Rob Flanagan
Rob is the founder of Sente Dojo, originally established in 2005 in New York City and now continuing its tradition in Pennington, New Jersey.
Rob began his Bujinkan training under Larry Turner in 1986 and currently holds the rank of 12th-degree black belt. With nearly four decades of training and over twenty-five years of teaching experience, he brings deep knowledge, practical skill, and a genuine passion for helping students grow. Rob regularly travels to Japan with his students to train at the Bujinkan Hombu Dōjō.
Rob has lived in Pennington for over 12 years with his wife and two daughters. As an Executive Board Member of the Hopewell Valley Education Foundation (HVEF), he actively supports the community and the Hopewell Valley Regional School District. The foundation raises money and helps fund innovative educational programs that directly support our local teachers and students. His volunteer work reflects his deep pride in the community and commitment to giving back to the schools and students that shape it’s future.
Training at Sente Dojo is cooperative and non-competitive. Students work together and learn from one another in a friendly, family-like atmosphere that encourages mutual respect, collaboration, and growth.
Mark Shenouda
Mark is a Senior Instructor at Sente Dojo, holding the rank of 2nd-degree black belt (Nidan) in Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu. He began his training under Rob Flanagan in 2013 and has remained his student ever since.
Before discovering the Bujinkan, Mark trained in Muay Thai and Wing Chun—experiences that shaped his early understanding of movement, focus, and resilience. In Budō Taijutsu, he found a lifelong practice that continues to deepen his connection between mind and body. His dedication has taken him to Japan, where he has had the honor of training with grandmasters and senior teachers at the Bujinkan Hombu Dōjō.
Inspired by the philosophy of martial arts, Mark authored The Refined Mindset, a book exploring self-development, inner balance, and cultivating the mindset for personal growth and lasting peace.
Outside the dojo, Mark is a Licensed Professional Engineer in New Jersey and New York with over 25 years of experience in engineering and construction. He is a dedicated father to two daughters and enjoys fitness training, hiking, camping, and horseback riding.