Own your 2026 Goals – we are ON it! Note: Revised Class times effective 1.26.26 – see schedule below – Call us Today!
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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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**
Events
Artistic Weaponry – President’s Day Camp 2026
Join us on your holiday for some mid-winter training in the dynamic twin sticks and nunchauka - So. Much. Fun! So. Many. Skills! Registered students only please -- Advance registration…
AirBorne Kicks Training – President’s Day Camp 2026
SupremeGrandMaster Yu is back on the Mat for you – Let’s Celebrate the Holiday gaining SKILLS! Sign up Now! Advance Registration is Required AirborneKICKS Training – February 16th, 2026 - 4:15pm-…
Promotion Test – Spring 2026
Detailed Schedule: 9:30am-12N. Children/Youth - all levels 1:00-4:00pm. Teens/Adults - all levels Test registration can be completed here. Your test application and fee can be made via Zelle to…
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
Karate vs Taekwondo: Key Differences Explained
Martial arts offer practical self-defense skills while building discipline, confidence, agility, and physical fitness. Among the most popular styles worldwide are Karate and Taekwondo. For those considering martial arts training,…
Essay Question: December 2025 Promotion Test
Congratulations on your Promotion Test! To complete your test, please have fun preparing your ESSAY and bring it to your Promotion Ceremony on Friday 12.19. This time, we have a…
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…
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!
