions of right and wrong, idealism, beliefs, and morality. They may

In our daily practice, we should try to see the sword in everything. Everything is the sword. #DailyPractice #Sword #JPerna #JasonPerna #OldCityAikido #MartialArtsDojo

If you are simply unaware that the dojo requires your attention, then your connect to dojo is ......

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 seems for naught We may fall on the field, but at least we’ll have fought Take chances, have courage, persevere and forgive This one life must end, but at least we’ll have lived Lend strength and resolve to help people through Let’s live for each other, it’s the least we can do -Jason Perna Have a great weekend! #Pride #Courage #JPerna #OldCityA

Not 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 hadn’t given him any recent instruction, so I asked, “For what?” He replied, “For just being.” I quickly made a joke, asking him if he knew why my wife and kids never say that (laugh). But I must say it was one of the nicest sentiments that I had ever received. To know that one’s efforts are appreciated on such a level…well, it’s really har

Hello all. I would just like to take a moment to welcome you to the new Old City Aikido website and to inform you that this new blog will be a great way to stay connected to our Philadelphia martial arts dojo as we walk the path of daily training and serve the greater Philadelphia area. We hope that you will check in often so that we may share a part of our journey with all of you. Many Thanks! #OldCityAikido #PhiladelphiaMartialArts #JPerna #GreaterPhiladelphiaArea