Master SH Yu Martial Arts

I have been a student of Grand Master S.H. Yu’s for 7 months now and have enjoyed every minute. What I like most about my experience thus far, is the fact that all of the instructors at the school do not try to mold you into a single image. Some people and kick high and others cannot (myself included). The instructors teach me at my pace and for my capabilities. I also like the fact that all of the instructors are extremely knowledgeable. They are all mild-​mannered, patient and are excellent with younger students as well. I’m a parent of a 4 year old and next year I’m planning on enrolling him. This is a great school and a great place to learn about your body, yourself and martial arts.

We absolutely love Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts. We enrolled our 5 year old son about 3 months ago. Master Wilson and Master Yu are terrific instructors and treat the students with respect. They expect the students to be well mannered and disciplined. They also praise the students as the students learn and achieve new goals. The environment is very welcoming and all of the instructors are friendly and easily approachable. We are so happy to have found such a great place for our son to learn martial arts and to continue to grow as a little man.

I am an adult student at the Master Yu dojhang. I’ve been taking classes for just over 1 year. I am so glad I joined this specific dojhang for my first martial arts experience. The classes are offered Mon — Thurs for non-​black belts and on Saturday mornings along with the children’s classes. The classes are all focused on the foundation to Master Yu’s program. There are elements of all major martial arts disciplines taught in each class, including boxing. As you advance through your belts (tests are quarterly), you will advance in the techniques. You can expect a high level of etiquette and discipline at the dojhang, as this lends to the true Korean martial arts feeling that is a part of Master Yu’s program.
The dojhang is very clean and there are separate changing rooms for men and women. There are plenty of masters and various levels of teachers in each class to help guide you through your various belts. Everyone is very friendly and patient. You are considered like family when you become a member!
If you’re looking to try martial arts for the first time, or want to get back into the practice, I would highly recommend learning from one of the long time masters of the arts!

Master Yu Martial Arts has made a tremendous difference in my children’s lives. All three of my daughters (now ages 11 – 14) have been attending classes there for 2 ½ years and love them. They have learned how patience, commitment, respect for others, and hard work allow you to live a healthy, balanced life. Their self-​esteem has grown and they feel that they can handle relationships and struggles in a more secure, thoughtful way thanks to Grand Master Yu, Master Wilson and Instructor Enloe. Raising daughters can bring up fears about their safety and their attendance and progress with martial arts has helped all of us feel more secure. My husband and I are so appreciative to the S.H. Yu Martial Arts and look forward to our daughters continuing there for many years to come.

My daughter came here with the girl scouts for a free class. I had no idea what to expect, but the facility, instructors, and class were all excellent. The class was fun and geared toward her age level with fun references to animals. The instructors were very, very friendly.
I think I will sign my daughter up for a class here. Very impressed.

My 4-​year old son had a diagnosis of selective mutism and social anxiety when we signed him up for the «KinderKarate» classes at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts. He struggled in social/​public environs that required him to speak and/​or participate in group activities. Coming out of daycare, he could not participate in circle time and had difficulty speaking to peers and teachers even when he was hurt, sick, needed to use the bathroom, etc.
Three years later and he is a completely different child. He actively participates both in Martial Arts class and in school. He relishes his time at the dojhang and can even joke around and socialize with his peers and classmates. He’s received a considerable amount of support in school and through other sources but I know the progress he has made would not have been possible without the help of Masters Yu and Wilson.
They have cultivated an environment here of respect, both for one’s self and others and found the perfect balance between discipline and warmth. I think Master Wilson’s background in social work has her particularly well-​equipped when educating children of all types. Master Yu’s knowledge of martial arts and his ability to apply it in his instruction is truly impressive.
I had few, if any, goals regarding our son’s proficiency as a martial artist. Our goals were focused solely on our son’s ability to function socially in the world around him. To my surprise, however, and thanks to the excellent instruction he receives here, he has made amazing strides in this respect. When watching him, I sometimes have to do a double-​take when realizing this is actually the same little guy who three years ago could scarcely perform a front-​kick or utter an audible «kee-​yop».
This is one of those hidden gems you scarcely have knowledge of when you move into a community. It’s also one of those places that make it impossible to leave. I don’t know what we or our son would have done without this wonderful resource. I cannot recommend it enough.

