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 cant wait to come back up those stairs every week!

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.

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 and continue my Aikido journey here at Old City Aikido. This is great for my Mind and Body, and I am looking forward to walking this lifelong journey with others. Brand new members, please come join us, train hard and spread the Love!

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!

Old City Aikido offers excellent martial arts training in a beautiful dojo setting. The instructors are highly knowledgeable and accommodating of all skill levels from beginners to advanced practitioners.

Old City Aikido in downtown Philadelphia is easy to access by PATCO train, get off at 8th & Market and its 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!

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 am still new to martial arts but Old City Aikido is fantastic. Very nice group of people that go here and the instruction is professional and personable. I am very thankful that I found this location. Highly recommend to anyone just starting out like i did.

Ive been training in the Art of Aikido since 2011 and of the several dojos where Ive spent time training, Old City Aikido is by far the best. Perna Sensei is one of the most knowledgeable teachers Ive had the privilege to study under. Its difficult to find anyone who knows more about weapons as well as the fine points of each technique.

I always walk out the door having learned something, and with a positive frame of mind. Sensei Perna focuses on form and fundamentals but also offers varied techniques and context for a practical environment. The dojo is a friendly community who will welcome you if you are new to Aikido and work with you to keep you moving forward.

A wonderful place to learn a traditional Japanese art and its many interesting customs. A great place to have your child train as well as they can learn respect and discipline in a very safe and welcoming environment. If you are a more experienced martial artist, you will find a welcoming but challenging environment.

My daughter is coming to classes here and is enjoying herself. The instructors are thorough, friendly and really know how to engage the kids. Im very impressed also with how friendly and open everyone else is in the place. I had a few lessons there as well and Sensei Jason Perna is very capable and good instructor. Im going to re-start training there again once my travel schedule calms down.

Very nice community. Spiritual oasis in center city. My children learn how to focus and how to protect themselves, rather than attacking people. Very convenient location and spacious.

Really wonderful community and fun classes! Coming in to Aikido as a beginner, I felt welcomed immediately and received personalized instruction to make sure I learned the basics and stayed safe. This dojo offers a great experience for beginners and advanced practitioners alike!

I recently joined and Im having a wonderful time. I especially appreciate the traditional focus on weapons work and the practical applications of this martial art. The community of people at this dojo are welcoming and a lot of fun to work with. Sensei Perna is an exceptional teacher. I would highly recommend Old City Aikido to anyone.

Excellent dojo that teaches both the traditional and practical aspects of aikido. The teachers are by far the best teachers I have ever met in my life and are willing to provide help on a one by one basis. I highly recommend this school whether youre just beginning your martial arts journey or if youre already experienced and wish to learn more.

Excellent Aikido training, the teachers are exceptionally committed and dedicated to their art of teaching great Aikido and go above and beyond their job, constantly challenging and stretching the limits and abilities of the students. This Dojo brings top notch quality services in learning the best Aikido out there in a very efficient manor. I love the general of this Dojo as it is very positive with a smiling energy and everyone is always treated with respect, dignity, and humility which is part of the Aikido way.

I stopped by to train at Old City Aikido while I was in Philly for a conference. Sensei Perna and the members of the dojo were extremely welcoming. It was a true pleasure to practice there. I hope that I will have a opportunity to train with them again. I recommend this dojo for anyone looking to practice Aikido - from beginner to experienced - you will not be disappointed!

Donovan Waite Sensei has created great environment for serious training. I felt very welcomed.

Perna Sensei has created a fun, open environment that is serious about training and improving in Aikido. I enjoy my time training on the mat, improving both my physical and mental well-being.

I was only able to actually join and participate in the dojo for a short time due to my own hectic schedule, but for the time I was there Sensei Jason made me feel welcome and included. The solid roster of students that come regularly are clearly influenced by Jasons positive teaching nature and everyone was willing to help me out if I had questions or needed assistance with a technique. Jasons drive to teach and his passion for his dojo are contagious and I loved it every single time I went. If you are looking to join, I highly recommend it. For those people who are on the fence, talk to him via email or face to face. He is very understanding and he does occasionally do some great promotional work via groupon. All in all, it was a terrific time.

Old City Aikido is a Wonderful place to Train!! Weather your a long time student of the dojo, a seasoned practitioner new to Philadelphia or a new student in general looking for a new experience Perna Sensei and his professional instructors will may you feel very Welcome!

Living in Southern California, Ive never had the opportunity to train at Old City Aikido. However, I have trained with Jason Perna Sensei and some of his students. They are skilled, humble, friendly, and always seeking improvement. Id recommend training with Perna Sensei if you have the opportunity to do so.

A great place for aikido in Philadelphia. OCA is a welcome refuge for calm meditative thoughtful practice. Theres a tremendous energy in the space. Im grateful for Sensei Pernas consistent leadership and guidance. Hes a pleasure to practice with.

