News

R.I.P. Johnny Ray Molina, September 11th, 1987 to December 27th, 2008
December 28th, 2008

Ryer Martial Arts Academy is sad to announce that Johnny Ray Molina passed away last evening after a long, hard-fought battle for his life.

He was awaiting a second multi-organ transplant and his condition worsened over the weekend.  He died on Saturday, December 27th at 10:30pm surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Johnny Ray was recently honored by Ryer Martial Arts Academy at our Kenpo Belt Exam and Promotion Ceremony in October.  Johnny Ray was awarded a Honorary Black Belt for his un-ending demonstration of strength and courage. He is the son of Myra in our Kickboxing Program and the brother of Alyssa in our Youth Martial Arts Program.

Ryer Martial Arts Academy asks everyone to keep Myra's family in your thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.  Myra and Alyssa will be returning to Connecticut in the next day or so.  We will miss Myra and Alyssa dearly at the Academy and we have ensured them we are always here for them!

Ryer Martial Arts Academy would like to thank everyone who has supported Johnny Ray in the fight for his life.

Let us live our lives to the fullest each and every day and be grateful!

Josh Ryer Scheduled To Teach In York, Pennsylvania
December 17th, 2008

On Saturday, December 27th; Ryer Martial Arts Academy's Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer will be teaching two martial arts seminars at Elicker Kenpo Karate Academy in York, Pennsylvania.

Mr. Ryer will be teaching a seminar on Zach Whitson's Kenpo Counterpoint in the early afternoon from 11am to 1pm and then will be teaching a Doce Pares Eskrima seminar from 2pm to 4pm.  The cost of the event is $50 or $40 if you pre-register by Friday, December 19th.

For more information or to register for the event, please contact Mrs. Donna Elicker at 717-767-2087.

Counterpoint Tactical System Founder Zach Whitson In Pittsburgh
November 24th, 2008

On the weekend of November 14th Ryer Martial Arts Academy hosted Professor Zach Whitson, the Founder of the Counterpoint Tactical System.  Professor Whitson conducted a series of instructional seminars throughout the weekend along with a CTS Belt Examination.  

The weekend began on Friday evening for Ryer Academy students that had completed their rank requirements in CTS.  Nine dedicated students were tested and promoted.  These students include Ben Garber, Jenna Pattison, Nate Collins, Preston Macready for Blue Belt; Gerrod Winston, Richard Meager, Sherri Williams for Green Belt; and Byron Fruit, Matt Demoise for Red Belt.  Congratulations to everyone on a job well-done!

The weekend continued on Saturday with Professor Whitson teaching "Advanced Kickboxing" concepts in the morning seminar and "Ground Tactics Levels One and Two" in the afternoon seminar.  Then on Sunday, Professor Whitson changed gears and taught two awesome seminars covering "Long Range Single Stick Drills and Sparring".  What a selection of information!

The Counterpoint Tactical System is a fully-integrated martial arts system that includes several categories of training from all levels of empty-hand training --striking, stand-up grappling, and ground fighting-- to all levels of weapon training --single and double stick, single and double knife, stick and knife.  The goal of the Counterpoint Tactical System is to produce top-quality martial artists who can hold their own against strikers, ground fighters, multiple opponents and weapons.

For more information on the Counterpoint Tactical System, please click here.

To view pictures from the weekend, please click here.

Annual Halloween Party Was Better Than Ever
November 4th, 2008

On Saturday, November 1st; Ryer Martial Arts Academy held it's annual Halloween Party and it was better than ever!

More than twenty-five families attended the costume party, participated in games (including dodge ball... an Academy favorite), and gathered to enjoy each others company.  Fun was had by all!

To view pictures from the 2008 Halloween Party, please click here.

Largest Kenpo Belt Examination at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
October 30th, 2008

On Friday, October 24th; Ryer Martial Arts Academy held it's largest Belt Examination and Promotion Ceremony in the history of the Academy since it was established on Centre Avenue.  The exam was for all students that qualified to test for their next belt rank in Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate.

