Testimonials
I am 12 years old. I love it here. Everyone always encourages everyone else, and no one makes fun of you if you can’t do something when you try it. We have to work really hard, and keep doing a little better than we did last time, and that’s easy to do when everyone around you is encouraging you and telling you that you can do it. The teachers tell you that all the time, “You can do it!” It’s great how everyone helps everyone else. It feels like a family. And just because you’re older doesn’t mean that someone younger than you won’t know better. You might be the older one, but somebody younger has been here longer so they know things you don’t, and they can teach you. It shows you that everyone is as important as everyone else, no matter how young or old they are.
A.J. — Age 12, Student of Master S.H. Yu
My daughter has not only benefitted from an exercise routine that is fun for her, but she has also gained self-respect, confidence, discipline, and self-esteem from Master S.H. Yu’s program. Most importantly, she is learning patience and the benefits of working hard at something that she will be able to use for the rest of her life.
M. E. Mirabile — Parent
My name is Donald Weidendorf and I have had the privilege of training with Master Yu for over 15 years. My martial arts career has spanned over 27 years and I have trained with four other masters and none of them have inspired me like Master Yu. His energy, knowledge, ability to teach and patience are amazing.
I have never met a person so dedicated to his vision of the martial arts and the benefits it brings to us all. These benefits include: flexibility, balance, strength, coordination. He has a student creed that emphasizes building the student’s character including: courage, dependability, hard work, justice, loyalty, respect and trust. Many instructors may state these goals, but Master Yu personifies them. I am proud to be associated with Master Yu and his martial arts family. I challenge anyone to visit his school, see him in action, and not come away awed at this amazing man’s talents.
Master Donald Weidendorf — Visiting Instructor, Cleveland, OH
In these busy times, I believe we often forget that there is more to offer our children than simple competitiveness, a full schedule, and a feeling that they must be stronger, faster, better. At Master Yu’s, they have not lost sight of the whole child. There your child will find a place to focus on his or her strengths at a pace that will suit your family’s needs, without sacrificing important time together. Each child is fully expected to do their best, and keep exceeding that personal best, yet each is recognized and accepted for their own strengths and limitations. While physical endurance and skill is an important aspect of this dojhang, they also hold academics, family life, respect, self-discipline, safety, a clean and healthy life, and mental well being in high regard. They teach to the whole child, and they teach martial arts as a way of life rather than simply a sport.
Master S.H. Yu’s has been the best place I could have found for my son to discover his inner strengths and self-confidence. It has brought him more enjoyment than I could ever have imagined.
Bonnie Becker — Parent
Master Yu’s studio is a wonderful place for any student of any age who wishes to learn true martial arts. It provides a balanced approach by encouraging development of physical skills, as well as developing self-discipline and team work.
My 9-year old daughter began study at Master Yu’s studio about one year ago. Learning the physical skills is only a part of what makes her so committed to going to class 3–4 times a week. She has also learned to apply a “creed” to her daily life choices, and recognizes that her actions and behaviors must reflect the tenants of the Creed. For example, the other day I suggested to her that she could wear her Karate pants to bed. She looked at me with surprise and said, “No, Mom, I can’t do that! I have to show respect for my uniform.” I think that remark sums up many of the important things she has learned: when she wears the Karate uniform, she is a “Tiger” and her actions must be judged using a higher standard.
I am always impressed by how attentive and disciplined the children are, but they aren’t “little soldiers” who just stand at attention. Instead, they are totally focused on their class. As each student practices, it promotes self-confidence, and teaches them to accept positive guidance. They lead others, and actively work to encourage each other while learning new skills. After class, children are invigorated spiritually, mentally and physically. I can’t tell you enough about how wonderful Ms. Wilson and Master Yu are with the children. They build an environment based on mutual respect and discipline, and they model the behavior that the children all strive to emulate.
E. Chambers — Parent, Oak Park, IL