Sr. GrandMaster Yu, a 9th-Dan, World-Class, Internationally Recognized GrandMaster, who has dedicated more than 60 years to the study, teaching, and evolution of Taekwondo and traditional martial arts.
“From my childhood until now, for approximately 60 years, I have dedicated myself solely to the love of Taekwondo: its training, development, and promotion.” – Sr. GrandMaster Yu
His lifelong mission has been to preserve authentic martial arts tradition while developing disciplined, capable students who grow in skill, character, and leadership.
A Lifetime Dedicated to Martial Arts Excellence
Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s career spans over half a century of continuous training, instruction, and curriculum development across multiple disciplines, including Taekwondo, Hapkido, Kumdo (sword), and traditional weaponry.
He is recognized and affiliated with leading global martial arts institutions, including:
- Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters
- The World Tae Kwon Do Federation
- International Hapkido Federation
- The World Haidong Kumdo Federation
His approach integrates physical skill, mental discipline, and personal development, creating a complete martial arts education beyond sport or competition.
Celebrating SGMYu’s Ongoing Martial Arts Leadership
Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s leadership and lifelong contribution to martial arts have been recognized at the highest levels of the global martial arts community.
SGMYu’s Recoginitions
- Induction into the GrandMasters Hall of Fame & Appointed Regional VP, U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2026)
- Appointed National Vice President, U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2025)
- Recognized by Kukkiwon as an exemplary Master and Dojang (2024)
- Appointment to the Kukkiwon International Advisory Board (2016)
- Kukkiwon 9th Dan Rank & International Advisory Medal (2015–2016)
These honors reflect decades of leadership, instruction, and influence in shaping modern Taekwondo education.
Our Credentials
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.
Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s Passion for Teaching
Sr. GrandMaster Yu believes martial arts training is not only about physical technique, but about personal transformation. His mission is to help students recognize their value and develop into strong community members, leaders, and disciplined individuals.
“The pride of a Taekwondo GrandMaster is knowing we can teach respect, philosophy, and etiquette that inspire future generations.” – Sr. GrandMaster Yu
Sr. GrandMaster Yu trained under some of the most influential martial arts founders and early-generation GrandMasters, including Supreme GrandMaster Byung Jick Ro, founder of Song Moo Kwan Taekwondo, and Supreme GrandMaster Myung in Hapkido. He earned the title of Master Teacher in 1978, recognized early for his ability to combine technical precision with exceptional teaching ability.
Over the decades, he has trained:
- 15 Martial Arts Masters
- 300+ Black Belts
- Multiple generations of lifelong practitioners
Many of his students continue training and teaching today, extending his curriculum and philosophy internationally.
Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s Journey to the United States
Sr. GrandMaster Yu came by invitation to the United States, first teaching in Ohio, where currently his students, now Masters, are teaching and promoting Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s unique curriculum. He subsequently established Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts in Chicago/Oak Park and River Forest.
He is the Founder of Martial Arts in Oak Park/River Forest and the surrounding area, and has taught generations of martial artists: 15 Martial Arts Masters*, many Instructors, and over 300 BlackBelts, many of whom continue to actively train exclusively with Sr. GrandMaster Yu through 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Dan. *To be appointed Master under Sr. GrandMaster Yu, one must attain 5th Dan, which is close to 20 years of intense study.
Training Environment & Student Experience
Students train in a structured, supportive environment designed to develop confidence, discipline, and real-world self-defense skills.
Programs are designed for all ages and experience levels, with an emphasis on:
- Traditional martial arts discipline
- Practical self-defense application
- Physical conditioning and coordination
- Character development and leadership
Our dedicated team of Martial Arts Oak Park instructors, trained “from the ground up” by Sr. GrandMaster Yu promote the highest standards of safety, attention and accuracy to ensure a solid understanding of the techniques. You deserve to study with the Best: Oak Park Martial Arts Original Dojhang is Your destination for true Martial Arts in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, Riverside, and Chicago/Galewood. Proudly approaching our 25th year of teaching True Martial Arts in Oak Park!
Contact Us
For more information about Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s experience in martial arts about our classes, please contact Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts directly at (708) 383-3456.
