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News
2010
Western PA State Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Championships
To pre-register, please click here.
Ryer Academy's 5th Annual FMA
Camp Is An Extreme Success
The camp began on Thursday, July 8th with the first group of Pre-School and Youth Martial Arts students testing on the new CTS Youth Curriculum. The CTS Youth Curriculum was approved by Master Zach Whitson in April and Ryer Martial Arts Academy is the first school to implement it. Just like the Adult CTS Curriculum, youth students learn a comprehensive range of material. The material includes empty hands training; including striking, stand-up grappling, and ground fighting; also weapons training such as single and double stick. Ten students from four to twelve years of age demonstrated their new skill sets and were promoted. Congratulations!
After the exams, the seminars began on Friday with Master Zach Whitson teaching an Advanced Counterpoint Tactical System seminar on Pakal Knife Tactics. Students took to the mats to learn this material which accounts for the First Class Brown Belt requirements in CTS.
Don't miss out on our next camp! To view our up-coming events at Ryer Academy, please click here. To view pictures from the camp, please click here.
Quarterly American Kenpo Karate Belt Examination At Ryer Academy
Eight students tested and were promoted to their next belt level: including; Alex Conrad, Eddie O'Brien, and Mark Bullitt to Yellow Belt; Jason Swiech and Shawn Dickson to Orange Belt; Brendan Walk and Jessica Levine to Green Belt; and Jenna Pattison to Third Class Brown Belt. Each student did a tremendous job last night and have been working very hard. Congratulations to all of you!
To view pictures from the Belt Examination, please
click
here.
Unprompted Seminar With Master Zach Whitson At Ryer Academy
A huge thank you to Master Whitson and to everyone that attended!
Team Ryer Has A Great Showing At The 2010 Kumite Classic
Five Ryer Academy students and instructors competed in the tournament and placed in the top two spots within their respected divisions. Jessica Levine and Seth Schraff placed first while James Parris, Josh Ryer, and Pat Messner placed second. Jessica also went on to compete in the Women's Absolute and walked away with third place. Congratulations to everyone that represented Team Ryer! To view pictures from the tournament, please click here.
Ryer Academy's Official Signature Gi Is Now Available
On April 29th, the first production run of the Ryer Academy Signature Gis were released to Academy instructors and senior students. It was designed by Joshua Ryer and manufactured by Tuff Gear Solutions in Miami, Florida. The Signature Gi is a pearl weave, hybrid design. It is 100% cotton and comes pre-shrunk. The gi is light, comfortable, yet very durable. The gi features an Anti-Microbial Treatment which helps prevent bacteria from growing in the fibers and the gi top features a vulcanized rubber collar, so it dries quicker. In addition, the gi pants are constructed with dual-layer reinforcements from the knee to the ankle for increased durability and protection. Finally all of the Academy logos are custom embroidered onto the uniform, including; the Ryer horizontal logo across the shoulders, the Ryer circular logo on the right shoulder and right pant leg, and the Ryer kanji logo over the heart. Get your Ryer Academy Signature Gi today! To order, please click here.
Ch'an Master Tsung Tsai Will Be Teaching at Ryer Martial Arts
Academy
Ch'an Master Tsung Tsai is known and loved by many. He is one of the two central characters in the book "Bones of the Master" by George Crane which tells the story of a young Ch'an monk, Tsung Tsai, who escaped from Inner Mongolia to Hong Kong after a dangerous journey through China. Then in 1996, Tsung Tsai returned to seek his master's grave. In addition to the book, Ch'an Master Tsung Tsai is respected as a profound Buddhist meditation and Dharma master who is also an accomplished poet; brush writer and artist; Chinese Traditional M.D., and martial art master. For more information on attending the seminars, please contact Ryer Academy at (412) 621-KICK. For more information on Ch'an Master Tsung Tsai, please click here.
Ryer Academy's Senior Instructor Trains With Master Rickson
Gracie
Master Rickson Gracie is an 8th Degree Red/ Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His technique is considered to be the finest expression of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the world. His innate talent and mastery of the sport has resulted in an undefeated record in more than four hundred fights. Today Master Rickson Gracie's major focus is to give seminars on Jiu-Jitsu and to develop the art as his father, Grandmaster Helio Gracie, saw it; not as a fighting tool, but a social tool to give confidence to women, children, and physically weak individuals by teaching them to defend themselves. For more information on Master Rickson Gracie, please click here. To view pictures from the seminar, please click here.
