Reviews of Ryer Martial Arts Academy

This is a great place for well-rounded instruction. My son has attended here regularly from the ages of 6-9. 5. In addition to gaining valuable physical skills and physical confidence, my son has maintained core strength and actively practiced various methods of verbal defense. Respect is a strong value. High expectations are set while maintaining an entirely positive atmosphere. Although I was a little unclear on the policies when we first enrolled, the policies are now very clearly spelled out. The owner is very flexible and communicative. I'm grateful for one time that the owner went out of his way to briefly help another son of mine who was having a bullying issue, even though he's not enrolled in the program. All the instructors are of exceptional quality. Unlike other sports team activities that seem to demand that you dedicate your life to them, we have been able to maintain consistent participation in karate because of the flexibility of the classes (numerous youth options per week).

I have been a student at Ryer Martial Arts Academy for three years now. Before coming here to train I had trained at several other schools in a few different styles over the years and none of them ever seemed as comprehensive or efficient as the Counterpoint Tactical System.

The facility and training equipment are top-notch and the quality of instruction is nothing short of exceptional. All of the instructors are very patient and supportive and always willing to take the time to answer questions or clarify techniques. Whether you are an experienced martial artist looking to expand your skill-set or a new student interested in learning a practical and effective way to defend yourself I would highly recommend Ryer Martial Arts Academy and the Counterpoint Tactical System.

We can not say enough great things about Josh Ryer and his academy. We have two children that have been taking classes here for about three years. The instructors are kind and patient, in addition to self defense techniques, they teach lessons that can be carried over into everyday situations. The classes are fun and engaging.

This is one of the best decision we made for our children, especially our son who is quiet and reserved. He loves karate and has gained confidence while being surrounded by caring instructors in a safe environment. We are so happy to be a part of Ryer Academy!

My daughter likes here and has the martial arts classes twice one week. The staff are very nice and patient to teach the kid the actions and the rules.

There are so many wonderful things to say about Ryer! They teach so much more than Karate!! The program is better than any other program we have tried before. The instructors really reach all children and make such an effort to let everyone know they are important. The program has such structure and organization. It is an environment for growth and success! We are so glad we found them. Thank you Ryer!!

Our son has only been a student for 6 months, but I can confidently say that the instructors at Ryer are fantastic. As another reviewer stated, they have been wonderful at working with our son's learning disabilities, and while things started out a little rocky, he loves going to class and he loves all the activities. I particularly like the life lessons they teach through the martial arts, and while they demand respect, they are wonderfully interactive with the kids both in and out of class.

I have trained in the martial arts for decades. Having had the opportunity to study at various schools, I can say with certainty that Ryer Academy is the real deal. Anyone can teach you how to kick or punch, but not many will put in the time and interest into what kind of person that you are becoming as your journey through the martial arts.

That is exactly why I brought my children here. My son has trained here now for 8 years. He has grown into an exemplary young man. The instructors have helped him work through his learning disabilities. His training at the school has translated seamlessly into his life outside of the school.

Counterpoint Tactical is a smart martial art. It is street savy, efficient and practical. As a woman I was drawn because I did not have to be big or fast or strong. In fact I have had numerous joint surgeries and the staff always seems to find a way to adapt what we are doing to make it work for middle aged me!

The cultue of the school is positive. There is no attitude or bullying. We are a family.

I've been in the martial arts for over 10 years. The first 3 1/2 years I studied at a different school. Even though that school helped me discover my passion for the martial arts, for many reasons, I was not happy pursuing my passion there. In the past 6+ years at Ryer Academy, I've come to realize what a true martial art school should be. The instructors are incredible teachers and some of the best people I've ever met. They have become a family away from home to me. The curriculum is exactly what is needed to prepare yourself for a real life situation where self-defense is necessary. The facilities are the best you can get hands down. And as for the owner, while in my opinion, you can't find a better person out there. If you're looking for a school that treats you with respect, teaches you skills that are actually useful, and have fun while doing so in a great facility, then Ryer Martial Arts Academy is the place for you.

Our 3 year old has benefited greatly and enjoys every class. The instructors are superb.

Great school, our son has learned a lot already: how to defend himself verbally before using his karate skills, how to De-escalate some situations, how to stay calm, listening skills which help tremendously at school, and even how to make and keep friends. I love that the teachers are very aware of the needs and development of the children. We see the results and, best of all, our son loves going to his classes. Thank you Joshua Ryer and the whole team at the Academy!

My children began martial arts at the Ryer Academy when they were five years old. As a parent and person without any previous knowledge or experience in the world of martial arts I set out to find the best school in the Pittsburgh area. My criteria as I approached the various schools was/is what I believe any parent would have initially - 1. ) is it a certified 2. ) are the instructors certified - we knew going in that we did not want older kids in the program teaching our children! 3. ) Instructor/student ratio, did it lend to an appropriate learning environment based on an appropriate ratio and age range. 4. ) was the facility clean and equipment well maintained 5. ) did it provide not only self defense but fitness and FUN 6. ) was there a way to track progress 6. ) will my children be motivated enough to look forward to going to weekly classes, I wasn't going to throw money at any program - this was going to be an investment for us. 7. ) and finally but most IMPORTANTLY will my children be safe? After several months of reaching out to the various programs and trials we made an excellent choice in Ryer Academy, they absolutely hit every mark and MORE on our list, while other programs were only able to meet a few of our expectations. Our family can easily give Ryer Martial Arts Academy a five star rating - after two years our investment in them has proven to be a success - because they in turn have become invested in our two children - our children are inspired, safe, motivated, learning, and love this school, AND THEIR SUMMER CAMP! Thank you Ryer Academy, our family has the utmost respect for you!

I have been a student at Ryer Academy for 9 years and the instructors are very kind, very helpful and overall they make me feel safe and welcome. During my time at Ryer Academy I've gotten to know the instructors on a personal level and now they feel like my second family. When it comes to education of both children and adults the instructors are amazing at what they do, they take their time and make sure students understand the concepts they are being taught and they also make sure the student can perform to the best of their abilities.