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Martial Arts Classes in Oak Park & River Forest, IL
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, kids, teens, and adults train in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo through a single combined curriculum. We educate and develop future leaders with well-rounded awareness and knowledge of societal challenges, guiding them to discern 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, 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 for developing 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.
How Our Classes Work
Most martial arts schools teach a single discipline. At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, students train in one integrated curriculum that combines Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo in every class. You do not choose one art or juggle separate class schedules. Instead, classes are organized by age and experience level, and each session develops striking, throws, joint locks, falling techniques, and practical self-defense together, the way these arts were meant to complement each other.
This combined approach, taught under the direct leadership of Sr. GrandMaster Yu, a Kukkiwon-certified 9th Dan, gives students a deeper and more complete martial arts education than any single-discipline program can offer. The one exception: our World Haidong Gumdo / Kumdo swords class is a separate Saturday program for students interested in the Korean art of the sword.
Explore Our Programs
*Class Schedule/Times always subject to change based on the service to our community & students!
**The Dojhang is cleaned daily after classes**
How to Get Started
Observe a Free Class
Visit our Oak Park school, meet our instructors, and see a class in action. Schedule a time or stop in during any class; no appointment needed.
Register
If it’s the right fit, enrollment takes about 10 minutes. We’ll help you choose a membership that fits your schedule and goals, with no long-term pressure.
Start Training
Pick up your uniform, set your start date, and step onto the mat. Most new students start within a week of their first visit.
Events
Artistic Weaponry Training with Supreme GrandMaster Yu
Summer Intensive 3-Day Training in the TwinSticks and Nunchauka with Supreme GrandMaster Yu. Read the description of this summer training here. Training Information Monday/Tuesday/Wednesay 3:00 pm-4:45 pm daily. All ORIGINAL…
AirborneKicks Training with Supreme GrandMaster Yu
Intensive Conditioning workshop for registered students only, AirborneKicks will elevate your skills to new heights! Read the description for this summer training here. GrandMaster Yu gives you the expert base-training…
Promotion Test – September 2026
Your Quarterly Promotion Test! Time to step up and advance! Detailed Schedule: Children - all levels: 9:30 am-12N Teens & Adults - all levels: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm Test registration can…
Celebrating GrandMaster Yu’s Ongoing Martial Arts Leadership
This year, Grandmaster Yu reached a landmark milestone in his lifelong dedication to authentic Taekwondo, earning induction into the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall of Fame and appointment as National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society (USTGS) at the annual conference held in Chicago, Illinois.
This prestigious recognition, bestowed by respected Grandmasters from across the country, reflects a lifetime of discipline, leadership, and unwavering commitment to traditional Taekwondo principles.
As founder, president, and head instructor of Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL, Grandmaster Yu continues to train and instruct 5–6 hours daily, setting the standard for what true martial arts leadership looks like. His national appointment means students here in Oak Park and River Forest benefit from instruction shaped at the highest levels of Taekwondo leadership in the country.
Words of Wisdom from GrandMaster Yu
Latest News
5 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Motivated in Martial Arts
Starting martial arts is an exciting experience for children. Learning new moves, building confidence, and earning new belts can make every class feel rewarding from the start. However, as training…
Essay Question: June 2026 Promotion Test
Super PROUD of everyone who stepped forward to test this quarter! EVERYONE was committed and MIGHTY! The Promotion Ceremony is Friday, June 12th! Essay Question: June 2026 Promotion Test Submitted…
How Does Martial Arts Improve Flexibility and Joint Health?
Martial arts improve flexibility and joint health by training the body through repeated full-range, body-weight movements such as kicks, stances, transitions, and controlled mobility drills. This consistent movement increases muscle…
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We teach Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo under the leadership of Sr. GrandMaster Yu. Rather than offering each as a separate class, we combine all four arts into one integrated curriculum, so every class builds striking, throws, joint locks, and self-defense together. We also offer a separate Saturday Kumdo/Gumdo program in the Korean art of the sword.
Classes are combined. Students enroll by age and level, not by discipline: Children Level 1, Children/Youth Level 2, and Adults & Teens. Each class draws on Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo, giving students a more complete martial arts education than a single-style program. The Saturday swords class (Kumdo/Gumdo) is the only separate program.
Not at all! We welcome students of all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced practitioners. Our Children Level 1 and Adult/Teen classes are specifically designed to meet you where you are, focusing on the “Way” of discipline and personal growth regardless of your starting point.
We find that children as young as elementary age benefit immensely from the structure of the Dojhang. Our Children’s programs focus on building self-confidence, coordination, and respect, helping them create a strong “interior kingdom” during their developmental years.
Yes, and we encourage it. Schedule a free class observation or simply stop in during any class time. You’ll watch a class in action, meet our instructors, and get every question answered before deciding. Appointments are appreciated but never required.
While progress depends on the individual, most students see consistent growth by training 2 to 4 times per week. You can view our current class schedule to find times that fit your family’s routine.
Martial Arts Gallery
Begin Your Martial Arts Journey in Oak Park, IL
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, teen or adult classes, self-defense training, specialty workshops, 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!
