Traditional martial arts have been practiced for centuries, offering physical, mental, and emotional benefits to students of all ages. At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts in Oak Park, IL, we provide expert-led training in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Judo, and Kumdo, helping students build strength, flexibility, confidence, focus, and discipline. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, our Oak Park martial arts classes are designed to unlock your full potential.
Why Train at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts?
At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, we create a challenging yet safe and supportive environment for students at all levels to train and learn various styles of martial arts. Our programs emphasize personal growth, discipline, and community, ensuring that each student can learn, improve, and succeed at their own pace.
Benefits of training with us in Oak Park include:
- Expert instruction from a world-class GrandMaster
- Personalized programs for every age and skill level
- Focus on mind, body, and spirit development
- A supportive, family-like dojo community
Martial Arts Disciplines We Teach in Oak Park, IL
At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, these arts are not taught as separate classes. Students train in one combined curriculum, and every class blends Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo, organized by age and level rather than by discipline. The one exception is our Kumdo/Gumdo swordsmanship program, which meets separately on Saturdays. Explore each art below to see what you’ll learn in your training.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean martial art emphasizing dynamic hand and foot techniques, discipline, and mental focus. Led by Sr. GrandMaster Yu, a 9th Dan Tae Kwon Do Master, our Oak Park Tae Kwon Do training helps students improve strength, flexibility, self-confidence, and concentration while training safely and effectively. Tae Kwon Do forms the striking foundation of every class in our combined curriculum.
Hapkido & Aikido
Learn self-defense techniques through Hapkido and Aikido, Korean and Japanese martial arts that focus on throws, joint locks, and pins. Hapkido incorporates some offensive techniques, while Aikido emphasizes defensive strategies. Within our combined classes, these arts give students the close-range self-defense and control skills that striking alone cannot provide, with hands-on guidance from experienced instructors.
Judo
Judo is a Japanese martial art centered on lifting, throwing, and grappling techniques. With no striking maneuvers, Judo emphasizes gentleness, precision, and control. Students develop both physical and mental skills, mastering throws, holds, and safe falling techniques under expert supervision as part of every combined class.
Kumdo (Swordsmanship) Classes
Kumdo focuses on traditional swordsmanship, derived from the ancient Korean Haidong Gumdo and Japanese Kendo. Students learn stances, strikes, blocks, and footwork while building strength, focus, and respect. Beginners start with wooden and bamboo swords, progressing to advanced techniques under Sr. GrandMaster Yu, a certified World Haidong Kumdo Master.
* Unlike our other arts, Kumdo/Gumdo is taught as its own dedicated program, held Saturdays at 11:30 am.
Or call (708) 383-3456 to learn more
Learn from a World-Class Martial Arts GrandMaster
Our program is led by Sr. GrandMaster Yu, an internationally recognized GrandMaster with over 50 years of martial arts experience, a 2026 inductee into the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall of Fame, and National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society. His credentials include:
- 9th Dan Tae Kwon Do
- 8th Dan Hapkido
- World Haidong Kumdo Master
Training under Sr. GrandMaster Yu offers students:
- Direct access to a world-class instructor who still teaches on the mat daily
- A curriculum designed for skill, growth, and safety
- Guidance from instructors trained personally by Sr. GrandMaster Yu
Custom Martial Arts Programs for Every Student
We tailor our programs to each student’s age, skill level, and goals, ensuring every student has a path to success. Classes are organized by age and level: Children Level 1 for beginners through early intermediate, Children/Youth Level 2 for green belt and above, and Adults & Teens for all levels.
Our Oak Park martial arts classes support:
- Children, teens, and adults
- Beginners to advanced students
- Physical, mental, and emotional growth
With multiple instructors at various levels, students receive personalized attention while training in a safe and structured environment. New to martial arts? Our 12-Week Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program is the ideal starting point (View class schedule).
A Focus on Whole-Student Education
Our curriculum focuses on the complete education of the student, not just sports or tournaments. We teach:
- Martial arts history, culture, and etiquette
- Philosophical principles for mind-body alignment
- Skills applicable both in and outside the dojo
Students develop discipline, focus, and confidence while embracing the traditions and ethics of traditional martial arts.
A Supportive Dojhang Where You Belong
At Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts, we foster a family-like atmosphere where students support each other’s growth. New students are welcomed and guided by peers and instructors, creating a positive and encouraging environment for learning.
We have asked our students and instructors for their top three reasons for studying martial arts at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts. Many students cite the features described above as their main reasons for studying with Sr. GrandMaster Yu, including:
- Instruction from Sr. GrandMaster Yu: “The chance to study firsthand from a senior GrandMaster who finds the way to facilitate each student’s “experiencing” or feeling the lesson, thus getting it into their muscle memory.”
- Comprehensive curriculum: “I appreciated the whole world of culture and etiquette presented.”
- Supportive community: “Sr. GrandMaster Yu teaches an art that aligns mind, body and heart, with mental and physical discipline practiced in a supportive community, the dojhang becomes family.”
Start Your Martial Arts Journey in Oak Park Today
Experience traditional martial arts with the best instructors in Oak Park, IL. Our classes are designed for kids, teens, and adults of all skill levels.
Call us at (708) 383-3456 or schedule your free class observation below. Come watch a class, meet our instructors, and see the Dojhang for yourself before you enroll. Train with Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and unlock your full potential in a supportive, family-oriented environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What types of martial arts do you teach in Oak Park?
We teach Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo, combined into one integrated curriculum, so every class builds striking, throws, joint locks, and self-defense together. Classes are organized by age and level for children, teens, and adults. We also offer a separate Saturday Kumdo/Gumdo program in traditional Korean swordsmanship.
Can beginners join your martial arts classes?
Absolutely. Our Oak Park martial arts classes welcome beginners of all ages. We create a supportive learning environment where new students build confidence, strength, and focus while learning traditional martial arts techniques.
What age groups do you accept for martial arts training?
We offer classes for kids, teens, and adults. Each student receives personalized instruction based on their skill level, age, and goals, ensuring everyone can grow and excel in our Oak Park martial arts programs.
