About Our School

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 United Parker's Kenpo Club was led by Mr. Joshua Ryer and Mr. Salvador “Alex” Dorsey.  As the club became more successful, Mr. Joshua Ryer re-organized the club into a full-time martial arts school in March of 2004.  Then in December 2007; the school was renamed to Ryer Martial Arts Academy.

Through the full-time academy, we have expanded the martial arts programs to teach people of all ages; two age-specific youth programs have been developed, along with a highly acclaimed adult program.  In addition to the instruction in the traditional, empty-hand martial art of Ed Parker's American Kenpo Karate, we also offer instruction in the weapon-based, mixed martial art of Zach Whitson's Counterpoint Tactical System and the Filipino-based martial art of Cacoy Canete's Doce Pares Eskrima.  Then finally to balance the extensive number of martial arts programs, we have developed an extremely popular Real Cardio Kickboxing program.

Beyond the expansion of our martial arts and fitness programs we have also extended our influence abroad.  We have several affiliated locations throughout the east coast of the United States and we regularly host training camps and instructional seminars featuring top instructors of our lineage.

Finally, we have been steadfast in the development of our online training tools including, but not limited to our "On the Mat" Series.

As in the past, Ryer Martial Arts Academy will continue to deliver the highest level of instruction and we will strive for superior training programs.  With a clear vision and genuine passion for teaching, we know we will continue to be successful and we look forward to welcoming you to be a part of it all!