OakPark River Forest Martial Arts Classes for Families, Kids, Adults:World-Class Instruction; TKD Programs for students in preschool through adult.
Traditional training in all martial arts: Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Karate, Kung Fu, Dangsudo, Aikido, Judo, including artistic weaponry & Kumdo (World Haidong Gumdo) - the Way of the Sword. Artistry, skill and focus emphasized in all classes, with a variety of skills and movement accessible to all body types and fitness levels. GrandMaster Yu personally directs all classes and programs, and actively
teaches and demonstrates effective self-defense skills in daily Master Classes. We focus on martial arts as a lifestyle, for students interested in unlimited learning and growth through martial arts practice. Originally Established in 1991,GrandMaster Yu is a World-Class, 9thDan Grandmaster who brought traditional martial arts to Oak Park and the surrounding area, and has raised 2 generations of martial artists, including Active Masters (5th Dan) and Junior Masters (4th Dan) who have trained from the ground up with GrandMaster Yu. Students return from all over the U.S. and abroad throughout the year to train here, along with local students, eager to learn and grow in these beautiful martial arts. GrandMaster Yu's experience spans over a half-century, and continues as an elite trainer and program developer. Our trainers enjoy teaching martial arts to lifelong learners as the foundation of a healthy, balanced life beyond sports and competition. Staff includes an Early Childhood expert, Masters in Social Work, and specialist in therapeutic movement for children. Honored to serve Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, Riverside, River Grove, and the surrounding Chicago neighborhoods since 1994, our 5000 square-foot training center is situated on a tranquil, landscaped lot, bordered by Bamboo, Roses and an Asian-inspired garden. Easy access in front, with ample, off-street parking on site. Inside students immediately recognize GrandMaster Yu's attention to detail, where cleanliness, safety and discipline rules, along with caring instruction, focused fun and a variety of classes geared to age, rank and skill level. GrandMaster Yu has dedicated his life to the Martial Arts, and to promoting a healthy understanding of Martial Arts as a way of life. A 9th Dan, Level 1 GrandMaster, choreographer, and World Haidong Gumdo Master, he is distinguished as an elite achiever who is affiliated and recognized by significant international martial arts organizations, including Kukkiwon The World Tae Kwon Do Federation, The International Hapkido Federation, and the World Haidong Gumdo Federation. His expertise includes study, practice, and choreography of various traditional martial arts, including Kumdo (Swords) and Artistic Weaponry. We believe that human development at every stage is an important undertaking, and that whoever invests the time to train with us shall possess the practical skills and know how to successfully use these skills to defend and protect themselves. We are devoted to helping students of every age realize their potential. Contact us Today for an on-site visit and consult!
Essay Question: June 2026 Promotion Test - Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Super PROUD of everyone who stepped forward to test this quarter! EVERYONE was committed and MIGHTY! The Promotion Ceremony is Friday, June 12th! Essay Question: June 2026 Promotion Test Submitted by soon-to-be Jr.Asst.Instructor Iseline, age 10 almost 11 🙂 Children:…
Memorial Day Holiday: No classes! - Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
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 ultimate sacrifice. Meanwhile, Memorial Day means your summer training fun…
05/10/2026
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY TO ALL OF OUR MASTERYU MOMS!
You all are the BEST of the BEST forever! You have raised, are raising, and continue
to raise the BRIGHT LIGHTS of our Community!
YOU are our SHINING STARS!
Your commitment and purpose are what has made and continues to make the Dojhang a truly special place for inclusion, NinjaLove, and body/mind/spirit development. THANK YOU from the very CENTER of our NinjaHearts!
04/20/2026
Congratulations to our beloved Teacher, Grandmaster Yu on your induction into the U.S.Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall of Fame and Appointment to National Vice President to USTGS!Thank you for leading us to excellence by your example!
You are The Best of the Best! We were honored to witness the ceremony, and thank you for honoring us in this special way. Special thanks to Instructors , , and for stepping up with signature poise and discipline to assist in the awards distribution. As you said in your acceptance speech, Sir, “I accept this lifetime achievement award as an order and mandate to continue to be a Real, True, Authentic Taekwondo Martial Artist and GrandMaster, teaching the students with intention & purpose to make them great Taekwondo martial artists, future instructors, Masters and noble leaders of the next generation.”
We know you will do it and we are ready for the training to make your dreams a reality ❤️💪🌟😅
04/06/2026
Ready for your Spring Training! This courageous champion is here to declare that YOU TOO need these beautiful self-defense skills: Your Life is IMPORTANT😁🥷❤️💪 12weeks will get you Summer Ready for travel, sports conditioning, extra flexibility, end of the academic year, and whatever adventures await. We are back on the mat right here with YOU 🌟 Start today!
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03/28/2026
Best of the Best to close out our successful 1st quarter 2026! We are getting ready for your Spring Training! See you after a safe, restful and active Spring Break: we are back in action on Monday April 6. Wishing everyone peaceful and joyful Spring Holidays 🙏🥷❤️
03/17/2026
Jr. Master Merrick now more than halfway to 5th Dan! Awesome 4” construction grade board break! WOW 🤩
Participating in your martial arts journey is our greatest honor and privilege. Thanks to everyone who came out to support the beauty and purpose of true Art🥷❤️💪
Have fun preparing your essay for your promotion ceremony on 3.20. Here’s 2 versions of the question: pick one and we look forward to the inspiration 🤩
— Which number of our martial arts Creed currently means the most to you, and why?
OR
- Which number of our martial arts Creed do you feel you need to work on, and how do you plan on doing so?
03/05/2026
We are inspired to guide you in crushing your goals 💪🥷❤️ Your quarterly promotion test coming up Saturday March 14th: Kids & Youth at 9:30a; Adults & Teens at 1:00p. Join us!
BTW: those are 6, 1”construction grade wood boards 😁⚡️
02/13/2026
Holiday Mode: Give yourself some NinjaLove this weekend: Get Airborne! President’s Day Training Camps on 2.16 – no evening classes – Holiday Camps are HERE!
2-4pm: Artistic Weaponry
4:15-6:15: AirborneKicks
Let’s Elevate ❤️💪❤️
01/23/2026
Stay warm and strong everyone: Classes canceled today Friday 1.23 due to extreme weather 🥶💪🥷❤️
Get Ready: AirborneKicks returns on President’s Day 2.16 😁
06/09/2026
05/25/2026
05/10/2026
04/20/2026
04/06/2026
03/28/2026
02/13/2026
01/23/2026