Why B.E.S.T.?

B.E.S.T. stands for Better Education with a Strong Tradition.

B.E.S.T. is what we bring to the dojo for teaching, learning, and doing every single time.

B.E.S.T. Karate is the name of the dojo in Philadelhpia where our founders Shihan Robinson and Shihan Yu-Robinson started their foundation in shotokan karate.

BEST Karate is the name of a 16-part book series of traditional karate basic movements, anatomy of punches, kicks, blocks, and stances, and detailed footwork and weight distribution and applications for 27 shotokan kata (sequences of self defense movements).

We believe in the concept of doing our BEST - it's out name, it's what we do.

Shotokan

We teach a Japanese style (or "ryu") called Shotokan, the most widely practiced karate style in the world. Characterized by deep, long, sturdy stances, linear movements, and powerful strikes, punches, and kicks, shotokan derives its power from hip drive, rotation, and vibration.

Our dojo teaches the sequences and bunkai of 27 kata (set sequence of self defense movements). Instructors emphasize proper use of one's frame, reach, movements, eye vector, and mental focus in fundamental movements (kihon), forms (kata), and sparring (kumite).

Shotokan's founder, Gichin Funakoshi, was a teacher who was one of the first to write about his experience in martial arts as a form of healthful exercise. His pen name was "Shoto" and when his students were asked, "where are you going?" they replied Shoto-Kan (Master Shoto's studio).

the Dojo

The Hombu Dojo was founded in 2004 by Stephen Robinson and Cyndy Yu-Robinson as a center for families. The space includes 1100 SF of firm puzzle mats for kihon, kata, and kumite training, makiwara (punching posts), and heavy bags. There is one main entrance, 3 emergency out-only exits, and separate male and females dressings rooms and restrooms.

For conditioning, the studio also has more than 1500 pounds of dumbbels, kettle bells, resistance bands, a speedbag, jump ropes, battle ropes, plyo balls, tennis balls, and PVC pipes. In a group setting, or in one-on-one training, we help you build speed, endurance, and focus.

Instructors

J.J. Yu-Robinson, 4th Dan

Sensei J.J. has been a competitive karate-ka since age 5. He is a 4th degree black belt who enjoys training, teaching, and coaching kata, kumite, and conditioning. J.J. also played high school football, began Olympic weightlifting in college, and enjoys pick-up basketball.

Kata: J.J. won the Amateur Athletic Union national championship in shotokan kata for five years straight (2018-2023), and a silver medla at the WUKF world championships in shotokan kata in 2022.

Kumite: J.J. had a 45-1 (45 wins, 1 loss) record during his teen years. In 2022-2025, he has won multiple US national, North American, and world championships in both sanbon and ippon kumite.

Coach and Instructor: In 2024, Sensei J.J. started teaching kumite clinics as a visiting instructor. He served as an AAU National Coach at the WUKF World Championships in Cluj, Romania. (pictured here)

All Instructors