B.E.S.T. 2.0 – Big changes at TBK

On September 1 of each year, Triangle’s Best Karate boasts another year in business!

2004-2025 is 21 years, and we enter Year 22.  We celebrate our athletes’ achievements, instructor growth, economic survival, and pure, wholesome fun as a center for martial arts enthusiasts.  But this year, September 1, 2025 marks a new era – B.E.S.T. 2.0 – for our dojo.  Look out for these changes:

1.  Shihan Stephen Robinson is taking a step back from the daily teaching schedule to make way for a new Chief Instructor, son and charter member Sensei J.J. Yu-Robinson.  Shihan will advise on bunkai (karate applications), self defense, and instructor development.  Shihan will spend more time with his national and international duties on the AAU Referee Council and WUKF Referee Commission and Kobudo Commission, providing training and rules development.
2. Sensei J.J. will take over technical direction of the dojo.  In addition to teaching more beginner and advanced classes, he plans to diversify the programs by adding a homeschool karate program, offering day camps on Wake County teacher workdays, and offering boxing on a regular basis. Over the next year, Sensei J.J. will be connecting with K-6 and private schools in the area.  If you have a suggestion or connection, please talk with him.
3. The dojo will lean into the original meaning of B.E.S.T. (which is not merely an allusion to the BEST Karate shotokan book series)  B.E.S.T. stands for Better Education with a Strong Tradition.  Better the whole self –  physically, mentally, and spiritually – through the time-proven training techniques rooted in karate.
4. Our weekly schedule has been adjusted to add
   1. 15 minutes to lengthen the intermediate and teen and adult classes,
   2. 3 extra classes per week for teen and adults,
   3. two classes for homeschoolers (Tu and Th 2 PM),
   4. Ninja Flips (for ages 3-5) on Thursday morning in addition to the popular Tuesday 4:30 PM time, and
   5. Boxing and Yoga on a more permanent basis (Wed and Sun mornings).
5. Unless otherwise stated, every karate class will require full uniform (gi and belt) and sparring mitts.  The combination of conditioning, kihon, kata, and kumite will be the decision of the lead instructor but we ask that you bring sparring mitts to every class.  These are available for order or purchase at the dojo.
6. All future members will enroll for Unlimited classes per week for 12 months of membership.   Persons who wish to train once weeky will have to buy single or packs of single classes. Current members will stay with current rates and agreements through December 2025 and then be moved to the new 12-month plan (or class packs).
7. Karate has been and will continue to be the core offering at our dojo, whereas weapons, boxing, and elite/competition training will all be covered with a single $25 extra add-on fee. That means that you can participate in weapons or elite classes only if you are enrolled in the basic karate classes.  Ninja Flips and Yoga are still free to family of the active karate members, and available at a monthly rate to others.
8. Attendance will appear on a self-check-in kiosk on a computer at the front desk.

What has not changed?

• The dojo will continue to focus on traditional karate and its benefits for members at different physical stages of life (youth, teens, adults, seniors) as well as different stages of karate (the sampling student, black belt candidate, lifelong martial artist, competitor, coach, instructor, official).
• We will continue to teach with a high level of technical acumen, detailed feedback, and a spirit of fun AND accountability.
• We will continue organizing state and regional championships as AAU Karate NC District Director.  Dojo members are encouraged to get involved as competitors/athletes, coaches, officials, and event hosts and volunteers.
• All instructors are TBK-trained and licensed. All adult instructors have criminal background checks by registering with AAU Sports.  All coaches and instructors are trained and tested on the AAU Athletes’ Protection and Prevention Policy, Positive Coaching Academy principles, and karate competition rules.
• Classes are led by adult instructors with a proper teacher:student ratio for various age groups (ages 4-8, 1 instructor to 6 youth; ages 9-12, 1:8 youth, ages 13-up, 1:15 youth).  Junior instructors under the age of 18 have technical proficiency and maturity to assist in supervision of youth.
• We will remain a family-friendly dojo, offer family discounts (20% off the 2nd person, 30% off the third person, etc.), and offer  scholarships to families experiencing financial hardship.  Please ask Sensei J.J. or Shihan Yu about scholarship if you need.