8th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Master Pedro Sauer Coming To
Pittsburgh
The seminars will take place on Friday, April 2nd from 4:30pm to 7:30pm and on Saturday, April 3rd from 10:30am to 1:30pm. The cost of the event is $65 for one session or $120 for both sessions. Spaces are limited, so you are asked to register by March 29th. Master Pedro Sauer is an 8th Degree Red/ Black Belt Instructor under Rickson Gracie and Helio Gracie. Master Sauer was named "Best of the Best Instructor" in a worldwide poll conducted by the Abu Dhabi Combat Club. Because of this Master Sauer runs one of the largest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu organizations in the world, one of which Ryer Martial Arts Academy is a part of. Don't miss out on training with this excellent instructor! For more information or to register, please click here.
BJJ Students Represent Team Sauer - Achille At The Arnold
Classic
Ryer Academy students participated in both the men's and women's white and blue belt divisions. Everyone did an incredible job and put forth great effort. However the day seemed to belong to Ryer Academy's Jessica Levine. Jessica placed second in her division. This was her very first competition. Congratulations goes out to her on an awesome performance and showing what the Ryer Academy ladies are all about!
For more information on our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program, please contact Ryer Academy at (412) 621-KICK. To view pictures from the tournament, please click here.
Incredible Filipino Martial Arts Training Camp With Master Zach
Whitson
Each seminar was extremely informative and well attended. CTS Students and Instructors traveled from all over the east coast and mid-western United States to attend, including: Kevin Wagner from Dayton, Ohio; Brian Hunter from Park City, Kansas; Brian Brown and Carl Carey from Atlanta, Georgia; and Jason Santiago from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A huge thank you goes out to everyone for their support!
For more information on this event, please click here. To view pictures from the seminars, please click here.
Joshua Ryer Visits The Gracie Academy In Torrance, California
For more information on the Gracie Academy, please click here. To view pictures from the visit, please click here.
American Kenpo Grandmaster "Huk" Planas Teaches In Pittsburgh
The group seminar was well attended. In addition to a large group of Ryer Academy students and instructors, several guests joined us from all over the Ohio region, including; Joe Doyle from Mentor, Al Babinec from Strongsville, Larry Splain from Mount Vernon, and Todd Vea from Youngstown.
In conclusion, the event was very successful and thanks goes out to everyone who supported the event! To view pictures from the seminar, please click here.
First American Kenpo Karate Belt Exam and Promotion of 2010
Congratulations to everyone on an excellent job and well-deserved promotion! To view pictures from the Belt Examination, please click here.
Women's Self-Defense Workshop Well Attended Before The Holidays
The next Women's Only Self-Defense Workshop is set for Saturday, February 20th from 2pm to 3pm. To pre-register, please click here.
Kenpo Grandmaster Richard "Huk" Planas Visits The Cleveland Area
If you missed out on this weekend's seminar, don't worry! Grandmaster Planas is scheduled to visit Pittsburgh in early 2010. He will be conducting a one day seminar at Ryer Martial Arts Academy on Saturday, January 23rd. For more information, please contact Ryer Academy at (412) 621-KICK.
First Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Seminar At Ryer Martial Arts Academy
Sensei Achille started the seminar with a series of takedowns along with follow-up submissions from the takedown position. He then led students through a counter to the single-leg takedown as well as working transitions from the closed and open guard positions to numerous locks and chokes. Adversely, Sensei Achille taught several methods of passing the closed and open guard positions. He then finished his instruction with an awesome escape from half guard into controlling the back position. After the conclusion of the seminar, Sensei Achille took the time to "roll" with several of the students that stuck around to workout. It's safe to say that it was a humbling experience for all of the students! In addition, Sensei Achille awarded several Ryer Academy students with their first stripes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Congratulations to Arif Sumer, Brandon Gaffey, Brendan Walk, Frank Faust, Joel Daugherty, Patrick Messner, Preston Macready, Shawn Dickson, and Steve Rowe!
