Old City Aikido

I was only searching for a martial arts dojo for a short while before finding Old City Aikido right in the heart of Center City. I had not done martial arts since I was a kid and was looking to get back into it. Old City Aikido has been the perfect fit! The community and instructors are very welcoming to students with any level of martial arts experience. I really enjoy that both open-hand and weapon techniques are emphasized in the curriculum. There is even the option to participate in Jiu Jitsu classes as well. There is truly something for everyone at Old City Aikido and it is a great place to begin or continue your martial arts journey!

Old City Aikido is an great dojo and I highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore the art of Aikido. All of the instructors bring years of knowledge and experience that shows a deep understanding and respect for the practice. I always feel like the student community is built on respect and an eagerness to learn. As a beginner, I've felt welcomed in and am grateful for the community's willingness to embrace people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds

Old City Aikido is the best! As a newcomer to martial arts, I have felt so welcomed by the fellow teachers and students at the dojo. I have been studying here under Sensei Jason Perna for the past 5 months and love the diverse and tight knit community here at Old City Aikido. With martial arts often being a very intimate sport, I think it is so important for the community you practice with to feel safe. I have always found the instructors to be respectful and appreciate how the community has individuals of all genders, ages, and skill levels! The dojo is simple, homey, and clean, fitting all my martial arts needs. It was the most affordable martial arts studio I found in Philadelphia and is at a super convenient location on Market St, close to many train and bus lines. The dojo teaches both aikido and jujitsu classes at varying times during the day to fit a variety of schedules. With your membership, you are able to attend as many classes as you'd like. There are also both classes for kids, as well as adults (schedule can be found on their website). Especially in the mornings, I have been able to get lots of 1-1 instruction, a valuable resource that can be rare and expensive in another studio. If you are unsure if aikido or jujitsu are for you, sign up on their website for a free class! As a beginner myself, I have always felt very welcomed in the space so I encourage all that are unsure to bring themselves (and their friends) to come by and give it a try!

I had the opportunity to visit Old City Aikido for a training session while on a trip to Philly from NY. It has been several years since my last visit. I found the dojo refurbished with more mat space, nicely organized, and super clean. It created a wonderful setting to train. The instruction led by Jason Perna Sensei was wonderful and inspirational with lots of personalized coaching throughout the session. The setting, instruction, and students there created a serious and fun experience. I can’t wait to visit again sometime soon! Thank you!

Old City Aikido is one of the finest dojos on the east coast. Having taught there as a visiting instructor I have seen first hand Perna Sensei’s devotion to cultivating not only his vision for a martial arts school but, a solid training environment for the students. There is a seriousness and an attention to detail, balanced with an open, friendly yet, professional atmosphere. Any student at any level would do well to avail themselves of what is offered at Old City.