Close to forty students from the Pre-School, Youth, and Adult Martial Arts Programs gathered to demonstrate their skill, knowledge, and progress in front of a panel of Black Belts and a school full of fellow students, family, and friends.  Black Belts joined us from Ryer Academy Affiliate schools in Buffalo, New York; Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and York, Pennsylvania.  Students tested for many different levels ranging from Yellow Belt to Brown Belt.  There was also a special instructor promotion to Second Degree Black Belt for Mr. Denny Tang.

A huge congratulations goes out to everyone on a job well done and a promotion that was well deserved!

The next American Kenpo Karate Belt Examination at Ryer Martial Arts Academy is scheduled for the early spring of 2009.  This Belt Examination will run in conjunction with our quarterly Certified Kenpo Instructors' Camp for Ryer Academy Instructors and Affiliate Instructors.

To view pictures from the October 24th Belt Examination and Promotion Ceremony, please click here.

In addition, Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer awarded Johnny Ray Molina with an Honorary Black Belt for his demonstration of strength and courage.  Johnny Ray is awaiting a multi-organ transplant and his condition is very serious.  After hearing about his struggles and seeing his drive to live life to it's fullest, Johnny Ray is a true inspiration to everyone at Ryer Martial Arts Academy.

Congratulations Johnny Ray! 

For more information on Johnny Ray Molina and the Ray's Hope Foundation, please click here.

Kristy On The Radio at 105.9 the X To Promote Ray's Hope Foundation
October 24th, 2008

On Friday morning, Ryer Academy's very own Kristy Ryer was on Tim Benz's Morning Show on 105.9 the X.  Kristy participated in a game called "Are You Smarter Than...", a spin off of a popular television show on Fox.

In addition to participating in the game, Kristy was on the radio to promote a special benefit being held at Ryer Martial Arts Academy to collect donations and honor a young man named Johnny Ray Molina.

Johnny Ray Molina is the son of one of Ryer Academy's Kickboxing students.  He is awaiting a multi-organ transplant at Children's Hospital in Pittsburgh and his condition is very serious.  A foundation has been established for Johnny Ray known as Ray's Hope Foundation.

For more information or to make a donation, please contact the Academy at (412) 621-KICK.

To watch the video of Kristy on 105.9 the X, please click here.

Conflict Resolution Workshop At The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
September 6th, 2008

Ryer Martial Arts Academy Instructors and Student Leaders recently taught a Conflict Resolution Workshop at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.  The workshop was a part of the Children's Museum's Peace-Full Saturdays program in association with the Remembering Hiroshima, Imagining Peace city-wide campaign.

The workshop introduced children and parents to key concepts on how to be more aware of your environment and how to avoid escalating situations.  In addition, participates were taught basic self defense techniques and exit strategies if a situation would escalate into a physical confrontation.

Ryer Martial Arts Academy offers several formats for workshops that can be be tailored to meet your needs.  Topics could include Corporate Self Defense for your employees or Bully Avoidance for your local school.  If you are interested in having Ryer Martial Arts Academy conduct  a workshop at your facility, please contact the Academy at (412) 621-KICK.

To view pictures from the event, please click here.

Women's Only Self-Defense Workshop
August 16th, 2008

On Saturday, August 16th from 2 to 3pm; Ryer Martial Arts Academy hosted a Women's Only Self-Defense Workshop and once again it was a huge success!

There were close to twenty female participates. Some of the participates were current students from our other programs like Real Cardio Kickboxing, however, there were many new participates getting a first hand experience of what Ryer Martial Arts Academy is all about.

Josh Ryer led participates through a three point presentation highlighting the importance of awareness, preparation, and proper response to a threatening situation. Participates had the opportunity to learn and demonstrate basic, self defense techniques for various situations.

This event was a part of a continued series of women's only self-defense workshops that Ryer Martial Arts Academy hosts the third Saturday of every month.  The event is open to all women and you do not have to be a member of the Academy to attend.  The cost is $15 and the next workshop will be held September 20th.  For more information, please click here.

To view pictures from the event, please click here.

Exclusive Photo Gallery of Grandmaster Cacoy Canete Released
July 28th, 2008

During the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp; Ryer Martial Arts Academy partnered with internationally renowned photographer Annie O'Neill to capture Doce Pares Eskrima Grandmaster Cacoy Canete in action and that she did!