Ryer Martial Arts Academy is an Affiliate Academy of Steel City Martial Arts as well as a Sub-Affiliate Academy of the Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Association. Ryer Academy's primary instructor for the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program is Joshua Ryer. For more information on the program, please click here. To view pictures from the seminar, please click here.
Successful Seminars At Ryer Academy Featuring Master Zach
Whitson
Master Whitson arrived on Thursday afternoon and later that same evening conducted testing in both the Counterpoint Tactical System and Doce Pares Eskrima. Nine students from Ryer Academy successfully passed their examinations and were promoted to their next belt level. They include: Alex Ruck to Blue Belt in CTS; Alex Stanton to Blue Belt in CTS; Anne Mundell to Blue Belt in CTS and Green Belt in Doce Pares; Ben Boas to Blue Belt in CTS; Jaime Dillon to Blue Belt in CTS; Jessica Levine to Green Belt in Doce Pares; Monica Williams to Green Belt in Doce Pares; Preston Macready to Red Belt in CTS; and Sherri Williams to Red Belt in CTS. Congratulations to each of you! On Saturday Master Whitson began the group seminars by teaching Panantukan Level Two from the CTS curriculum. Panantukan is an empty-hand boxing component of Filipino-based martial arts. Master Whitson then switched gears in the afternoon and taught Long Range Single and Double Stick Tactics.
Master Zach Whitson is scheduled to return to Ryer Academy in mid to late February. For more information on our future events, please click here. To view pictures, please click here.
Ryer Academy Attends The Western PA State Grappling Championship
The Western PA State Grappling Championship is hosted annually by Sonny Achille at the Keystone Oaks Highschool in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. For the results from the tournament, please click here. To view pictures from the tournament, please click here.
Master Zach Whitson Hosts The Largest Iron Mountain Camp To Date
The camp was open to all CTS students training and testing towards a full instructor ranking in the Counterpoint Tactical System. Over twenty students traveled from all over the east coast and mid-west of the United States to attend this annual event. At this year's camp Master Whitson introduced his new Double Stick Fighting Tactics which includes elements of Pekiti Tirsia Kali and Doce Pares Eskrima. He also covered Pakal Knife Twelve Attacks and Pekiti Tirsia Empty Hands versus Knife Level Two.
In conclusion, Master Zach Whitson's 2009 Iron Mountain Camp was a complete success! Each year gets better and better. If you did miss out on this year's camp, don't worry! Master Whitson will be conducting seminars at Ryer Academy on November 7th and 8th. For more information, please click here. To view pictures from the 2009 Iron Mountain Camp, please click here.
Ryer Academy Hosts Their Fall American Kenpo Karate Belt
Examination
Students from the Pre-School, Youth, and Adult Programs were well represented and they tested for a variety of ranks from Yellow Belt through Blue Belt. It was a great display of skill and diversity of ages training at Ryer Martial Arts Academy. Congratulations to all of the students that passed their examination! To view pictures from the Fall 2009 Belt Examination, please click here.
CTS Founder Zach Whitson Featured In Xtreme Martial Arts
Magazine
The article is a detailed description of Master Zach Whitson's Counterpoint Tactical System and includes pictures of Master Whitson and other CTS Affiliate Instructors. Xtreme Martial Arts Magazine is based out of Miami, Florida and offers their publication in both print and online. To view a digital copy of the magazine, please click here. For more information on the Counterpoint Tactical System, please click here.
Ryer Academy Students Receive First Stripe In Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu
Brian and Seth placed in the top three slots within their weight and rank divisions for both "Gi" and "No-Gi" Jiu-Jitsu. Brian and Seth are the first students from Ryer Academy's Adult Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program to compete and represent the Academy.
This makes them the first students in our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Program to achieve such a promotion. Congratulations to both of you on a job well done! Keep training hard.
Another Great FMA Camp and Six New Doce Pares Black Belts
Once again, Ryer Academy had the honor and opportunity to host Doce Pares Eskrima Grandmaster Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete and Master and CTS Founder Zach Whitson for an incredible weekend of Filipino martial arts training. The weekend started with our largest Doce Pares Eskrima Belt Examination in the Academy's history! Over a dozen students and instructors tested and received their next rank in Cacoy Canete's Doce Pares Eskrima and Eskrido including six students from Ryer Academy that received their Black Belt. Everyone did a tremendous job and a huge congratulations all of them! The weekend continued on Saturday with Grandmaster Canete teaching a two-part seminar. The first part of the seminar covered double sticks drills and some mindboggling, single stick disarms. Then during the second half of the seminar Grandmaster Canete emphasized his renowned Eskrido techniques. As always, he lit up the room with his incredible skills and his laugh!
