Joseph Best started his martial arts training in Uechi-Ryu Karate Do in 1970 and earned his black belt in 1977. He was very active in tournaments, ranking as one of the top 10 middle-weight fighters in New England by Black Belt Magazine in 1978. After earning his black belt, Joe studied Yoga with Mahima at his living room studio in Cambridge, which led to a smooth transition to his Tai Chi training. Joe's Tai Chi practice began in 1980 by attending Master Bow Sim Mark’s Chinese Wushu Research Institute, where he also studied Shaolin and Bagua. In 1985, he joined the Tai Chi program at YMAA and began teaching in 1988.

Joe has always had a strong interest in martial arts and has also studied many other styles, including Gracie Jiujitsu, Jeet Kun Do, Modern Arnis, and Thai Boxing. He has studied with a number of world renown instructors from across the country. Joe is also a Licensed Massage Therapist.