Master S. H. Yu’s is a true martial arts dojhang. Both my daughters and I are all students here. Grand Master Yu is fluent in several forms of martial arts, and the students learn all of the major forms: tae kwon do, karate, kung fu, hapkido, etc. They also have the opportunity to learn weaponry like numchauks, twin sticks, and kumdo — the Korean sword study.
But beyond all of these great things, all of the instructors focus on building the whole student — physical, mental and emotional. The emphasis is on self-​discipline, respect and self-​esteem, not fighting. Their introductory class, called Kinder Karate, for the youngest students, is designed specifically for that age group. As an educator myself, I appreciate all of their efforts to make the classes enjoyable for all age and ability groups. All of their instructors are patient, kind and well-​qualified.

My 5-​yr-​old daughter was struggling with both gross motor skills and the various challenges of pre-​school. I knew she had the capacity to be successful, but had not yet found a truly supportive environment for her.
I heard of Master Yu Martial Arts from another parent, and was immediately impressed by its welcoming and professional atmosphere. Watching Master Yu and Master Wilson instruct, it was clear I’d come to the right place.
My daughter has thrived there, amidst a balance of motivation and discipline. It has been challenging, but equally nurturing. And the commitment of every instructor to her progress, both emotionally and physically, has been genuinely amazing.
I also take classes there, and enjoy them immensely. It’s been wonderful to learn alongside my daughter, as well as in the adult classes (which also boast phenomenal instruction). I especially value the focus on individual development and camaraderie above competition.
My daughter is 7 now, and she and I will be testing for our green belts next month. I only wish I had even more time to practice and attend classes.

Master Yu is top drawer. I has been looking for a place to begin instruction in sword training. I was sold during my visit and my classes have only reiforced my decision. His facility is spotless and extremely safe. He and his instructors are consumate professionals. After my fist class, I enrolled both of my older children in his beginner class. He and his staff are tremendous with kids as well as adults. I have not seen my children so passionate about something in a long time and their excitment after the fist class was palpable. I encourage anyone shopping for martial arts instruction to visit Master Yu before making a decision on anyone else.

I have to admit that most of the reason why I joined was spurred on by an evening of popcorn and two hours of the Avengers. I hated the movie but Scarlett Johannson rocked! I wanted to move like that! LOL! Ok… I know that’s not realistic, since I’m totally not fit but q person can dream, right?
ANYWAY, after watching the movie, I looked up martial arts places in Oak Park and came upon Master Yu. I visited their location, was impressed with the facility, and signed up! I’ve been going about 2x a week for a the past month… although they encourage you to come as many days as you can. And all I can say is WOW!
I love Master Yu and Master Wilson’s approach and style of teaching. They make you feel warm and welcome. I was concerned because of certain health issues but they are very accomodating, yet know how to push you to get better. I probably should be practicing more than I am but after just a month, I feel a bit lighter and more flexible.
I also adore the way they teach the kids. I’ve never seen more respectful children in my life! It’s awesome to watch!
Being a student here, I feel empowered, inspired, and challenged. I look forward to my months of training ahead.

My five-​year-​old son attends the childrens classes at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts and I could not be more pleased with the instruction he receives. Both Master Yu and Master Elizabeth Wilson are expert martial artists and instill a respect for martial arts not only as a physical activity or self defense, but as an ancient art form requiring discipline, respect, courage and safety.
Master Wilson in particular is amazing with children and has the patience of a saint. Master Yu commands respect, but offers it up with a healthy sense of humor and lightness. Students of every ability are treated with dignity and encouraged to always try their best. The classes are full of different age levels and belt ranks which works perfectly because the older children and high rank students help the younger students or lower ranks and lead by example.
I would recommend Master Yu Martial Arts over any other martial art options in the area. I’m very grateful to have such dedicated and supportive teachers of martial arts so close to home.

Master S. H. Yu goes beyond the physical aspect of the martial arts and focuses on the mental and philosophical teachings as well. (That said, it is STILL great for fitness).
Master Yu himself is top of his field. His partner Elizabeth is also a top notch instructor, particularly for children. They offer classes for all ages and skill levels, and treat all students with dignity — no matter what their martial art experience.
I’ve heard they also work with students with physical disabilities, but I haven’t seen /​experience that for myself.