In conclusion, it was a really successful weekend! To view pictures from the 4th Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp, please click here.
Spring 2009 Belt Exam and Instructors' Camp
Fifteen students from the Pre-School, Youth, and Adult American Kenpo Karate Programs tested and received their next rank. Two young men from our Youth Program, Jonathan and JB, were promoted to Third Kyu Brown Belt. They are only the third and fourth youth students to test for this high level rank within the Academy. In addition, Mr. Bruce Stroka from Basom, New York was promoted to Second Degree Black Belt. A huge congratulations to all of the students for a job well done!
It was a very successful training camp as the group covered a new set-up of curriculum for the American Kenpo Karate self-defense techniques and also reviewed Form 4 and Form 5. Thanks goes out to the Western New York Affiliates that were in attendance! To view pictures from the Spring 2009 Belt Exam and Instructors' Camp, please click here.
Ryer Academy Nominated For Nickelodeon Parents' Pick Award
But we need your help to win! You can vote for us once a day, everyday until July 15, 2009. In order to vote, please click on the logo. Thanks for your support!
Ryer Martial Arts Academy Celebrates Five Years In Business
In recognition of these five great years; the Youth Martial Arts students, lead by Ms. Erica Follette, came together and presented Ryer Academy's Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer with a beautiful etched award to mark the anniversary. The award states, "Congratulations on five years of business from your dedicated students!" Ryer Martial Arts Academy has come a long way in just five short years and we look forward to a hundred more. The possibilities are endless! The truth is Ryer Academy would not be where it is today without the dedicated students that take to the mats each and every week! So with that said, thank you! Thanks to everyone for their support of Ryer Martial Arts Academy!
Ryer Academy Is Now A Gracie Jiu-Jitsu - Pedro Sauer Team School
Sonny Achille is the Head Instructor of Steel City Martial Arts. He is the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania under Master Pedro Sauer. He runs one of the most well-respected martial arts Academies in western Pennsylvania and has the most dominating Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Team for ten years running. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling based martial art and combat sport. It has become a staple art in mixed martial arts and is largely credited for bringing widespread attention to the importance of ground fighting.
Joshua Ryer has been studying Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for two years under Sonny Achille. In March 2009, he earned the rank of Blue Belt and shortly thereafter was approved to establish a sub-affiliate program. The new Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program is an awesome addition to the wide range of martial art disciplines currently available at Ryer Martial Arts Academy. It also complements the Academy's mission to offer the most multi-faceted martial arts instruction possible. Check out Ryer Academy today! Group classes are available on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm; then on Saturday beginning at 1pm. Private instruction is also available by appointment. For more information, please click here or call the Academy at (412) 621-5425.
Preview of the New Master's Magazine Featuring Grandmaster Cacoy
The new edition features an interview with Doce Pares Eskrima Grandmaster Ciriaco "Cacoy" Canete and pictures from the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp held at Ryer Academy in July 2008. Visit your local bookstore today and reserve your copy of Master's Magazine! Don't forget to bring your copy to our 4th Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp on the weekend of July 10th, 2009 to have Grandmaster Cacoy sign it! For more information on Master's Magazine, please click here. For more information or to pre-register for our 4th Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp, please click here.
Ryer Martial Arts Academy's Quarterly Belt Examination A Success
Over twenty students ranging in age were tested and promoted to their next rank in Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate. Congratulations to all of the students that participated in the exam! To view pictures from the event, please click here.
First Demonstration Of 2009 At The Children's Museum of
Pittsburgh
Students from both the Pre-School and Youth Kenpo Karate Programs took part in the demonstration, along with students from the Adult CTS and Doce Pares Programs. The younger students demonstrated their forms and exciting, self-defense techniques while the adults displayed some intense single stick sparring. Towards the end of the demonstration, kids in the audience were given their own opportunity to learn some basic martial arts moves and perform them in front of the crowd.
