Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts Dojhang, 6701 West North Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302
About
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts offers traditional martial arts and self-defense training that includes Tae Kwon Do, Aikido, Hapkido, Kudo, Gumdo, Judo, and Karate. The program also includes Kumdo (sword) and traditional weaponry as part of its curriculum. A 12-Week Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program is offered as an ideal starting point for beginners.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: 12-Week Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program; class schedule and times are always subject to change based on the service to the community and students
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts has been building a legacy of martial arts and self-defense excellence since 1994 and has created a lasting impact on good citizenship, health, and vitality through traditional martial arts education for children, youth, and adults since 1991. It is described as the Original Home for True Martial Arts in Oak Park and is proudly approaching its 25th year of teaching True Martial Arts there. The Martial Arts Dojhang is not a playground or birthday party venue, and it is cleaned after every class.
Sr. GrandMaster Yu is the founder, president, and head instructor of Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and is a 9th-Dan Sr. GrandMaster. He is a 9th-Dan, licensed 1st Class Certified, internationally recognized Sr. GrandMaster with more than 60 years dedicated to the study, teaching, and evolution of Taekwondo and traditional martial arts. He is recognized and affiliated with Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters, The World Tae Kwon Do Federation, the International Hapkido Federation, and The World Haidong Kumdo Federation. His credentials include Kukkiwon 9th Dan Rank and International Advisory Medal, 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Judge endorsed by the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation, 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Master, International Hapkido Federation Master Teacher with 8th Dan in Hapkido, and official recognized Master Teacher of World Haidong Gumdo. He was appointed to the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board and received the 9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal from Kukkiwon, World TKD Headquarters, in August 2016.
The program’s mission states 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. Teachers and instructors state that they are responsible to develop each student’s highest quality of life and to help the student discover the foundation of their life and build their interior kingdom. Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s lifelong mission is described as preserving authentic martial arts tradition while developing disciplined, capable students who grow in skill, character, and leadership, and he believes martial arts training is not only about physical technique, but about personal transformation. His mission is to help students recognize their value and develop into strong community members, leaders, and disciplined individuals.
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is described as the Oak Park Martial Arts Original Dojhang and a destination for true martial arts for families in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, Riverside, and Chicago/Galewood, with service areas that include Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, and Riverside. The school notes that Kumdo classes offer one of the Chicago area’s rare opportunities to train in the ancient Korean art of the sword. Programs are described as being for all ages and experience levels, with a dedicated team of instructors trained from the ground up by Sr. GrandMaster Yu.
Sr. GrandMaster S.H. Yu Martial Arts is an exclusive Organization Member in High Standing of Kukkiwon, The World Tae Kwon Do Federation. GrandMaster Yu is the highest level, international test examiner endorsed by the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation and an official International Hapkido Federation Master Teacher. His training and qualifications with the World Haidong Gumdo Federation have qualified the school as an official education center for World Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo). Recognitions and awards include induction into the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall of Fame, appointment as National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society (USTGS), induction into the GrandMasters Hall of Fame and appointment as Regional Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2026), appointment as National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2025), recognition by Kukkiwon as an exemplary Master and Dojang (2024), appointment to the Kukkiwon International Advisory Board (2016), Kukkiwon 9th Dan Rank and International Advisory Medal (2015–2016), and the 9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal from Kukkiwon, World TKD Headquarters, in August 2016.
One testimonial describes Sr. GrandMaster Yu as a great martial arts teacher with over 40 years of experience in guiding students, and the writer states they feel fortunate to be one of his students and refers to his direct instruction, personal example, and commitment to traditional martial arts principles.
Last updated May 25, 2026.
• Ages: 5–18 years old
• Schedule: 12-Week Martial Arts and Self-Defense Program; class schedule and times are always subject to change based on the service to the community and students
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts has been building a legacy of martial arts and self-defense excellence since 1994 and has created a lasting impact on good citizenship, health, and vitality through traditional martial arts education for children, youth, and adults since 1991. It is described as the Original Home for True Martial Arts in Oak Park and is proudly approaching its 25th year of teaching True Martial Arts there. The Martial Arts Dojhang is not a playground or birthday party venue, and it is cleaned after every class.
Sr. GrandMaster Yu is the founder, president, and head instructor of Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and is a 9th-Dan Sr. GrandMaster. He is a 9th-Dan, licensed 1st Class Certified, internationally recognized Sr. GrandMaster with more than 60 years dedicated to the study, teaching, and evolution of Taekwondo and traditional martial arts. He is recognized and affiliated with Kukkiwon World Taekwondo Headquarters, The World Tae Kwon Do Federation, the International Hapkido Federation, and The World Haidong Kumdo Federation. His credentials include Kukkiwon 9th Dan Rank and International Advisory Medal, 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Judge endorsed by the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation, 1st Class Tae Kwon Do Master, International Hapkido Federation Master Teacher with 8th Dan in Hapkido, and official recognized Master Teacher of World Haidong Gumdo. He was appointed to the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters International Advisory Board and received the 9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal from Kukkiwon, World TKD Headquarters, in August 2016.
The program’s mission states 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. Teachers and instructors state that they are responsible to develop each student’s highest quality of life and to help the student discover the foundation of their life and build their interior kingdom. Sr. GrandMaster Yu’s lifelong mission is described as preserving authentic martial arts tradition while developing disciplined, capable students who grow in skill, character, and leadership, and he believes martial arts training is not only about physical technique, but about personal transformation. His mission is to help students recognize their value and develop into strong community members, leaders, and disciplined individuals.
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is described as the Oak Park Martial Arts Original Dojhang and a destination for true martial arts for families in Oak Park, River Forest, Forest Park, Elmwood Park, Berwyn, Riverside, and Chicago/Galewood, with service areas that include Oak Park, River Forest, Elmwood Park, Forest Park, and Riverside. The school notes that Kumdo classes offer one of the Chicago area’s rare opportunities to train in the ancient Korean art of the sword. Programs are described as being for all ages and experience levels, with a dedicated team of instructors trained from the ground up by Sr. GrandMaster Yu.
Sr. GrandMaster S.H. Yu Martial Arts is an exclusive Organization Member in High Standing of Kukkiwon, The World Tae Kwon Do Federation. GrandMaster Yu is the highest level, international test examiner endorsed by the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Federation and an official International Hapkido Federation Master Teacher. His training and qualifications with the World Haidong Gumdo Federation have qualified the school as an official education center for World Haidong Gumdo (Kumdo). Recognitions and awards include induction into the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Hall of Fame, appointment as National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo Grandmasters Society (USTGS), induction into the GrandMasters Hall of Fame and appointment as Regional Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2026), appointment as National Vice President of the U.S. Taekwondo GrandMasters Society (2025), recognition by Kukkiwon as an exemplary Master and Dojang (2024), appointment to the Kukkiwon International Advisory Board (2016), Kukkiwon 9th Dan Rank and International Advisory Medal (2015–2016), and the 9th Dan Lifetime Achievement Medal from Kukkiwon, World TKD Headquarters, in August 2016.
One testimonial describes Sr. GrandMaster Yu as a great martial arts teacher with over 40 years of experience in guiding students, and the writer states they feel fortunate to be one of his students and refers to his direct instruction, personal example, and commitment to traditional martial arts principles.
Last updated May 25, 2026.
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