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.

Events

24Mar 25

Spring Break 2025

The Dojhang will be on Spring Break Monday 3.24 - Saturday 3.29.25. Back in action on Monday, March 31st. Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and restorative Spring Break!

31Aug 40

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Our Credentials

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation 9th Dan Certificate and Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation Organization Membership

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation 9th Dan Certificate Our Teacher and Founder, GrandMaster S.H. Yu, one of the the world’s highest ranking GrandMaster Teachers, a 9th Dan World-Class GrandMaster.

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation Organization Membership Sr. GrandMaster S.H. Yu Martial Arts is an exclusive Organization Member in High Standing of Kukkiwon, The World Tae Kwon Do Federation.

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Academy 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Judge GrandMaster Yu is the highest level, international test examiner, endorsed by the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation.

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Academy 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Master GrandMaster Yu, recognized and rated the highest level possible, 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Master.

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board Appointment Letter

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board - Letter of Declaration GrandMaster Yu appointed to the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board

International Hapkido Federation Dan Certificate GrandMaster Yu was a student of The Late Hapkido Supreme GrandMaster Myung, the founding father of Modern Korean Hapkido, and achieved 8th Dan.

World Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo) Federation Master’s Certification GrandMaster Yu is an official, recognized Master Teacher of World Haidong Gumdo.

World Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo) Federation Dojhang Organization Membership GrandMaster Yu’s training and qualifications with the World Haidong Gumdo Federation have qualified our school as an official education center for World Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo)

International Hapkido Federation Master’s Appointment credentials GrandMaster Yu is an official International Hapkido Federation Master Teacher

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board Medal

9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal 9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal received from Kukkiwon, World TKD Headquarters, August 2016

Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board - Recognition Plaque GrandMaster Yu appointed to the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board

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

Martial Arts Programs

Adult & Teen Karate Lesson – Riverside, IL

Martial Arts for Adults in 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.

KinderKarate: Preschool Karate in Riverside, IL

KinderKarate: Preschool Karate in Oak Park, IL

KinderKarate, our dynamic preschool program is offered year round, Tuesday and Thursday, 4:00-4:40pm. Bring your favorite preschooler to a true martial arts experience: We will accept a maximum of 10 children per class session.

Karate and Martial Arts for Kids in Riverside, IL

Karate and Martial Arts for Kids in 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 in 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 in 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 in 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

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Latest News

Essay Question: March 2025 Promotion Test

March 10, 2025

Your Essay Question, honorably submitted for your thoughtful response by fellow-martial artist John, testing for…

Best Foods to Eat Before and After Martial Arts Training

February 16, 2025

Martial arts students who fuel up before and after training give their bodies the nutrients…

Embracing Failure as a Martial Artist

December 19, 2024

Failure is as much a part of any worthwhile endeavor as success. In fact, individuals…

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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