Leadership isn’t confined to an office—and real passion doesn’t take time off. – Coach Cyndy Yu-Robinson, AAU Karate National Coach since 2021.
Many know me for my work at Kramden, a non-profit bridging the digital divide. 💻 What fewer see is where I go when I go on ‘vacation’… I serve as a USA National Team Karate Coach, one of 3 people who work as volunteers in the AAU Sports program to send delegations abroad. In 2026, AAU Karate sent 168 athletes, 10 coaches, and 15 officials to the WUKF World Championships in Romania.
As a former athlete, stepping onto the international stage is a deep passion. But it’s far more than a hobby; it’s high-stakes volunteer service:
‼️Prepare seasoned and new athletes for elite competition.
✈️ Safeguard families and their gear through long international travel.
😁 Coach, cheer, and advocate for athletes and their physical safety ringside during intense sparring or precise empty hand or weapons performances.
🥊 Study and apply the rules and deescalate tempers in time-sensitive situations.
🌎 Promote international goodwill through fair play, passionate practice, and new friendships.
📸 The beauty of this dual life is that leadership on the global stage and in the non-profit sector feed each other. Far from a distraction, coaching sport karate and taking care of a huge team sharpens:
1. Crisis Management👉🏼 High-pressure tactical decisions ringside build composure for organizational challenges.
2. Mentorship 👉🏼 Helping young athletes build grit and new coaches find their voice translates directly to empowering my workplace team.
3. Advocacy 👉🏼 Representing athletes—and women in sports leadership—strengthens the drive I bring to champion our non-profit’s mission.
❤️Taking time away from the office to volunteer in a unique role recharges my drive. When we bring our specialized gifts to the world—even on off-time—we return to our primary missions stronger and wiser.
🥇Keep showing up for both.
I want to thank the AAU Karate for giving me the opportunity to travel with a huge family of wonderful humans and athletes. And shout outs to the instructors who kept our dojo running while we sent officials, coaches, and athletes from NC to Cluj!
Thanks to:
Sensei Craig Lawton, Sensei Dimple Katira, Sensei Anna Ishiwara Midyette, Sensei Scott Varnum
