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Ryer Martial Arts Academy

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5440 Centre Ave (at South Graham Street)
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

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(412) 621-7937
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Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Ryer Martial Arts Academy - Pittsburgh, PA
Reviews
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Best

Part of the reason I first went to Ryer Academy is the number of excellent reviews they received on this site. I have been looking for a place to learn a martial art where I wo...

Worst

Very nervous at first when I went there, which was at night. NO PARKING. The instruction seemed ok, but if I am taking my kids there I would be more comfortable in a differnt lo...

Incredible Instruction 1/31/2008

All classes from children and adult karate to aerobics classes are run with the utmost professionalism. I am extremely satisfied with everything this Academy has to offer and would suggest that anyone looking for Martial Arts or Fitness classes to check it out. Pros: Professional, Clean and overall TOP NOTCH. more
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Hard hard hard workout! 1/31/2008

I started cardio kick as a new years resolution to amp up my workouts. This class is incredible. It is very challenging, but leaves me wanting more each time. The music is very motivating and the instructor is great and very fit. Everything about it class is just awesome. I would encourage everyone looking to lose weight or looking to improve their fitness level to try this class. Pros: immediate results, challenging workout Cons: sort of far from where i live, but worth the drive! more
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Positive influence for Children 1/31/2008

My child takes martial arts at Ryer Martial Arts Academy and it is the best thing I could have ever done for him. I can't thank Mr. Josh enough for all his patience and all the development skills he has taught my son. My son not only can focus better, but has better discipline, respect, and best of all, leadership!\r Thank you to all the instructors for being positive role models, not only to my son, but to many other children. I would reccommend this place to any parent looking to better their childs life. Pros: Positive instructors, safe enviornment, clean place more
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A kick-ass workout guaranteed! 1/30/2008

I joined this place a month ago and have fallen in love with it. The workouts are hard and will puch you to the limit, but in the end you will keep coming back for more. The environment is very friendly. Josh (the owner) will sit down with you and outline your goals and will remind you of them when you find yourself slacking during the workout. Coming to this place in the evening is the highlight of my day. If you want a great workout and a serious stress reliever, I suggest you definitely try this place! Pros: Good music; very encouraging instructors; clean facility; on bus route Cons: Large class size in the evenings more
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Welcoming atmosphere, tough workout 1/29/2008

I've been taking the Real Cardio Kickboxing class here for a few months, and it has been a very positive experience. The atmosphere is friendly and supportive. (I have been pretty slow to learn the exercises, but the instructors and fellow students are always patient, never intimidating.) The workout is good,, tough. I saw results in a few weeks -- weight loss and stronger muscles. The workout is varied class to class, so it is never boring. The music is good, too. Pros: good workout, welcoming atmosphere Cons: -- more
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Outstanding Instruction--Immediate Results 11/16/2007

I have been taking cardio kickboxing at this place for less than a month, and I am already seeing results. The instructors are great and very motivating, and I actually look forward to exercising when I know I'm going to kickboxing class. The owner is also very good with the kids karate class (and is definately an outstanding role model for youth these days), that I sometimes observe the end of, since kickboxing classes are right after. Friendly staff, knowledgeable instruction and very clean. I would highly recommend this martial arts school to anyone for both kickboxing and karate. Pros: Knowledgeable Instruction, Immediate Results, Clean more
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Most Professional Instruction & Most Dedicated Staff 9/13/2006

I am not one to write reviews, I believe that everyone should experience things for themselves and draw their own conclusions, but after reading a quite disturbing review on this Martial Arts studio, I felt it was my duty to stand up for what I know is correct. I am no longer a student at UPK, but I studied there for a little over a year before relocating to a different city. Kenpo was the most practical Martial Art I have ever learned. To say that it is just ""okay"" for self defense is an opionion that can only come from an observer, and not someone who has actually studied Kenpo. Not only do you learn a series of techniques, practical for every situation that may arise varying from basic hand strikes, to kicks, attacks from behind, knives, guns etc...but counterpoint is a HUGE part of the ciriculum, which teaches you how to use your instincts to act in a counter attack if your first attack goes wrong, or the opponent throws an unexpected strike. Grappling was also practiced at least once a week, and focused on more as you get to a higher belt level.\r Just as important as the instruction, the staff is very friendly and accommodating. The students are very disciplined, and very respectful. Anything less than should not be tolerated in any martial arts school. If you are really looking to learn a martial art, more practical than throwing fancy spinning kicks, this is definatly the studio to go to.\r The owner, Josh, lives and breathes Kenpo. Even in his young age, he is one of the most self-motivating people I have ever met. His knowledge of the art is very deep, and his level of instruction is the highest that I have ever experienced. Pros: Very Professional, Convenient Class Times, Great Staff more
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Best Overall Martial Arts and Fitness School 9/13/2006

