SPRING BREAK: No Classes Sat 3.28 – Sat 4.4 – Wishing everyone a Healthy Rest and Holiday Respite as we get ready for YOUR SPRING TRAINING 🙂 LEARN from a LEGEND!
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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Learn from a Legend
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Martial Arts Programs
Class Schedule
REVISED/NEW CLASS TIMES STARTING MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!! PLEASE NOTE! Based on Your Input, and to allow timely arrival for our Awesome Local Instructors & Students
DAYS: All Monday/Wednesday/Friday unless noted
*Class Schedule/Times always subject to change based on the service to our community & students!
**The Dojhang is cleaned after every class**
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
A Historic Honor: Grandmaster Yu Inducted into Hall of Fame and Appointed National VP of USTGS
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is proud to announce a historic achievement for our founder and leader, Supreme Grandmaster Yu, who was officially inducted into the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall…
Essay Question: Spring 2026 Promotion Test
Congratulations to all the students who stepped forward to test this quarter, and to the Instructors who prepared them! Get ready for your Promotion Ceremony on Friday, March 20th: 5:00…
How Often Should You Train in Martial Arts? Optimal Schedule for Beginners, Kids, and Competitors
Martial arts mastery comes from consistent, focused training, not random effort. While most students see steady progress training 2 to 4 times per week, the ideal schedule varies based on…
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!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We offer a comprehensive curriculum led by Sr. GrandMaster Yu, including Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, Judo, and Kumdo (the art of the sword). Our 12-week foundational program is designed to introduce students to these diverse disciplines in a structured way.
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! We encourage interested students and parents to contact us to schedule an on-site visit or a free class observation. Seeing the discipline and harmony of our Dojhang firsthand is the best way to understand our unique approach to martial arts.
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.
