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

Call Us For A Personal Consultation (708) 383-3456

Martial Arts Programs

Adult & Teen Karate Lesson – Riverside, IL

Martial Arts for Adults in Oak Park, IL

Master S.H. Yu's adult martial arts classes in Oak Park, IL deliver a challenging, structured training experience that builds real self-defense skills, improves physical fitness, and develops the mental discipline and confidence that positively impact every area of your life. Our program welcomes adults of all fitness levels and experience — from complete beginners stepping onto the mat for the first time to experienced martial artists looking to sharpen and expand their skills. Join a growing community of Oak Park adults who have discovered that martial arts training at Master S.H. Yu is one of the most effective and rewarding...

Karate and Martial Arts for Kids in Oak Park, IL

Master S.H. Yu's kids karate and martial arts classes in Oak Park, IL help children develop the focus, self-discipline, and confidence they need to succeed in school, at home, and in everyday life. Our structured curriculum builds real self-defense skills and character in a safe, encouraging environment where every child is celebrated for their individual progress and growth. Oak Park families trust Master S.H. Yu to deliver expert kids martial arts instruction that goes far beyond physical training — shaping confident, respectful, and resilient young individuals.

Private Martial Arts Lessons in Riverside, IL

Private Martial Arts Lessons in Oak Park, IL

Master S.H. Yu's private martial arts lessons in Oak Park, IL offer a completely personalized, one-on-one training experience built around your specific goals, schedule, and current skill level — delivering faster progress and more focused development than group classes alone can provide. Working directly with an expert instructor, private lesson students receive immediate feedback, customized technique refinement, and a training plan designed to accelerate results whether you're a beginner or an advanced martial artist. For Oak Park students who are serious about their martial arts development and want the most direct path to achieving their goals, private instruction at Master...

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...

12 Week Martial Arts and Self Defense Program in Riverside, IL

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

Master S.H. Yu's 12-Week Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program in Oak Park, IL is the ideal starting point for beginners who want to build real self-defense skills, boost confidence, and experience authentic martial arts training in a structured, low-pressure environment. This focused program guides new students through foundational techniques, practical self-defense basics, and the core principles of discipline and respect that define martial arts training at every level.

Tae Kwon Do Classes in Oak Park and River Forest, IL - Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts

Tae Kwon Do Classes – Oak Park, IL

One of the oldest martial arts disciplines, Tae Kwon has been practiced for over 2,000 years, originating in Korea. The main goal of Tae Kwon Do is to unite the spirit, mind, and body by training the body and mind. Sr. GrandMaster Yu is internationally-certified and will give you the training needed to learn Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do Lessons

Events

25May 26

Memorial Day Holiday: No classes!

Join us in remembering all of our USA Military who have given their lives for our freedom and liberty. Let's all take a breather to reflect in gratitude for their…

06Jun 26

June 2026 Promotion Test

Let's advance! It's time to TEST and PROMOTE! Promotion Test Schedule: Children - all levels: 9:30 am-12N Teens & Adults - all levels: 1 pm-3 or 4 pm (depending on…

12Jun 26

June 2026 Promotion Ceremony

Let's present your essay, celebrate, and get promoted! Family and Friends are invited to gather in the community to enjoy the essay presentations and witness your advancing rank, poise, and…

View All Events

Contact Us For An On-site Visit

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

How Does Martial Arts Improve Flexibility and Joint Health?

April 24, 2026

Martial arts improve flexibility and joint health by training the body through repeated full-range, body-weight…

A Historic Honor: Grandmaster Yu Inducted into Hall of Fame and Appointed National VP of USTGS

April 23, 2026

Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is proud to announce a historic achievement for our founder…

Essay Question: Spring 2026 Promotion Test

March 16, 2026

Congratulations to all the students who stepped forward to test this quarter, and to the…

Testimonials

Rating 5

“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

“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.”

Review Us on Google

View All Testimonials

Oak Park Martial Arts | River Forest Karate, Self Defense, Tae Kwon Do

Martial Arts Gallery

Learn from a Legend

Experience True Martial Arts

Martial Arts Programs

Events

Latest News

Interested in Classes? Contact Us Today!

Testimonials