Testimonials

The mission of Ryer Martial Arts Academy is to offer the highest quality and most professional martial arts instruction in Pittsburgh.  Below are testimonials from students, parents, and other individuals that have experienced our programs first-hand and would like to share their thoughts about Ryer Martial Arts Academy. 

May 2009

Parent of the Pre-School Martial Arts Program

The first remarkable thing about Josh Ryer's program is Josh himself, and his demeanor with the kids.  He has a way with children that is just so pleasant to watch.  He commands respect, in a naturally respectful manner. He is patient and kind, and serious and certain at the same time.  He has a warm, fun sense of humor that the kids relate well to.  He seems almost magically to know what to say and when to say it. Honestly, I took my 6 and 4 year old boys there for their benefit, but I walk away from every class inspired by positive parenting.

The second thing that stands out to me about the Ryer program is the messages taught.  Josh's lessons about character-building elements such as trust, commitment, and respect truly engage the children and make them think.  As a mother of very active, at times overly fun-loving children, the message to avoid trouble, walk away from it and talk your way out particularly caught my attention. It is masterful the way discipline and self-control are incorporated into the class on different levels.

It is obvious that the physical instruction is top notch.  Josh is fascinating to watch and his instruction for children is well-balanced with attentive focus and energetic play.  From a business standpoint, we have received great customer service from Josh and Kristy, including personalized, thoughtful communications and service with a smile.  And the space is clean and open. After visiting another class elsewhere, my older son chose Ryer because he "liked the mats, and the space wasn't so crowded, and just the feel of the place" (and that was before renovations!).  I chose Ryer because Josh is a truly good person, an exceptional teacher, a talented professional, and smart business owner.  Thank you for being a fine role model for my children (and me!).

Amy Hanna

October 2008

Program Manager of the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

As the Program Manager at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh, I present over 400 diverse performances annually for our visitors. The quality of teaching presented by Ryer Martial Arts Academy easily ranks as one of the best I've worked with.

Josh Ryer's reputation preceded him, but observing his talent at teaching children surprised and impressed me still. He learns each child's name quickly and teaches to each of them in a customized way that recognizes moments of accomplishment and supports moments of growth.  His presence commands straight spines, attention and respect, and while he intentionally asks that of the children, they also seem to just offer it to him naturally. His depth of knowledge about a variety of martial arts traditions manifests in the program's quality - and even a quick glimpse of his skill in a demonstration silenced our audience!

I continue to present Ryer Martial Arts Academy because of the strength of the content and martial arts' relevance to children's lives... but most of all, because I want as many of our visiting children as possible to have a chance to learn, even for a half hour, under the direction of Josh Ryer. I think he is a rare and unique teacher. I highly recommend his work and the programs of Ryer Martial Arts Academy.

 
Angela Seals
Program Manager
Children's Museum of Pittsburgh

May 2008

Student of the Real Cardio Kickboxing Program

Josh,

Today I bought a bike at the Trek store on Centre Avenue.  I caught the bus over there to pick it up so that I could ride it home.  Now, keep in mind that I am 41 years old (42 in 2 months) and I have not ridden a bike since 2003, five years ago.

When I pair up with new people in your class or talk about it to others, I always say that Real Cardio Kickboxing is "functional fitness."  But what is that, other than a cliché when most of the time all the "functioning" we do is perhaps running into Giant Eagle before it closes and then carrying all the bags at once into the house so we don't have to make 2 trips?  This is the society we live in.

However, I got that bike and rode it from Shadyside to Squirrel Hill (up Shady Ave), met some people for dinner, then rode it through Oakland and the Strip District all the way home over the 16th Street Bridge to the North Side, where I live.

That is a ride for a 41 year old who hasn't ridden in 5 years and I wasn't exhausted. I did hills with ease; I had good balance and was able to avoid lots of potholes and jump a few curbs.  Now, that is "functional fitness!"

When I was riding across the bridge, I thought, you cannot put any price on health and peace of mind. I felt really free -- that is the only word to describe it.  Again, you cannot put a price on that feeling -- it is quality of life.  I feel better and more fit than I have felt since I ran track in middle school, almost 30 years ago.

Thanks, Josh, for helping me -- all of us, really -- do so much more than just "achieve a goal" -- it is about quality of life, peace of mind, real strength in body and soul.

