Robert Savoca, Chief Instructor of Brooklyn Aikikai, began studying Judo and Aikido at age 13 in San Diego County. He studied Aikido while attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and later trained at the West Los Angeles Aikido Institute. Moving to New York, he continued his study with Sensei Juba Nour, Director of Aikido of Manhattan. Afterwards, he apprenticed to Sensei T. K. Chiba, Shihan (personal student of O-Sensei, Director of Birankai International, and Director of San Diego Aikikai) as an uchideshi.

Savoca holds the rank of 5th Dan, Shidoin, and is certified to teach by Birankai International.