Our History

Ryer Martial Arts Academy began as a student organization at the University of Pittsburgh called the United Parker's Kenpo Club. Established in September 2000, the club was founded by Joshua Ryer and Salvador “Alex” Dorsey. After several successful years at Pitt, Josh re-structured the club into a full-time academy in February of 2004 and carried on the name United Parker's Kenpo Karate.

As a full-time academy, we began to evolve welcoming people of all ages with many different interests. We developed an extensive fitness program and we diversified our instruction into several martial arts disciplines. With all of this, our vision evolved and in December 2007 we changed our name to Ryer Martial Arts Academy.

Just as our diamond represents, we strive to deliver the most multifaceted and highest quality martial arts and fitness programs in Pittsburgh!

Our Programs

Ryer Martial Arts Academy offers a comprehensive selection of martial arts programs ranging from after-school martial arts for Pre-School, Youth, and Teen students to a unique selection of Adult Martial Arts.

In addition to the martial arts programs, Ryer Academy offers a highly selective Fitness Program that includes classes in Asana Yoga, Cardio Kickboxing, and CrossFit.

So whether you are looking for the best in martial arts, self-defense, or fitness;
Ryer Martial Arts Academy is the place to be!

Our Staff

The goal of our staff is to provide you with professional customer service.  We do this by keeping your goals at heart and leading by example. We have over fifteen staff members that are both full-time and part-time.  These staff members range from Lead Instructors to Front Desk staff.

To view bios of our staff, please click here.

Our Facility

Ryer Martial Arts Academy spans over 12,000 square feet on two floors of the Chianelli Building in Shadyside.

We are the largest martial arts and fitness academy in the City of Pittsburgh!

We are conveniently located between UPMC Shadyside Hospital and the Giant Eagle Market District. Along with a convenient location, we have free parking available during our evening hours and on weekends through our partnership with Rudy Molnar Automotive which is located across the street from the academy on the corner of Baum Boulevard and Graham Street. Parking is for all members of Ryer Academy and CrossFit Shadyside.

CrossFit Shadyside, Ryer Academy's Elite Fitness Program, is based on the first floor. This brand new facility is a warehouse loft with 1,500 square feet of open training space; a members' lounge; full kitchen; office; shower; and restrooms. The facility is equipped from floor to ceiling. The floor is outfitted with five Rogue equipment stations.  Each station includes a S-1 Squat Stand; a Rogue Bar and Bumper Plates; a Concept 2 Rower; and Games Box. The fifteen foot ceilings are rigged with a custom pull-up system, gymnastic rings, and ropes.

CrossFit Shadyside is dedicated to providing you the most well-equipped
CrossFit box in Pittsburgh!

Ryer Academy's martial arts facilities are situated on the second floor.  They include two, beautiful training rooms that are outfitted with Zebra Mats' Mixed Martial Arts flooring system and wall pads. Training Room One has 1,300 square feet of mat space, while Training Room Two is 2,700 square feet. Each training room is equipped with six foot Muay Thai heavy bags, focus pads, free-weights, and more. In addition to the training rooms, there are comfortable waiting areas for parents and separate locker rooms with a private bathroom and showers for both men and women. Finally, Ryer Academy's pro-shop is located on second floor inside the main lobby area of Training Room Two. Here you will find all the martial arts, CrossFit, and Kickboxing gear you will need.

Above all else, our top priority is to provide you with the best and cleanest facility!

Our Disciplines

Ryer Martial Arts Academy offers a unique selection of martial arts disciplines to train in.

We encourage our students to acquire a well-rounded foundation of martial arts skills and philosophies.

The disciplines taught include the Counterpoint Tactical System, Doce Pares Eskrima, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and Kenpo Karate.

Students of our Pre-School, Youth, and Teen Programs are taught the Counterpoint Tactical System while students in our Adult Martial Arts Program are given the opportunity to train in any or all of the disciplines of their choosing. Each martial arts discipline we offer is standardized with a curriculum and is structured by belt ranks. Students are given the opportunity to test for rank after all curriculum and time requirements are met. Progress is solely dependent upon a student's participation.

Fill out the information below To Schedule Your First Visit To Ryer Academy.