Congratulations on your promotion! Let’s build your new skills, claim your purpose, Be the BEST of the Best! Sparring Workshop returns 10.08
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.
Martial Arts Gallery
Learn from a Legend
Experience True Martial Arts
Martial Arts Programs
| Type of Class | Time |
| Children Level 1 Beginners through Blue Stripe Belt |
Mon/Wed/Fri 4:30-5:20pm |
| Children/Youth Level 2 Advanced Green through Black Belts |
Mon/Wed/Fri 5:50-6:40pm |
| Children Blue Belt and Above |
Wed 5:50-6:40pm |
| Adult/Teen Classes |
Mon/Wed/Fri 7:10-8:10pm |
| Morning Class Blue Belt and Above – all ages – no beginners |
Saturday 10-11:00am |
| Kumdo: The Art of the Sword |
Saturday 11:30am-12:30pm |
***The Dojhang is cleaned after every class***
Events
Indigenous Peoples Day Holiday 2025
No regular classes today, October 2nd, but all registered students, blue belt and above (other ranks by invitation), are invited to register for our special training Workshop, created and led…
IPD/Columbus Day Workshop 10.13.25
We are happy to announce that Supreme GrandMaster Yu will teach ARTISTIC WEAPONRY featuring the TwinSticks and Nunchauka on Monday, 10.13.25, 3-5 pm. Come spend part of your holiday learning and/or…
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.
Latest News
Essay Question – September 2025 Promotion Test
Congratulations to ALL who trained well through the summer to step forward for promotion! You are set to embark on a new season of learning, growth, and self-discovery through your…
What is the Best Martial Art for Self-Defense?
If you’ve ever wondered what is the best martial art for self-defense, you’re not alone. With so many disciplines out there, from striking arts like TaeKwonDo and Muay Thai to…
Private Martial Arts Lessons vs. Park District Classes: What’s the Real Difference?
Studying a discipline within the martial arts requires intense focus, commitment, and skilled instruction. Students stay motivated and develop strong technique when they receive personalized guidance, especially in an environment…