To view pictures from the event, please click here. If you are interested in having a demonstration at your event, please contact Ryer Martial Arts Academy at (412) 621-KICK.
New Year, New Classes, Expanded Schedule! Ryer Academy will be expanding the class schedule beginning the week of January 19th. We will be adding three additional Real Cardio Kickboxing classes and one Open Mat for Ryer Academy members. Two of the three kickboxing classes will be held during the lunch hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12pm to 12:45pm. These classes are perfect for those working in and around the Shadyside area who want to get a great workout in during the afternoon. The third class will be on Friday evenings from 5:30pm to 6:30pm. Beginning January 19th, we will have ten Real Cardio Kickboxing classes every week! In addition, we will be adding a two hour Open Mat on Friday afternoon from 3:30pm to 5:30pm. The Open Mat will be for adult and approved youth members of the Academy that would like to visit the Academy, work out on the equipment, practice their material, and so forth. No formal instruction will be given, but this will be a great time to get into the Academy and focus on your training! For more information, please call the Academy at (412) 621-KICK or simply e-mail us at RyerAcademy@aol.com.
R.I.P. Johnny Ray Molina, September 11th, 1987 to December 27th,
2008
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. Let us live our lives to the fullest each and every day and be grateful!
Counterpoint Tactical System Founder Zach Whitson In Pittsburgh
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!
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
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.
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. 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.
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
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.
To watch the video of Kristy on 105.9 the X, please
click here.
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.
To view pictures from the event, please click here.
Women's Only Self-Defense Workshop
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
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 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 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.
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
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
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
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 Lancaster, Pennsylvania as well as instructors from New York attending the event. For more information on other up-coming events, please click here.
United Parker's Kenpo Karate Is Now Ryer Martial Arts Academy
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. 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
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.
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
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
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
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 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.
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The
PA State BJJ Federation presents the
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Ryer
Academy's 5th Annual Filipino Martial Arts Camp was held last week
and it was an extremely successful event on many levels!.gif)
In
addition to the ten Pre-School and Youth students, fifteen 
Then
the seminars continued with the annual Doce Pares seminar on
Saturday and a Counterpoint Tactical System seminar on Sunday.
Though all the participates greatly missed Grandmaster Cacoy this
year; Master Whitson did a marvelous job teaching and shared a
tremendous amount of new material. A huge thank you goes out to
Master Whitson for all of his time, knowledge, and dedication! We
greatly appreciate it..gif)
Ryer
Academy conducted their quarterly Belt Examination in Ed Parker's
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In
addition, Ryer Academy's Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer was proud to
award David Curet with his Second Degree Black Belt in American
Kenpo Karate. David has been an integral part of the Academy
since day one. His knowledge and skill in the art is great and
he has no doubt put his time in on the mat.
Congratulations David!.gif)
Ryer
Academy hosted an awesome, unprompted seminar with
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Ryer
Martial Arts Academy's Adult 
For
over a year Ryer Martial Arts Academy has been working towards the
development of their very own gi that would meet their exact
specifications and it's now
available!
Ryer
Academy and the Ch'an Temple of Woodstock, New York will be
co-sponsoring a series of special workshops with Venerable Old Ch'an
Master Tsung Tsai on Saturday, June 12th and Sunday, June 13th,
2010.