Over the past few months I have been a regular kickboxing student at the United Parker Kenpo School in Shadyside. I have not only lost 15 lbs in the past couple of months, but I have also gained a confidence I never had before. Every instructor at the school is amazingly motiviating and they really do make fitness fun. When I am done with class I usually stick around and watch the adult Kenpo class, and let me tell you, the techniques they use are very practical for street defense and very easy to pick up. As a matter of fact, I am planning on taking a few Kenpo classes soon, and I will comment again on how much my butt gets kicked:)\r \r Overall, I highly recommend this school for both fitness aspects as well as learning the Martial Arts.. Have fun!!! Pros: Friendly staff, extremely clean Cons: NONE! more
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internationally recognized karate champ, best instruction for all levels 6/29/2006

Well, here I am, 2 years later -- still going strong, and I stand by every word below -- except for the fact that it is easy to park now, since the wine store closed ... *wink*\r \r Unbelievable to have a karate instructor of this caliber in an unassuming, friendly, and affordable karate school. Not a chain, no gimmicks, just real self-defense and fitness instruction for kids, men, women of all ages and backgrounds.\r \r I found this school because I was a woman looking for some self-defense classes, and someone from my gym recommended Josh Ryer. I knew nothing about karate, nor had I ever heard of Josh, but I was inspired by that movie where JLo learns self-defense and kicks her ex-husband's butt. Anyway, I was heartened by the fact that the school was NOT a chain where you pay money to get through each belt level (sorry, Carol -- my sister belongs to one of those and is almost a brown belt ... after 1 year!)\r \r When I saw Josh teach his children's classes, I knew I was in the right place. This instructor really ""walks the walk"" so to speak -- gentle yet powerful, patient guidance with the kids -- it is a blast just to watch these little boys and girls really learning friendly competition, discipline, and self-defense.\r \r Plus, Josh regularly trains with his own teacher(s), and hosts kenpo champs from all over the world -- right here in the 'burgh! He is a a joy to watch -- a grace and elegance that comes only from a top-level athlete.\r \r The best part about it is the mix of people -- age, race, class, gender, weight -- you see everyone there, and there are no pretentions or egos allowed to run amok.\r \r I went from watching JLo (!) to actually earning my yellow belt, plus I do his cardio kickboxing 2 days a week for a great workout that makes me feel like an old-skool boxer.\r \r Best karate school in the 'burgh -- and believe me, I did my research (I teach at Pitt, among other things, so I am critical). Pros: top quality instruction, affordable, great mix of people Cons: definitely put money in the meter, or park on a side street more
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United Parker's Kenpo Karate School 6/28/2006

It was a year ago I decided I would give kickboxing a try, and I am VERY happy I joined. Not only am I pleased with the new friends I have made at the school, but the workout is great! If you want to meet some smiling faces and have a great workout at the same time, please give United Parker's a try! Josh is the lead instructor, he is VERY friendly and he wants to see you accomplish your goals! \r \r Thanks again Josh! \r Veronica Pros: Great workout, always changing! Cons: No Cons! more
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Most Intense Workout in Pittsburgh 6/25/2006

I originally walked into this karate school to enroll my son in the kids karate program. The level of instruction he is receiving is amazing. Not only does he look forward to going to class because it is fun, but I look forward to the other things he is learning such as dicipline and respect. After being there a few months, I took interest in an aerobic class being offered there called kickboxing. After my first class, I could barely walk out of there. I have never experienced such an intense workout in all my life. The class was challenging at first, but the energy level in class makes the time go quickly. The level of instruction is very professional, yet fun, and the class times and prices are very reasonable. Whether you are looking to learn martial arts, or just to get an awesome workout, I would definately recommend this karate school to anyone! Pros: Very professional, non intimidation more
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Ryer Academy Is Pittsburgh’s Best In Martial Arts, Kickboxing, and CrossFit!

Editorial

  • Specializing in several martial art disciplines including American Kenpo Karate, Counterpoint Tactical System and Doce Pares Eskrima, Ryer Martial Arts Academy offers adult and children classes,...

  • 5/5/2008 Provided by Citysearch
Additional information
  • Hours: Please visit our website for a current class schedule. www.ryeracademy.com
  • Payments: American Express, Visa, Master Card, Discover
  • Neighborhoods: Shadyside
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