Bujinkan Sente Dojo

I have known Rob Flanagan for over 25 years. He is one of the most humble, kind, generous, and patient human beings I have ever encountered. Rob is a unique teacher who fosters a collaborative and fun community of buyu (martial friends) that support each other inside and outside of the dojo. As others have mentioned, he meets students where they are and helps them get to wherever they choose to go.

Rob is unassuming and quick to deprecate his abilities and raise up others, but don't be fooled: He is one of the top Bujinkan practitioners (and martial artists in general) in the United States. He is also a father of two, PTA dad, and excellent at connecting with and instructing kids. Rob is a great role model for persistence, humility, empathy, and many qualities that are fundamental to the study of martial arts (and life), but are too often lacking in those in positions of authority.

The dojo itself is beautiful: simple, yet well-appointed, reminiscent of the Bujinkan Hombu (headquarters dojo) and other top schools in Japan. Sente Dojo is an authentic, non-competitive atmosphere where students can develop body, mind, and martial spirit, and make deep connections with a like-minded community of scholar-warriors that will last a lifetime.

I have trained with Sensei Rob for about two decades and can’t say enough positive things about my experience. This specific martial art can be as simple or complex as the knowledge base of the instructor and Rob has such a deep understanding of this art that you would be hard pressed to find anyone else in the United States that could match his level of teaching. He is a compassionate and incredibly talented martial artist with a true gift for teaching. His students would often refer to him as the “best kept secret”. If you are looking for a competitive atmosphere this won’t be to your liking. If you are looking to challenge and improve yourself in a space of mutual growth, this is the dojo for you.

Rob Flanagan is a phenomenal Bujinkan martial arts teacher! He is funny, insightful, and incredibly patient! He loves to teach and help people learn and grow from where they currently are—both in life and in the martial arts. And he has such a unique style for helping people to learn in a very playful and energetic way! Hands-down, he is one of my favorite people in the Bujinkan to train with! Rob is able to take seemingly difficult concepts and simplify them for everyone’s understanding and application. Additionally, he makes the concepts hidden within martial arts accessible for every day life—something that is overlooked by most martial arts instructors. Everyone who knows him both loves him and trusts him! I am very excited for Pennington, New Jersey to get Rob‘s expertise! Rob has come to train in my dojo in Arizona numerous times, and my students continue to talk about him—and the things he taught them—years later! If you or your kids are thinking about getting into martial arts, this is the place! Authentic, insightful, and kind! Rob‘s character makes everyone better! Honestly, sometimes I wish I lived in Pennington, so I could go to his classes!

Rob is a great teacher. He communicates well and meets each student where they are, giving them personal attention and helping them work on what they can improve. His openness and humor make classes feel fun and organic and the dojo itself is bright and clean, mixing true Japanese tradition with modern decor. Great place to train and learn!

I have Known and trained with the instructor Robert for over 13 years - the best I have ever seen through my over 25 years of practicing martial arts. His teaching is behind the physical content. Ethics and morals are incorporated into his teaching so kids will perceive the martial arts with the correct principles, build the self confidence and leadership.
For adults, I have seen it extending to self development and improvements with every class.
Nice environment without any pressure to improve and to refine the mindset for greatness. I recommend Sente Dojo to beginners, intermediate and advanced practitioners.
Thank you Robert for your dedicated service.