Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts Promotion Ceremony – June 2025: Supreme GrandMaster S.H. Yu Honors 2 Outstanding BlackBelts
Updated on June 30th, 2025 at 05:35 pm
Master S. H. Yu Martial Arts, Oak Park, IL, USA, proudly hosted their quarterly promotion ceremony, and while every ceremony is cause for celebration and pride of achievement, this one in particular honored two alumni students of distinction who have continuously served the Dojhang, our Martial Arts Community, the Community at large, and through personal and professional pursuits have exemplified what it means to be a “True Martial Artist”. Both students of Supreme GrandMaster Yu were dedicated to their martial arts practice at the Dojhang for many years and we were thrilled to recognize their achievements as a Master Yu Black Belt. GrandMaster Yu was proud to be able to award and recognize them as blackbelts, based on their unwavering commitment to our student creed: “preserving life”, “upholding justice”, “being ambitious”, “offering Love & Respect to those in need”, and “Being the BEST of the BEST”!
Victoria A. Brander, MD, Leader and Innovator in Orthopedic Rehabilitation Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School Professor, and the cofounder of the Medical Outreach Mission Organization, “Operation Walk Chicago”, discovered Master S. H. Yu Martial Arts in the early 2000s as she was seeking enrichment opportunities for her children. Her youngest son, Andrew is a Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts BlackBelt, and Dr. Vicky (as we affectionately call her!), embraced the practice, movements, and health benefits of martial arts practice while Andrew was studying. A dedicated physician, who truly practices what she preaches in promoting joint health and healthy aging, is a role model to her patients, colleagues, children, and now grandchildren. She is unstoppable in her quest to see and promote the Best of the Best everywhere and with everyone!
Timothy Okal, JD, founding partner in the Law Firm Spina, McGuire & Okal, Elmwood Park, IL, discovered his love for martial arts and the Dojhang’s philosophy, also through seeking enrichment and cross-training for his two athletic sons. Needless to say, he was hooked, and became a dedicated practitioner and member of the Dojhang, offering valuable legal counsel through our infancy, growth, and expansion, while at the same time expanding the reach of his firm in service to community: protecting the rights of family business, upholding justice, and advocating for those seeking to promote the health and well being of their families and businesses. Mr. Tim has given voice to the needs of the dojhang behind the scenes as we have grown to touch the lives of countless children, youth, and adults in the community.
We have all received the benefits of these two outstanding professionals, who have shared their skills, vitality, and zeal for Martial Arts Practice as taught by Supreme GrandMaster Yu. We are so proud to welcome them into our family of Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts BlackBelts, who are all connected through our creed as Martial Artists for Life! Please join us in congratulating Dr. Brander and Mr. Okal and offering our gratitude for their generous service. C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S!
