Old City Aikido

I am very pleased to formally announce the structural completion of the first in a series of upcoming workshops. Deconstructing Ikkyo. This workshop will target several key areas for study: ... - Ikkyo, the basics - Early elbow control as a practical self defense - The traditional seated pin and its use as an extension-building exercise - An examination of the deficiencies of the classic pin for controlling uke - Adjustments to the basic pin that will make it highly effective for noncompliant attackers - The triangle of control explained - A study of potential escapes and reversals from the classic ikkyo pin position - Strategies to regain control once resistance is encountered or an escape becomes inevitable - Several newly developed escape techniques such as the hip-up sweep (pictured here) and roll-out sweep Participants can expect to come away with a completely reimagined understanding of the first teaching as well as many concepts that may be studied and shared with students for years to come. I originally intended this event to be virtual during the pandemic, but I have decided that I would truly welcome the opportunity to share this seminar with all of you once we are able to again safely practice among our fellows. Please spread the word!

I don’t know you personally Neilu, but I thank you for your courage and willingness to share your story. Please know that you have friends you have yet to meet and a safe refuge during your travels here at Old City Aikido. We have worked very hard to foster a culture of compassion and mutual respect, and you would be warmly welcomed. Thank you so much, Jason Perna... Chief Instructor, Old City Aikido See more

Great day, excellent group! Enjoy your weekend!

Demonstrated here is a ken tai jo (sword vs. staff) movement from the classic Iwama set. Often, a variation that is taught along with the basic form (which I demonstrated first) is a jo sweep. I have developed an alternative variation to the traditional sweep (which I find to be extremely low percentage) and have been pressure testing it with my students. Instead of inserting the jo with the intention of lifting the front leg, I enter behind and attack the second leg creatin...g a pressure that collapses the front knee in the opposite direction and places me safely behind the attacking sword. If you focus on the attacker’s front knee in this clip, you can observe the response that I have described. It is worth noting that this is not the only response we got during testing. As attackers attempted to escape by turning or redistributing their weight, they sometimes fell in other directions including front falls or rolls to relive the pressure. But they typically DO fall. What they did not need to do was perform a big glamourous back fall to allow the sweep to be effective. Of course, I invite you all to test this for yourselves. Be prepared for varying responses from your partners. They may have the urge to use nice ukemi to bail out early, but you must require them to hang in there in order to discover the most honest result. *For the clarity of the technique, we did not execute here at full speed. Good Training!

No time to dwell on a desperate year The time for renewal is once again here The dojo was still, but never forgotten A truth now reflected in a handful of bloss...oms In isolation we struggled to realize our worth Now here with our fellows, it’s a time of rebirth we endured the struggle, it seemed like forever In each bloom there is hope, let’s find it together I don’t think it is a coincidence that as the students slowly return their energy to the dojo, it is inclined to greet them in such a beautiful way. Enjoy your day, enjoy the spring, have hope!

Last night a young man came to visit the dojo. I gave him the tour, was answering his questions, and at some point, asked him if he follows us on social media. ...Almost as if he were waiting for the opportunity, he looked me in the eye, recited a few lines of my poetry from one of my posts, and said, That’s why I’m here. As any artist can easily attest, we never really know who we are reaching. On the mat, off the mat, a picture, a video, or a few lines of poetry, sometimes the work touches someone, and that is what it’s all about. He signed up on the spot. Welcome my friend, whatever small inspiration you were able to take from my work has already been returned in full. Now we get to inspire each other. Good training!