Master Jon Robinson
Gattai Martial Arts
Master Jon Robinson became interested in the Martial Arts through a family friend who studied the Japanese style of Shotokan Karate whilei n the armed services and gave Jon his first taste of blocking, punching, kicking and traditional kata.
At the age of twelve, he began formal martial arts training at the East End Karate Club under some of New Jersey's most respected instructors, Master Earl Ross and Master Wayne Ford of Plainfield. Sensei Jon became one of the youngest assistant instructors in the school's history, teaching children while only at the level of blue belt. Over the next seven years he continued to train, and achieved the level of First Degree Black Belt in the Korean style of Tae Kwon Do and the Japanese styles of Shu Ku Kai and Isshin Ryu. He matered kata and various weapons such as the Bo-staff, Sai, Tonfa, Kama as well as the art of Iai-do.
He has also taught at Plainfield High School and Maxson Jr. High School and coached the Rutgers/Fairleigh Dickenson University Karate Team, taking them to a second place finish. Other community-based organizations include the Grant Avenue Community Center and the Plainfield/North Plainfield Y.W.C.A. Sensei Jon has also volunteered for the Plainfield Police Community Activity League (P.C.A.L.) working with Masters' Mike Gilliam and Myke Washington. He helped create one of the most formidable karate schools in New Jersey. For nearly 10 years the students dominated the Garden State Games Tournament as well as national competitions. This has earned him recognition from the N.J. State Assembly and P.C.A.L.
Over the years, Master Jon Robinson has been promoted to the level of Fifth Degree Black Belt by Grand Master Wayne Ford and continues to study other styles and ways of teaching. He takes great pride in watching the children succeed from working hard and persevering.
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