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Back-to-School with GrandMaster Yu!  YourSuccess, Health, Focus, Purpose, Your new Skills ready for you to own —  NEXT PROMOTION TEST: September 6, 2025

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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

Karate Movements - Master SH Yu
Master-S.H.-Yu-Martial-Arts-24
Karate Movements - Master SH YuMaster-S.H.-Yu-Martial-Arts-24

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Martial Arts Programs

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Adult & Teen Karate Lesson – Riverside, IL

Adult & Teen Martial Arts Classes in Oak Park, IL

A challenging, structured training experience for adults and teens of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced martial artists. Every class blends Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo, building practical self-defense, physical fitness, and the mental discipline that carries into every area of life.
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Karate and Martial Arts for Kids in Oak Park, IL

Kids Martial Arts Classes in Oak Park, IL

Our kids classes help children build focus, self-discipline, confidence, and real self-defense skills through our combined curriculum of Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Aikido, and Judo. Two levels ensure beginners and advanced students each train with their peers in a safe, encouraging environment. Oak Park families have trusted Master S.H. Yu to shape confident, respectful young people since 1994.
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Private Martial Arts Lessons in Riverside, IL

Private Martial Arts Lessons in Oak Park, IL

One-on-one training with Sr. GrandMaster Yu or Master Wilson, tailored to each student's goals, offered as a complement to regular classes for registered students of every age and level. Master a difficult technique, prepare for a promotion test, or accelerate your progress with focused individual instruction.
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Oak Park, IL Kumdo Martial Arts - Master S.H. Yu

Kumdo Martial Arts: The Art of the Sword in Oak Park, IL

Master S.H. Yu's Kumdo classes in Oak Park, IL offer one of the Chicago area's rare opportunities to train in the ancient Korean art of the sword, combining precise technique, deep mental discipline, and an authentic respect for martial arts tradition that is nearly impossible to find at other local schools. Students learn traditional sword forms, footwork, and sparring techniques in a focused training environment that sharpens concentration, builds physical coordination, and cultivates a calm and disciplined mindset. For Oak Park residents seeking a uniquely rewarding martial art that goes far beyond conventional classes, Master S.H. Yu's Kumdo program delivers...
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12 Week Martial Arts and Self Defense Program in Riverside, IL

12 Week Martial Arts and Self Defense Program in Oak Park, IL

The ideal starting point for beginners. This structured first season of training introduces the foundations of all four arts in our combined curriculum, with level-appropriate instruction and one-on-one attention for new students in a low-pressure environment.
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Events

31Oct 26
Happy Halloween: Trick-or-Treat To Fight Hunger!

Happy Halloween: Trick-or-Treat to Fight Hunger!

Happy Halloween Everybody!  Wishing our entire Martial Arts Family and Community a SAFE, HEALTHY, and FUN Halloween! No Classes Today! Today is the day we begin our annual Fundraiser to…

Master SH Yu Martial Arts

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

September 2026 Essay Question

Congratulations to everyone who valiantly stepped up for their promotion test on Saturday, 9.12 -…

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Testimonials

Rating 5  5 Star Moving Rating
“As the saying goes, “behind every great student is a great teacher.” Sr. GrandMaster Yu is indeed a great martial arts teacher with over 40 years of experience in guiding students to be their best. I am fortunate to be one of his students. Through Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s direct instruction, personal example and commitment to traditional martial arts principles, I have developed a martial arts worldview that has shaped me physically and mentally, and also as a caring and responsible human being.”
Rating 5  5 Star Moving Rating
“Since enrolling my son, I have seen incredible growth in his self-confidence, self-respect and physical coordination. Indeed, he was being so enriched and having so much fun, I joined myself and have enjoyed learning the new skills tremendously. Earlier this summer, we were in California and practicing our techniques together on the beach. Nothing on TV beats that.”
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