In gratitude,
Constance Mayer

October 2007

Student of the Real Cardio Kickboxing Program

Dear Josh,

 

Thank you for checking in.  The Real Cardio Kickboxing class has been a very positive experience for me.  Since beginning the class, I’ve noticed improvements not only in my strength and confidence, but in my mood and in my work as well.

 

Your website says that it’s the people who make the Real Cardio Kickboxing program stand out, and I’ve found that to be true. I am by far the weakest and slowest person in that class, but no one has ever made me feel wimpy or stupid when I couldn’t keep up with the exercises.  In fact, all the students have made me feel welcome, and my work-out partners have been encouraging and kind.

 

My work-out partners’ encouragement and your patience have helped me in my job, too.  I’m a writing instructor, and I have sometimes felt impatient with my students.  Your example has helped me get over that.  You’ve never shown impatience to me when I have trouble with the exercises, and you set the tone for the whole class. I’m more patient with my own students now. This has been one of the most valuable things I’ve gotten from Real Cardio Kickboxing.

 

This class has given me so many benefits I didn’t expect. It puts me in a good mood for the day. It helps me sleep better. It’s given me visible muscles in my arms and legs!

Thank you for your inspirational instruction.  Your Real Cardio Kickboxing class has made a real difference to me.

 

Sincerely,

Rebecca O’Connell

 

September 2005

Parent of the Youth Martial Arts Program

Dear Mr. Josh:

JB and I have a ritual when he's having a hard time falling asleep.  I ask him to close his eyes and tell me his favorite memory of the day, and remember how he felt being there.  He surprised me tonight by turning the question back to me.

My answer was, "Looking in the other karate room and seeing Mr. Josh sitting there with Peter, so patiently, and just being with him until he was brave enough to do karate."

Peter's mom and I knew that he would have a hard time participating tonight in the Youth Martial Arts class.  What grace it was that a scared little boy had someone like you, someone with enough patience and intuition to know how to be with him in just the way he needed.

Thanks.  It was a pretty wonderful thing to watch!

Helen Blier

June 2005

Student of the Youth Martial Arts Program

Dear Mr. Josh:

One day I was at a playground.  I was on a merry-go-round and it was spinning way too fast.  I started to fall off. So I hung on as tight as I could and concentrated on one thing...  HOLDING ON!

Kenpo Karate helped me to stay calm and focus on something.  Also, sit-ups from Kenpo helped my muscles to be strong when I needed them to hold on.

Thanks, Kenpo Karate!

Nathan Moss - Age 4 1/2

February 2005

Parent of the Youth Martial Arts Program

Dear Mr. Ryer:

Involving a child in positive activities is key to ensuring that child becomes a responsible, productive, self-assured individual who has the skills necessary to thrive in his or her community while contributing to that community. In order to achieve that, parents and family members of children of all ages search for activities that provide our children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews the opportunity to hone the positive skills that enable success in life. Such activities require guidance from nurturing, capable, and knowledgeable men and women who provide opportunities that allow our youth to uncover and polish the positive attributes inherent in them. I want to thank you for providing the opportunity and the guidance that has enabled my niece, Gabrielle Socrates, to realize her potential in many areas of her life.

Under your training and guidance, Gabrielle has learned a new skill - Kenpo - that provides her with a means of exercise and self-defense. However, exercise and self-defense describe only the obvious products of your training. In addition to becoming more fit, Kenpo has taught Gabrielle discipline and self-assurance that has carried over into other aspects of her life. Always a polite child, Gabrielle has become even more respectful of others. My family has seen her adopt a more mature stance towards her peers and elders since beginning Kenpo almost a year ago. In addition, her self-esteem has risen tremendously. Tasks that she would have avoided are now undertaken and accomplished with a confidence that has allowed her to improve socially and academically. This past semester, Gabrielle made the Honor Roll at her middle school for the first time. She assures her parents and other family members that she will continue to strive in her studies. We all are very proud of her, and want to extend out thanks to you for helping us raise a responsible young lady.

When I enrolled Gabrielle in your school it was with the hope that she would have a positive outlet that adolescents need in their lives. You have exceeded my expectations by providing that as well as so much more. Again, I thank you for your involvement in the life of my niece and your contribution to her growth as a responsible, productive individual.

Best wishes in all of your endeavors,
Michael Elko