This past week, Ms. O'Neill released over three hundred, amazing photographs of Grandmaster Cacoy during his visit to Ryer Martial Arts Academy last month.  In addition to the pictures of Grandmaster Cacoy, Ms. O'Neill also photographed each of the participates at the seminar.  Some of these photographs will be a part of an exclusive interview with Grandmaster Cacoy that will be featured in an up-coming edition of Master's Magazine.

To view the exclusive photo gallery, please click here.

Grandmaster Cacoy Canete and Professor Zach Whitson In Pittsburgh
June 30th, 2008

Ryer Martial Arts Academy welcomed back Doce Pares Eskrima/ Eskrido Grandmaster Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete and Counterpoint Tactical System Founder Zach Whitson for a weekend of instructional seminars and rank examinations that were all a part of the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp.

The camp started off on Thursday evening with a Doce Pares Rank Examination.  Several Ryer Academy students and instructors were awarded new ranks from Grandmaster Cacoy and Professor Whitson, including; Evan Ringle and Elmer Davis, Jr. for Green Belt; Byron Fruit, Matt Demoise, Denny Tang, David Curet, Thomas Slack, Kevin Lee Wagner, Richard Meagher, and Joel Daugherty for Brown Belt; and Joshua Ryer was awarded Black Belt.  A huge congratulations to everyone!

The camp continued on Saturday morning with participates arriving from all across the east coast of the United States.  They were greeted by Grandmaster Cacoy being interviewed and photographed for an up-coming appearance in Master's Magazine.

After the interview, the first series of instructional seminars commenced with Grandmaster Cacoy.  The seminar topics included double and single stick applications in the morning session and was followed by Grandmaster Cacoy's signature Eskrido locks and throws in the afternoon session.  Seminar participates had a blast and were amazed as this eighty-eight year old grandmaster demonstrated his art with precision and moved faster than ever.  You have to see it to believe it!

With one full day of instructional seminars down, the camp continued on Sunday morning with Professor Zach Whitson conducting a Counterpoint Tactical System Rank Examination.  Byron Fruit was awarded his Green Belt and Sherri Williams was awarded her Blue Belt.  Congratulations and a job well done!

After the exam, participants took to the mats for another day of seminars with Professor Zach Whitson covering advanced empty-hands and long range, single stick concepts.  Professor Whitson's Counterpoint Tactical System offers the complete training package and brings everything together from fighting with, without, or against a weapon at all ranges; to closing the gap, disarming, clinching, and then taking down the opponent; to then finally defending from the ground and back to your feet.  What more can you ask for?!

After an amazing weekend of martial arts training, it was safe to say everyone was spent!  A huge thank you goes out to everyone involved in planning, organizing, teaching and attending the event.  Each year this event continues to grow and if you were unable to attend this year, hopefully you can make next year.  You will not be disappointed!

For more information on other up-coming events, please click here.

To view pictures from this event, please click here.

Kenpo Grandmaster Richard "Huk" Planas Visits Ryer Academy
June 7th, 2008

On Saturday, June 7th; a group of students from our Youth Martial Arts Program had the opportunity to meet 10th Degree Black Belt and Kenpo Grandmaster Richard "Huk" Planas during his visit to our Academy.  Each of the students were excited to meet him, ask questions about his martial arts experience, and get their belts signed.

Grandmaster Planas was visiting Pittsburgh to conduct private training sessions with Mr. Ryer and will be returning later in the year to conduct open seminars.

For more information on our up-coming events, please click here.

Kenpo Karate Demonstration At Children's Museum of Pittsburgh
May 23rd, 2008

On Saturday, May 23rd; the Ryer Martial Arts Academy Demonstration Team presented two martial arts performances and instructional classes at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh.  Visitors were given the opportunity to learn some basic martial arts movements along with learning the importance of respect, patience, and focus.

This event was affiliated with the National Institutes of Health's "We Can!" Project that is geared to enhance children's activity and nutrition.

If you would like the Ryer Martial Arts Academy Demonstration Team to visit your next event, please contact the Academy at (412) 621-KICK.

