Ryer Martial Arts Academy

Excellent martial arts school! When I was younger, I studied a few different martial arts in High School and College, but I hadn't practiced in over 10 years. I started my son in the pre-school classes at Ryer's and I couldn't resist signing up myself after I saw the school/classes and met the instructors.The classes are different from any class that I've taken in the past. The variety of styles and techniques make every class interesting, fun and challenging. There is a 4 week rotation consisting of striking techniques, eskrima/knife, grappling and Brazilian jiu jitsu. I love the fact that at every level, we learn advanced techniques that we won't be "formally" required to master until we reach higher belt levels.The curriculum is the Counterpoint Tactical System which is a very practical martial arts system. Every class is fun, the instructors are great and the class is a great workout.Highly recommended for all ages/levels!

I can't say enough about Ryer academy and all the amazing teachers there. My daughter started there at age 3 and is now 8 and still loves it and enjoys every class. The school has not only given her physical skills, body awareness and self defense tactics, but it has also given her confidence and has developed her character. For anyone thinking of karate for themselves or their child, Ryer academy is a special place!

I wrote a review a few years ago - and what I said before is still true except now my son has been going to this academy for 7 years instead of 3 years:This is a great place for well-rounded instruction. My son has attended here regularly from the ages of 6-13. In addition to gaining valuable physical skills and physical confidence, my son has maintained core strength and actively practiced various methods of verbal defense. Respect is a strong value. High expectations are set while maintaining an entirely positive atmosphere. The policies are now very clearly spelled out. The owner is very flexible and communicative. All the instructors are of exceptional quality. Unlike other sports team activities that seem to demand that you dedicate your life to them, Ryer's flexible schedule has allowed us to maintain consistent participation in martial arts for years, with no stress.

Definitely one of the best martial arts academies in Pittsburgh. I have noticed a significant improvement in my strength and overall fitness since joining here 9 months ago. The classes , though challenging , are insanely fun ! What sets this academy apart from the other fitness centers I have tried in Pittsburgh , is the owner and trainer of the place - Josh. Just an amazing trainer and an amazing person - always pushes you to improve and to strive to be better. I feel like, since joining here, not just my fitness but other areas of my life have improved as well. It's just awesome ! If you haven't yet , you have to try these classes !

My son attended classes at Ryer's and LOVED it!!! When we told him we would be moving away he was excited to have a new house and a new school. The only thing that seemed to upset him was the idea of leaving Ryer's. It is going to be hard to find a place that even comes close to this studio!! The instructors are so great with the kids! They really work on teaching their students to be well rounded individuals and not just the movements. They have a great balance of fun and structure. And they somehow manage to learn not only the students' names, but the whole family! I can't say enough good things about Ryer Martial Arts Academy!! I highly recommend it!

I've been coming to Ryer Academy for their Cardio Kickboxing classes for almost 3 years now. My experience here has been stellar. The key to sticking with a workout plan is finding something you love, so you don't have to force yourself to go everytime, and you'll be more likely to stick with it. The folks at Ryer make is so enjoyable that I can't wait to come back for more. I could have joined a dozen gyms and promptly quit. But the environment at Ryer is so healthy and supportive that I don't want to quit. Josh and Kristy are fantastic instructors, and the participants in the class are friendly and welcoming as well. The class is fast paced [with alterations for newbies] and gets your blood pumping. And there's something about kicking and punching that really helps with my stress levels.Nobody is too weak, and no one is made to feel unfit. If anything, confidence grows immensely within the first few classes, as you do things you never thought you could.I have no hesitation in recommending Ryer Academy to anyone. I am not being compensated in any way for this review.

I visited Ryer Academy in July 2012 with my youngest son, as we were interested in helping him learn self discipline through the practice of martial arts. We were respectfully greeted by the owner, Josh Ryer, and were invited to a free week of classes in their excellent facilities. We weren't pressured into enrolling, as Josh was and is always very mindful of how he conducts himself around others and is very considerate of the families who choose Ryer as the place for their children's instruction. Since then, we have always felt welcomed. Josh and the other instructors are the kind of people who we feel like we've always known, and who make Ryer Academy a place we look forward to going each week. Somehow, they always have time to have a conversation with myself and my children. We were so pleased with the how Josh and the other pre-k instructors conducted class that we also enrolled our oldest son, who absolutely loves it. Our daughter, now 2, begs to take class and we honestly can't wait until she's old enough to join her brothers. Our boys have learned so much from being in an environment that fosters respect for others in addition to the obvious top notch martial arts/self defense instruction. Thank you, Josh, for making Ryer Academy a wonderful place.

We have been members of Ryer Martial Arts Academy since 2009. What a fantastic place! All four of our sons (started at ages 3,3,5,7) have steadily climbed the ranks of Counterpoint Tactical System. The confidence and skills they have learned increase their ability to handle themselves with discipline and control, as well as giving them the basis they need to stand up to bullying they encounter in their lives. Our children love Ryer and so do we!

I have been a member of Ryer Academy since the fall 2010, and I absolutely love it. While Ryer has many different programs to offer I have been a dedicated cardio kick boxer. I absolutely love the workouts. It is a great mix of cardio, abs, kicking, and my personal favorite punching. No matter what type of mood I am in before class I ALWAYS leave feeling great. You do not have to be the most physical or active person to get started in the kickboxing class. I had never even worked out before I joined. The staff is extremely personable and the atmosphere is always friendly. I have made great friendships here at Ryer, and would recommend anyone come check it out for themselves.

My two high-energy children (ages 6 and 9) participated in the youth classes at Ryer Martial Arts Academy. They both had excellent experiences there, and they have developed a love for martial arts as a result. The children learn not only martial arts, but they also learn about respect, self-control, discipline, honesty and courtesy, among other things. One of the things that stands out about Ryer is that Joshua Ryer not only talks to the children about how to behave, he models it. He sets a positive, calm, friendly tone, and this permeates throughout. When children are not listening, some adults are inclined to raise their voices (at soccer, swimming, other martial arts schools etc.). I never saw this kind of behavior at Ryer Martial Arts . My boys got to exercise and have fun. They learned self-defense, improved their self-control, and self-discipline and built their confidence. Moreover, they saw Josh and the other instructors model self-discipline, confidence, and a respectful attitude through their conduct.We have moved from Pittsburgh, and one of the few things we will miss are the classes at Ryer. Thanks to their time at Ryer Martial Arts, the only activity my boys have specifically requested in our new city is martial arts. Ryer Martial Arts Academy will be a tough act to follow.