Perna Sensei is very dedicated and always teaches patience to students who are not flexible in martial arts, he was a great Sensei I never learn before.

Old City Aikido is hands down the best Aikido dojo in all of Philadelphia and the surrounding area! Jason Perna Sensei is incredible, and he is without a doubt a true teacher is its finest form. He is sincere and kind in his deliverance of the teachings to his students which he cares about so much. His dedication to and compassion for all of his students no matter the level is great. Everyone is very friendly, and the school is very clean and modern too. If I could give 6 out of 5 stars I would! Fantastic dojo and amazing Sensei!!

I have been practicing Aikido at OCA for almost 4 years. I can honestly say that it definitely enriched my life. I have met so many great people that love the art as much as I do. With its energetic atmosphere and welcoming demeanor, OCA is not just a dojo but more like a second home for anyone that desires to walk the path of a martial artistIn addition, Jason Perna Sensei has a dedication and love for Aikido that is evident in every corner of the dojo. His high-level weaponry skills are definitely something to highlight.See you on the mat!!!

Ive been training at Old City Aikido for just under a year. The energy in the dojo is absolutely welcoming and encouraging and I very much look forward to my time there. The training is serious but the mood is lighthearted and joyful, an extension of head instructor Jason Perna Senseis own personality and a testament to the vibrant community of students. In addition to empty hand Aikido techniques, the curriculum includes a focus on safe and soft ukemi (breakfalls) and extensive training with weapons (bokken & jo). Rather than approaching weapons training as a separate but related discipline, weapons training at OCA feels deeply integrated with Sensei often encouraging us to find the sword in our empty hand techniques.

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 Ive 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 has studied under. He is frequently imparting helpful knowledge he has learned from all of his past teachers.He is a smart and good natured Sensei who is accommodating to new students who might struggle in other dojos and styles. Dont mistake being an easy dojo however, as Sensei is more than willing to work at a higher level with more advanced students. The point is that this isnt a place of violence, its a place of learning and everyone comes to the dojo at different levels.The facilities are nice and have been updated recently with new mats, flooring, lighting, heat, and other aesthetic finishes that are reflective of the type of atmosphere conductive to learning Aikido.

As a OCA practitioner for 1-1/2 years I must start off by informing everyone that I was extremely welcomed w/ open -arms to the dojo ! Upon starting a class U will be introduced into the essence of Aikido w/ the guidance of Sensei Perna ( along w/ senior students ) Immediately U will feel the nurturing atmosphere while learning this traditional yet very effective ART through Sensei Pernas eyes & experience ! Its one of thee BEST decisions Ive ever made in my martial arts career !

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. Ive been at OCA for 2 years now, and have just passed by 5th Kyu test (Im a little slower than other students who progress more quickly). I love that there is training everyday, and you pick what time is most convenient for you. I highly recommend it!

Ive trained in Aikido for a total of nine years, seven of those years on and off at 722 Market Street. What I appreciate about Aikido is that it is an art that anyone can efficiently and effectively learn with perseverance and dedication.Old City Aikido is a traditional Japanese dojo and again, while anyone can do it, as one advances in their capabilities the training evolves to mimic real world situations. To help improve proficiency in hand to hand techniques extensive training is required in jo (wooden staff) and bokken (wooden sword). Weapons training informs body posture, movement and form to ensure the most impactful execution of a hand to hand technique. The balance between growth in weapons and hand to hand capabilities and more aggressive attacks, has allowed me to improve my proficiency and understanding of how to execute a technique in a swift and controlled manner to neutralize an attack.The people that train there are nice and welcoming. They train hard but are also considerate of one anothers physical capabilities and limitations. Which brings me to the other aspect that I appreciate about Old City Aikido and that is the focus on ukemi (soft falling). In my humble opinion, taking hard Judo falls is not easy and takes a toll on the body over time. In the dojo as an attacker, getting thrown is an integral part of the Aikido process. Knowing how to fall softly is crucial to ensure a safe fun training environment. That is why an equal amount of time is spent on building proficiency on falling softly. I am a bit older than most that train in the dojo, so I tend to have a greater appreciation for this aspect of the training.There are hundreds of techniques and thousands of variations, so needless to say, I am constantly being challenged and pushed to become better. I continue to train at Old City Aikido because they teach Aikido in a manner that aligns with my needs and expectations of the art.

This dojo is a center of individual and spiritual development for me. I used to be happy when a class was so intense that half of my toenail polish was worn off. Now that I’ve seen from other sources what actual clean conflict looks like, I can come to appreciate the positive shining examples of both self-control and materialization of efficacy that I find here. Thank you Shihan/Sensei/Sempai!

Incredibly Hot in summer, but it becomes secondary when Sensei Donovan Waite is teaching class.

Just a heads up: Donovan Waite no longer teaches here.

Nice place.

Great community!