Newly Promoted Students And First Certified Kenpo Instructors Seminar
April 26th, 2008

On Saturday, April 26th a group of students from the Pre-School, Youth, and Adult Martial Arts programs at Ryer Martial Arts Academy were awarded new belt ranks in Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate.  The students demonstrated great skill and knowledge and all earned their newly acquired belts.  The students included; Evan Ringle, Jenna Pattison, Kevin Fossum, Conner Gable, Samuel Butler, Arturo Martinez, Jonathan Noonan, Utshav Bhalt, Chelsey Gilmore, Joe Molder, Connor Allen, Isha Vyas, Dae-Chelle Lineburg, Nathan Feinstein, Mason Feldstein, and Cole Feldstein.

In addition to the belt exam; Ryer Martial Arts Academy hosted a Certified Kenpo Instructors Seminar on Sunday, April 27th for all Ryer Academy Black Belt Instructors, Assistant Instructors, and Affiliate Instructors.  It was a great training event having all instructors from York and Lancaster, Pennsylvania as well as instructors from New York attending the event.

For more information on other up-coming events, please click here.

Elicker Kenpo Karate Academy Opens In York, Pennsylvania
March 21st, 2008

On Friday, March 21st; Mr. Joshua Ryer traveled to York, Pennsylvania to celebrate the opening of Mrs. Donna Elicker's new martial arts school, Elicker Kenpo Karate Academy.  The celebration included a well-attended instructional seminar covering Kenpo Counterpoint concepts and single stick applications.

In addition to the seminar, Mr. Ryer was pleased to accept Mrs. Donna Elicker as a personal student and accept her academy as an official American Kenpo Karate affiliate school under his lineage.

Elicker Kenpo Karate Academy is located in the West Manchester Mall on Loucks Road in York, Pennsylvania.  They offer martial arts instruction in American Kenpo Karate to children and adults of all ages.

To contact the Elicker Academy, please call (717) 767-2087 or click here.

To view pictures from this event, please click here.

United Parker's Kenpo Karate Is Now Ryer Martial Arts Academy
January 10th, 2008

In September 2000, Josh Ryer officially established the United Parker's Kenpo Karate Club at the University of Pittsburgh.  The purpose of the club was to establish an American Kenpo program in Pittsburgh and share the benefits of this great martial art with others.

After tremendous growth and an awesome opportunity, the university club moved into a full-time location in February 2004.  We continued to carry on the UPK name and became even more dedicated to offer the very best martial arts instruction.

Now in 2008, we are bigger and better than ever!  Our school has evolved to welcome all kinds of people with many martial interests.  Our instructors and our students have evolved to become more well-rounded and physically fit.  We have established some of the best martial arts programs for individuals of all age groups.  We have developed an awesome fitness program that is unmatched.  Finally, we have diversified our instruction into several other dynamic martial art disciplines.

With all of that, our purpose has evolved!  Our school is dedicated to offering the same high quality instruction you have grown accustom to, yet we are taking everything to a new level!

So with so much change and excitement, we are now taking on a new name.  Our school is now officially the Ryer Martial Arts Academy and our new crest is shown above.  The diamond has always represented our school.  Our original crest was the shape of a diamond.  The diamond was used based off a saying from Senior Grandmaster Ed Parker that Kenpo, "...was like a diamond in the rough waiting to be cut and polished to bring forth its true luster and value."  Now the diamond represents the school in even more ways as we strive to become more multi-faceted and deliver the highest quality martial arts.

Visit the Academy today and see what is taking shape!  We know this is the martial arts school for you!

For more information, please contact our school at (412) 621-KICK or simply visit our school during one of our up-coming classes.  It's that easy!

For a class schedule, please click here.

Ryer Academy Instructors Get Promoted In The Counterpoint Tactical System At Professor Zach Whitson's First Annual Iron Mountain Camp
September 18th, 2007

On the weekend of September 15th, 2007; several Ryer Academy Instructors traveled to Iron Mountain in Butler, Tennessee to attend the first annual Counterpoint Tactical System Instructor Candidate Training Camp hosted by Master Zach Whitson.  The purpose of the camp was to bring participates through the basic rank requirements of the Counterpoint Tactical System and prepare them for advancement to Black Belt Instructor levels.

