Oak Park Martial Arts | River Forest Karate, Self Defense, Tae Kwon Do

We are the Original Home for True Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL, building a legacy of martial arts and self-defense excellence since 1994 (30+ years!). Led by Sr. GrandMaster Yu, a 9th-Dan, licensed 1st Class Certified, internationally recognized Sr. GrandMaster, we proudly uphold the ancient, over thousands of years Martial Arts Teachings, including Tae Kwon Do, Aikido and Hapkido, Kudo, Gumdo, and Judo. We educate and create future leaders with a well-rounded awareness and knowledge of societal challenges, guiding them to distinguish their Way.

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts believes that the purpose of the Martial Arts Dojhang is to promote discipline and the Way which includes the Way of Life, Justice, Peace, and Prosperity. The Martial Arts Dojhang is NOT a playground nor is it a birthday party venue, it is a sacred space for human development and fostering a disciplined purpose, good health, strength, and community through practice.

We believe the Martial Artist is “The One who follows and creates the Way using his/her own mind, body, and spirit.” Our teachers and instructors have a mission: they are responsible to develop each student’s highest quality of life. Our purpose is to “help the student discover the foundation of their life and build their interior kingdom.” This is true Martial Art.

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Call Us For A Personal Consultation (708) 383-3456

Martial Arts Programs

Adult & Teen Karate Lesson – Riverside, IL

Martial Arts for Adults – Oak Park, IL

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts’ program for Adults & Teens is based on the traditional martial arts — Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Dansudo, Farang-do, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Kumdo and ancient weapons.

Karate and Martial Arts for Kids in Oak Park, IL

Karate and Martial Arts for Kids – Oak Park, IL

The Home for Quality Kids Karate classes in Oak Park, River Forest, IL since 1994, and still growing strong! We believe the development of a child is an important undertaking. Sr. GrandMaster Yu has devoted his life to successfully leading children to realize their potential.

Private Martial Arts Lessons in Riverside, IL

Private Martial Arts Lessons – Oak Park, IL

Sr. GrandMaster Yu is available for hour-long private lessons. Each lesson is especially tailored to the needs on the student and their training objectives.

Riverside, IL Kumdo Martial Arts - Master S.H. Yu

Kumdo Martial Arts: The Art of the Sword – Oak Park, IL

Dating back to before the Common Era, during the period of The Three Kingdoms, the ancient art of Kumdo, or Korean swordsmanship, remains as an enduring practice of grace, power and dignity. “Kumdo” is “The Art of the Sword.”

12 Week Martial Arts and Self Defense Program in Riverside, IL

12 Week Martial Arts and Self Defense Program – Oak Park, IL

The Master Yu 12 Week Program is the perfect way to begin or continue your journey to Martial Arts mastery. Master Yu’s program teaches Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo and ancient weapons.

Tae Kwon Do School – Oak Park, IL

One of the oldest martial arts disciplines, Tae Kwon has been practiced for over 2,000 years, originating in Korea. The main goal of Tae Kwon Do is to unite the spirit, mind, and body by training the body and mind. Sr. GrandMaster Yu is internationally-certified and will give you the training needed to learn Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do Lessons

Class Schedule

Type of Class	Time
Children Level 1 Beginners through Blue Stripe Belt	Mon/Wed/Fri 4:30-5:20pm
Children/Youth Level 2 Advanced Green through Black Belts	Mon/Wed/Fri 5:50-6:40pm
Children Blue Belt and Above	Wed 5:50-6:40pm
Adult/Teen Classes	Mon/Wed/Fri 7:10-8:10pm
Morning Class Blue Belt and Above – all ages – no beginners	Saturday 10-11:00am
Kumdo: The Art of the Sword	Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm

***The Dojhang is cleaned after every class***

Events

24Dec 25

Winter Holiday Break – 2025

Happy Holidays! One of the BEST things about celebrating holidays together is FAMILY! Thank you for being the Greatest Martial Arts Family EVER!!! As we close out the year together,…

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Celebrating GrandMaster Yu’s Ongoing Martial Arts Leadership

This year, GrandMaster Yu has continued sharing the philosophy and discipline of True Martial Art, emphasizing proper Dojhang etiquette and inspiring students to embrace the martial way of life.

In March, he was appointed Advisory Board Member of the Kukkiwon World TaeKwonDo Headquarters US Branch/IL, and in April, he was named Regional Vice President at the 23rd Annual U.S. TaeKwonDo Grandmasters Society Conference in Portland, Oregon.

As founder, president, and skill choreographer of Master S. H. Yu Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL, now in its 31st year, GrandMaster Yu remains dedicated to excellence, community, and inspiring students to discover their best selves through discipline, humility, and purpose.

Words of Wisdom from GrandMaster Yu

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“Since 1991, Master S. H. Yu Martial Arts has created a lasting impact on good citizenship, health, and vitality through traditional martial arts education for children, youth, and adults.”

“To impart the spirit and techniques of authentic Martial Arts Taekwondo to the next generation of Taekwondo Masters, Instructors and Leaders, is where the beauty lies in the spirit and techniques of authentic martial arts taekwondo.”

“Our organization continues to grow and thrive through well-trained BlackBelts, Instructors, Masters and Sr. Masters, all making a difference in their communities nationwide.”

Latest News

Difference Between Karate And Taekwondo - Master SH Yu

What is the Difference Between Karate and Taekwondo?

December 15, 2025

Martial arts offer practical self-defense skills while building discipline, confidence, agility, and physical fitness. Among the most popular styles worldwide are Karate and Taekwondo. For those considering martial arts training,…

Essay Question: December 2025 Promotion Test

December 8, 2025

Congratulations on your Promotion Test! To complete your test, please have fun preparing your ESSAY and bring it to your Promotion Ceremony on Friday 12.19. This time, we have a…

GrandMaster S.H. Yu Nominated to the GrandMasters Hall of Fame

October 27, 2025

To our Martial Arts Family: We are so happy and proud to announce that our beloved Supreme GrandMaster Yu has been nominated to the US Tae Kwon Do GrandMasters Hall…

Contact Us Today to Begin Your Martial Arts Journey!

Start your martial arts journey today with Master S.H. Yu! We offer expert instruction in Taekwondo, Aikido, Hapkido, Kumdo, Gumdo, Judo, and other programs for students of all ages and skill levels. Our school proudly serves students in Oak Park, River Forest, Berwyn, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, and Riverside, IL, making it easy to find a location near you. Whether you are interested in youth classes, adult fitness, self-defense training, or private lessons, our experienced instructors are here to help you build confidence, discipline, and martial arts mastery.

Contact us today to schedule your free class observation in Oak Park, IL. We look forward to helping you achieve your martial arts goals!

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Testimonials

Rating 5

“As the saying goes, “behind every great student is a great teacher.” Sr. GrandMaster Yu is indeed a great martial arts teacher with over 40 years of experience in guiding students to be their best. I am fortunate to be one of his students. Through Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s direct instruction, personal example and commitment to traditional martial arts principles, I have developed a martial arts worldview that has shaped me physically and mentally, and also as a caring and responsible human being.”

Rating 5

“Since enrolling my son, I have seen incredible growth in his self-confidence, self-respect and physical coordination. Indeed, he was being so enriched and having so much fun, I joined myself and have enjoyed learning the new skills tremendously. Earlier this summer, we were in California and practicing our techniques together on the beach. Nothing on TV beats that.”

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