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Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
4.9 ★★★★★ 86 Google reviews · Karate dojo in Oak Park, Illinois
Affiliated dojo — reviews and the dojo's own info point to a recognized Karate style organization or franchise (think Shotokan/JKA, Kyokushin, Goju-Ryu, Isshinryu, Tiger Schulmann's or Villari's). If lineage matters to you, ask which style and organization the dojo belongs to, and under whom the head sensei earned their black belt.
Plan your first class
- Free trial / intro class most dojos welcome new students with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & youth classes kids and youth Karate classes — built around discipline, focus, and confidence
- 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
- Weapons / kobudo traditional weapons (kobudo) classes — kata with the bo, sai, and nunchaku, taught with control and discipline
- Adult classes adult Karate classes — training built for grown-ups, from fitness and fundamentals to kumite (sparring) at your own pace
- 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.”
“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
“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
“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.”
“The students and instructors are welcoming and kind-hearted, and every class offers something new to learn.”
“I love that the fees basically buy a "membership": kids can attend lessons multiple times per week, or less often when that is what works for the family.”
“H Martial Arts and Fitness Associates are not only learning defense techniques, but they are taught to be courteous, respectful, and self-disciplined.”
“Senior Grandmaster Yu is a genuine treasure; we are so lucky to have this opportunity to learn and continue this lineage in such a traditional, undiluted and experiential way.”
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 Karate? Start at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts comes up as a beginner-friendly dojo — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a dojo, 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 the sensei scales the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable dojos build fundamentals (stances, blocks, punches, and kicks) for weeks, and kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, with pads and control. Third, all levels and ages 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 dojos are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Karate class at Master S.H. Yu Martial Arts
Nervous about walking into a Karate dojo for the first time? Almost everyone is, and a good sensei expects 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, punches, and kicks — not hard sparring. Step to the side whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: athletic wear you can move in (or a gi if you have one); you'll train barefoot. What to bring: water, and a mouthguard if you have one — many dojos lend a loaner gi for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gi and the belt your dojo awards you. Kumite (sparring) eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the sensei. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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