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Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Taekwondo school in Oak Park, Illinois
Style / system: Olympic / World Taekwondo · Kukkiwon-certified — based on the school's own site and student reviews. Taekwondo systems (Olympic/World Taekwondo, ITF, and ATA/Songahm) differ in forms, sparring rules, and tournaments; if lineage matters to you, confirm it with the school. ATA vs WT vs ITF, explained →
Affiliated school — reviews and the school's own info point to a recognized taekwondo organization or franchise (think ATA Martial Arts, Kukkiwon certification, World Taekwondo, or ITF). If credentials matter to you, ask which association the school belongs to and where the head instructor earned their black-belt (dan) rank and certification.
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most schools welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Kids & teens classes kids and teens taekwondo classes — built around discipline, focus, confidence, and anti-bully skills
- Beginner-friendly all ages and levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Private lessons private, one-on-one instruction available — a focused way to start or to work around a busy schedule; ask about availability and rates
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule master-sh-yu.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone (708) 383-3456
Hours
| Monday | 2–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 2–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 2–9 PM |
| Thursday | 2–9 PM |
| Friday | 2–9 PM |
| Saturday | 9 AM–3 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“In addition the Ninja camps that my mother would take me to when I was 4-10 were always well organized, fun, and a perfect activity for children.”
“My now adult children (ages 20 and 19) began at ages 5 and 4, respectively, then I joined a few years later.”
“There are adult classes four times a week and they start late enough that we can easily make it after work.”
“I also take private lessons from Grand Master Yu himself studying the art of Kumdo or the art of the sword.”
“There is a physical aspect to attending class and learning self defense that has me in the best “physical” shape I could be in at my age and I am grateful for that.”
Other martial arts here
“Let me say this is by far the best karate school ever on the planet!”
“There is a physical aspect to attending class and learning self defense that has me in the best “physical” shape I could be in at my age and I am grateful for that.”
What students say
“It is an honor to be taught by Grand Master Yu and his team of amazing instructors.”
“The students and instructors are welcoming and kind-hearted, and every class offers something new to learn.”
“GrandMaster Yu and Master Wilson foster a diverse community of martial artists and people who care about making ourselves and each other better every day.”
“H Martial Arts and Fitness Associates are not only learning defense techniques, but they are taught to be courteous, respectful, and self-disciplined.”
“My son had nothing but respect for Master Yu and the other instructors.”
“I joined Supreme Grand Master Yu's school in July 2017, and now, as a 3rd Dan and an instructor, I can’t imagine a better place to practice and grow in martial arts.”
From the reviews
I've been taking the teen and adult class at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts for over 10 years, and with each new day I continue to grow as a martial artist and in my love for the dojhang! I originally chose Master S.H.
Our son is 5 and he just started attending classes at Master S.H. Yu’s do jhang and he loves it! It makes him feel powerful, strong and in control and gives him an outlet for all his energy. As a parent, I love the focus on discipline and respect they teach the children.
Five years ago, I was looking for a place for my family to study martial arts. When I walked into the Master SH Yu dojhang, I knew I had found the right fit. The level of knowledge, experience, professionalism and care is above all others.
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts is a fantastic place. I have been training here for over a year and love every second of it. One of the major positive things for me is how close you get. Both with your masters and fellow students. Everyone knows each other by name and it feels like a second family.
New to taekwondo? Start at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. If you've never trained or set foot in a dojang, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or flexible to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build fundamentals (stances, blocks, kicks, and basic forms) for weeks, sparring eases in gradually and with gear on, and instructors keep it controlled and safe. Third, all ages and all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first taekwondo class at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a taekwondo school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling basic stances, blocks, and kicks with a partner or on pads — not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: loose athletic wear you can move in (or a dobok if you have one); you'll train barefoot on the floor. What to bring: water and a positive attitude — many schools lend a loaner dobok for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll get your own dobok and belt, and sparring gear (mouthguard, headgear, and guards) once you begin sparring. Sparring eases in gradually, once your fundamentals and forms are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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🥋 Free trial / intro class — check their site