Elite Martial Arts - Springfield, IL 3.58

Master Steve Oh is a certified 8th degree black belt Grandmaster in Tae Kwon Do and a certified 7th degree black belt Master in HapKiDo. He has over 30 years of martial arts experience ranging from Competitions, Junior Olympics, Martial Arts Instruction, Women’s Self Defense Instruction, and is also a kicking coach for local professional MMA mixed martial artists. In 2015, Master Steve Oh accepted the title of President of the American Tae Kwon Do Federation which placed the headquarters for the Federation at Elite Martial Arts.

Elite Martial Arts was founded in October, 2014 when Master Oh had a vision of bringing traditional martial arts back to the Springfield area. Master Oh is supported by a group of dedicated martial artists (The Elite 6) who are all experienced students, competitors, instructors, coaches, and even professional MMA. These individuals have previously trained along side or under Master Oh during his martial arts career and all share the same passion for martial arts. With a combined total of over 100 years martial arts experience, Master Oh entrusts his Elite Team to be positive role models, mentors, instructors, and coaches for the students.

Elite Martial Arts teaches traditional high impact martial arts and utilizes a combination of Tae Kwon Do, HapKido, and Judo to create a well rounded and effective practical self-defense. Master Oh is highly skilled at breaking down and modifying strikes and self defense applications for each individual student. Contrary to belief, self defense is not one-size-fits-all. What works for one person, or one situation, may not work for another. Master Oh teaches real life application of self defense to individuals of all different body types and athletic abilities so that each student can effectively defend themselves (and their families) when needed.

Master Oh has a very high set of standards for his students, and pushes each one to be better, faster, and stronger. Each student is taught to control the situation by maintaining their self control in order to apply the appropriate amount of force necessary to successfully defend oneself from an attack. Students are taught to react to a situation and allow for their own body (through repetitive training and muscle memory) to naturally defend themselves. Students are taught not to rage out at their attacker, but to strike and defend with intensity, intent, and focus, while still maintaining control at all times.

Elite Martial Arts offers separate classes for youth and adult students. Youth classes are for children ages 5 and up.