Ryer
Academy's Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer had the opportunity to train
with renowned 
Brazilian
Jiu-Jitsu Master Pedro Sauer will be teaching two seminars in
Pittsburgh at Professor Sonny Achille's academy,
Students
and Instructors from Ryer
Martial Arts Academy's 
The
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Ryer
Martial Arts Academy hosted
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This
year marked the ten year anniversary of Master Whitson teaching
seminars in Pittsburgh and each year continues to grow and be
successful. If you missed this event don't worry. Master
Whitson will be returning with .gif)
Ryer
Academy's Senior Instructor Joshua Ryer visited the
.gif)
American
Kenpo Karate Grandmaster and
The
topics of the seminar included both forms and self-defense
techniques from .gif)
Ryer
Academy's first .gif)
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy held their bi-monthly
.gif)
Over
the weekend, Kenpo Grandmaster Richard "Huk" Planas taught a seminar
at .jpg)
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy hosted it's first
.jpg)
In
conclusion, the seminar was a complete success! Sensei Sonny
Achille covered a tremendous amount of techniques that are certain
to improve everyone's understanding of the art. Ryer Academy
looks forward to his return!.jpg)
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy welcomed Master Zach Whitson back to Pittsburgh
for a series of successful seminars and belt examinations..jpg)
.jpg)
Altogether
it was an extremely successful weekend! Every opportunity to
train with Master Whitson is phenomenal and we hope that you can
join us next time!.jpg)
Ryer
Academy had a good showing at the 2009 Western PA State Grappling
Championship on Saturday, October 17th. Eight students from
Ryer Academy's .jpg)
Counterpoint
Tactical System Founder and Master Zach Whitson hosted the 2009 Iron
Mountain Camp over the weekend of October 2nd and it was the largest
camp to date..jpg)
In
addition to a tremendous amount of instruction; Master Whitson also
conducted testing for CTS students that had completed their rank
requirements. Eighteen individuals were promoted to various
ranks in CTS; including, six students from Ryer Academy. They
were Preston Macready to Green, Richard Meagher to Red, Matt Demoise
to 3rd Brown, David Curet to 2nd Brown, Joel Daugherty to 2nd Brown,
and Joshua Ryer to Second Black. A huge congratulations to
everyone!.jpg)
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy hosted their Fall Belt Examination for all
students that qualified to test in 
A
two page article featuring CTS Founder and Master Zach Whitson was
recently published in the premier edition of
On
Saturday, July 11th; Brian Bain and Seth Schraff attended the Lion's
Den Karate Championship in Beaver, Pennsylvania to compete in their
first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament.
Because
of their commitment to regular training and their great effort in
competition; both Brian and Seth were awarded their first stripe in
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu last week during class..gif)
The
4th Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp was held at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
from Thursday, July 9th through Sunday, July 12th, 2009.
Finally
the weekend wrapped up on Sunday with Master and CTS Founder Zach
Whitson also teaching a two-part seminar. The first part of
Master Whitson's seminar covered a sampling of his new double stick
drills from the advanced levels of the
.gif)
Ryer Martial Arts Academy conducted it's Spring 2009 Belt
Examination and Promotion Ceremony on Friday, May 29th..gif)
In
addition to the Spring Belt Exam, Ryer Academy's Senior Instructor
Joshua Ryer hosted and taught a Certified Kenpo Instructors' Camp
for all senior students and affiliate instructors of Ryer Martial
Arts Academy's American Kenpo Karate Program..gif)
.jpg)
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy celebrated their fifth year in business this
past March 2009.
Ryer
Martial Arts Academy is now an official
.jpg)
The
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu program at Ryer Martial Arts Academy is taught
by 
Master's
Magazine allowed Ryer Martial Arts Academy's Senior Instructor
Joshua Ryer to preview their new, summer edition set to be released
on April 23rd, 2009..jpg)
On
Friday, February 20th; Ryer Martial Arts Academy held it's quarterly
Belt Examination and it was a great success!.jpg)
On
Sunday, January 25th; Ryer Martial Arts Academy held it's first
martial arts demonstration of the year in front of a packed audience
at the .jpg)
Overall,
the demonstration was a huge success! A huge thank you to the
Children's Museum and congratulations to all of the students that
participated. Everyone did an awesome job!
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..jpg)
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!
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. .jpg)
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.
On
Saturday, November 1st; Ryer Martial Arts Academy held it's annual
Halloween Party and it was better than ever!.jpg)
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..jpg)
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.
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..jpg)
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
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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..jpg)
On
Saturday, August 16th from 2 to 3pm; Ryer Martial Arts Academy
hosted a
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During
the 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Filipino Martial Arts Camp; Ryer Martial
Arts Academy partnered with internationally renowned photographer
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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!.jpg)
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!
On
Saturday, June 7th; a group of students from our
On Saturday, May 23rd; the Ryer
Martial Arts Academy Demonstration Team presented two martial arts
performances and instructional classes at the
.jpg)
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 
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..jpg)
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..jpg)
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..jpg)
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.
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! .jpg)
On
Saturday, April 7th 2007; Mr. Joshua Ryer earned his
First Degree Black Belt in the Counterpoint Tactical System.
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