Over that weekend Mr. Evan and Mr. Matt were promoted to Blue Belt in CTS, while Mr. David and Mr. Joel were promoted to Green Belt in CTS.

The Counterpoint Tactical System, also known by the acronym CTS, is a weapon based, mixed martial art designed for the street with an emphasis on tactical counter offense. It includes elements of Kenpo Karate, Pekiti Tirsia Kali, Doce Pares Eskrima and Eskrido, Jiu Jitsu, Silat, and Gung Fu.  This hybrid martial art was founded by Professor Zach Whitson and the Ryer Academy is one of the first to utilize the CTS curriculum.

A huge congratulation goes out to Evan, Matt, David, and Joel on their recent accomplishment!

To view pictures from this event, please click here.

2nd Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp Is A Huge Success
August 13th, 2007

Once again, Ryer Martial Arts Academy's annual Pittsburgh Martial Arts Camp turned out to be a huge success on the weekend of August 10th, 2007.  Practitioners from all over the east coast and even the west coast of the United States traveled to Pittsburgh to attend this training camp featuring the legendary Doce Pares Grandmaster Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete and Counterpoint Tactical System Founder Zach Whitson.

Participates received in-depth instruction and demonstrations of single and double stick strikes, counters, and disarms from Grandmaster Cacoy.  In addition, participates were introduced to Master Zach Whitson's hybrid concepts and applications from his Counterpoint Tactical System.

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported the event!  If you were unable to attend this year, be sure not to miss next year!  For a list of up-coming events, please click here.

To view pictures from this event, please click here.

Summer Seminar Featuring Grandmaster Planas
June 25th, 2007

On the weekend of June 22nd, 2007; Ryer Martial Arts Academy welcomed 10th Degree Black Belt and Kenpo Grandmaster Richard "Huk" Planas to Pittsburgh for a great weekend of training!

Kenpo practitioners from Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Florida traveled to be on the mat with Grandmaster Planas as we covered "Problem Techniques" in the Ed Parker's Kenpo Karate System.

The weekend went very fast, but a great time was had by all!  A huge thank you goes out to all of those who participated in the event.  Be sure not to miss our next event!  For a list of up-coming events, please click here.

To view pictures from this event, please click here.

Mr. Ryer Receives His Black Belt In Counterpoint Tactical System
April 8th, 2007

On Saturday, April 7th 2007; Mr. Joshua Ryer earned his First Degree Black Belt in the Counterpoint Tactical System.

The Counterpoint Tactical System is a weapon-based, mixed martial art that includes elements of Kenpo, Pekiti Tirsia, Doce Pares, Jiu Jitsu, Silat, and Gung Fu.

This eccentric martial art was founded by Professor Zach Whitson and has been called the “Art of the Future”.  Mr. Ryer is the first student in this system to earn the rank of First Degree Black Belt and he looks forward to guiding his students to achieve the same.

Renshu
February 2nd, 2007

Meaning “Practice Time” or “Training Session”.  In the orient, Martial Arts training is taken very seriously, and there is a very strong atmosphere of discipline and intensity during each class.  The goal or mindset of Renshu is to always improve and develop great training habits.  This allows you and your classmates to maximize the benefits of your Martial Arts training.

Simple little things often make a big difference in the long haul.  For example…early arrival and proper preparation for class allows you to better focus your mind and eliminate any distractions, negative thoughts or challenges of your day.

Getting the body in motion, practicing your basics and a good warm up will have you better prepared and ready for a great class.  Learning to leave problems of the day in your shoes is another good habit for your training.  Aiming and directing your thoughts and energies toward your training goals is great stress release and will increase each learning experience.

Renshu allows us to anchor and condition great training habits and master our fundamentals.  Over time, this mindset prepares us for more advanced skills.  If you want to get more out of your martial arts training, you must first learn to put more into it.  More effort, better focus, dynamic energy and greater intensity in your practice sessions will allow you to reach for more of your true potential.

Giving your best at the dojo and developing great habits will help you become a better Martial Artists and an even better Black Belt Champion in life.

Developing great practice and study habits allows you to achieve straight A’s in and out of the dojo.