A SAFE and HAPPY HALLOWEEN to ALL! No classes on 10.31, but do STOP over for Trick-or-Treat to pick up your NOVEMBER CHALLENGE to do TOGETHER! See “Events”
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.
Martial Arts Gallery
Learn from a Legend
Experience True Martial Arts
Martial Arts Programs
Class Schedule
***The Dojhang is cleaned after every class***
Events
Annual Fundraiser for BeyondHunger 2025
Closing out OutstandingOctober with the Launch of our 2025 Annual Fundraiser for BeyondHunger! We are DETERMINED to Kick-Out Hunger in our Community! Please join our Martial Arts Family to support our…
Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween everybody! Please have a creative, safe, fun and healthy Halloween. NO CLASSES ON HALLOWEEN, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31ST! DO Stop by the Dojhang porch to Trick-or-Treat! Master Wilson will…
November MasterYu Martial Artist’s Challenge 2025
Students, Family, Friends, and Community are all invited to join us in our annual November Challenge! It's EASY! It's FUN! It's a GREAT WAY to develop or nurture a HEALTHY HABIT!…
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
Latest News
GrandMaster S.H. Yu Nominated to the GrandMasters Hall of Fame
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…
Martial Arts for Kids: 7 Styles That Build Strength & Confidence
Parents looking for enriching extracurricular activities for their children should consider martial arts. Practicing martial arts instills discipline, self-respect, and respect for others, fostering personal growth in children of all…
Essay Question – September 2025 Promotion Test
Congratulations to ALL who trained well through the summer to step forward for promotion! You are set to embark on a new season of learning, growth, and self-discovery through your…
