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Adult Program (16+)
Physical Training | Personal Development | Social Connections

Authentic Japanese martial arts for adults—real combat skills and genuine depth, practiced in a cooperative environment where training is both challenging and enjoyable. 

At Sente you'll find that the focus of training turns inward, toward your own development, rather than outward toward defeating an opponent or scoring points. Unlike sport martial arts built around competition and rule-based victory, budō emphasizes self-refinement, situational awareness, and mastery of balance, distance, and timing.

Training at Sente Dojo

Sente Dojo's adult program welcomes students aged 16 and older, with no upper age limit. All fitness levels and backgrounds are welcome — from complete beginners to experienced martial artists.  Training at Sente Dojo gives you direct access to authentic Japanese warrior traditions – with a focus on developing real capability through traditional Bujinkan Budō Taijutsu training.

We are not a sport martial art that focuses on competition and tournaments. This is budo martial arts training that emphasizes the serious study of combat, weapons skills, body control, and mental discipline. You'll train in techniques that were developed for the battlefield and adapted for modern practice in a structured, safe, and respectful environment.

Classes are challenging but accessible to all levels, including beginners. You'll work with training partners, learn from an experienced 12th dan instructor with over 35 years of training, and develop skills that transfer to every area of your life. Whether you're looking for self-defense, balance & physical development, mental focus, or enhanced situational awareness, this program offers serious budo training for students ready to commit to their personal growth. It's never too late to start.  Many adults begin training in their 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond. Unlike some sport martial arts, we are not injury prone from over training and aggressive sparing.  Classes are ideal for anyone seeking a cooperative environment that challenges both mind and body — and offers a physical art that can last a lifetime.

Level Up

Real Development—body, mind, and awareness—through authentic Japanese warrior arts:

  • Practical self-defense rooted in techniques developed for real situations

  • Weapons proficiency with traditional Japanese weapons including sword, staff, knife, and more

  • Physical development — coordination, balance, flexibility, core strength, and spatial awareness

  • Focus and presence — training the mind to stay anchored in the present moment

  • Stress relief through engaged, purposeful physical practice

  • Confidence and resilience built through genuine skill development

  • Supportive community — connection to a supportive group of fellow practitioners

  • Progress measured through self-mastery, not competition.

Class Flow

A typical class lasts about 1½ to 2 hours and follows a balanced structure designed for steady, mindful progress:
• Jūnan Taisō (柔軟体操) — stretching, breathing, and body awareness
• Ukemi (受身) — learning to fall, roll, and move safely
• Kihon (基本) — core techniques: striking, evasion, joint locks, and throws
• Lesson Focus — study of a principle, technique, or weapon drawn from one of the nine Bujinkan schools
• Integration — applying timing, distance, and awareness through cooperative partner work and weapon integration
• Reflection — a quiet moment to share insights and connect before returning to the world beyond the dojo

Training emphasizes working with partners, not against them. Students learn both roles in every technique—applying and receiving—which develops awareness, control, collaboration, and empathy. The instruction adapts to different learning styles while maintaining high standards for everyone.

Weapons Training

Weapons are integrated throughout training, not treated as separate skills. Students learn traditional Japanese weapons including, but not limited to:

• Katana (sword) — cutting principles, drawing, and defensive techniques
• Bō (6-foot staff) — strikes, blocks, sweeps, and leverage techniques
• Hanbō (3-foot staff) — versatile defensive techniques
• Tantō (knife) — blade awareness and knife defense
• Kusari-fundo (weighted chain) — striking and restraining techniques
• Shuriken (throwing blades) — traditional throwing principles
• Improvised weapons — applying principles to everyday objects and environmental resources

Pricing

$150/month - Unlimited Training
  • First Class Free

  • Attend as many classes as you want

  • No contracts - No additional fees

Adult Schedule

  • Sunday: 11:00 - 1:00 PM (120 minutes)

  • Monday: 7:00 - 9:00 PM (90 minutes)

  • Wednesday: 7:00 - 9:00 PM (90 minutes)

Sunday Class is extended to 2 hours to allow more time for dedicated weapon study & integration.

Ready to Get Started

We welcome new students year-round. You can start training any time, and we'll help you integrate smoothly into the class regardless of when you join or your previous experience.  

Visit The Dojo

  • Contact us to schedule a visit to the dojo.

  • Attend a class so you can meet the teacher and other students. Here's what to being:

    • Wear something comfortable (athletic clothes/sweats)

    • Wear Socks (no shoes on the dojo mats)

    • Water bottle

  • Experience the fun of training, make new friends, and see if our dojo is a good fit.       

  • Contact us if you have any questions

Basic Dojo Etiquette

  • Be respectful to other students, teachers, and yourself.

  • Be respectful of the dojo.  Remove all items, including any trash, that you brought with you. Help cleaning up after class is appreciated.

  • Phones should be left with personal belongings off the training area.  Ringers should be turned on to ensure you don't miss an important call.   

  • Training weapons are not to be used unless directed by a teacher.

  • Forgetting your Gi or Belt is not an issue.  Come to class anyway and try to remember next time.    

  • Running late to class or leaving early is never an issue.  Always come to class if you can, regardless of personal conflicts or issues that may interfere.

  • The dojo is a place of peace and balance.  Never have anxiety about 'getting there', 'being late', 'forgetting you belt', etc.  None of these things will matter - so don't tell yourself a story that they do.

  • Participate at your comfort level.  Communicate with training partners and teachers. It's healthy to step aside and watch, take breaks, and find your balance regardless of the instruction or perceived expectations.    

If you're on your way to the right place, everyone will be happy to see you, regardless of when you arrive or how you got there.

 Additional Questions?
We'd love to hear from you.  Don't hesitate to contact us directly with any thoughts or questions you may have.

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