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
Martial Arts Programs
Events
Artistic Weaponry Training with Supreme GrandMaster Yu
Summer Intensive 3-Day Training in the TwinSticks and Nunchauka with Supreme GrandMaster Yu. Read the description of this summer training here. Training Information Monday/Tuesday/Wednesay 3:00 pm-4:45 pm daily. All ORIGINAL…
AirborneKicks Training with Supreme GrandMaster Yu
Intensive Conditioning workshop for registered students only, AirborneKicks will elevate your skills to new heights! Read the description for this summer training here. GrandMaster Yu gives you the expert base-training…
Promotion Test – September 2026
Your Quarterly Promotion Test! Time to step up and advance! Detailed Schedule: Children - all levels: 9:30 am-12N Teens & Adults - all levels: 1:00 pm-4:00 pm Test registration can…

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
5 Ways to Help Your Child Stay Motivated in Martial Arts
Starting martial arts is an exciting experience for children. Learning new moves, building confidence, and…
Essay Question: June 2026 Promotion Test
Super PROUD of everyone who stepped forward to test this quarter! EVERYONE was committed and…
How Does Martial Arts Improve Flexibility and Joint Health?
Martial arts improve flexibility and joint health by training the body through repeated full-range, body-weight…





































