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Ryer Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Kickboxing gym in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Plan your first class
- Free trial or intro class most gyms welcome new members with a free trial or intro class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all fitness levels welcome, including total beginners — no experience needed, and you get in shape by training, not before
- Cardio kickboxing classes high-energy cardio kickboxing on the bags and pads — a fun, sweaty workout built for fitness and weight loss, at your own pace
- Kids & teen classes kids and teen kickboxing classes (ages 5) — built around confidence, focus, and fun
- Today see hours ·
- Website & schedule pittsburghkarate.com — book classes and see the live schedule
- Phone +1 412-621-7937
Hours
| Monday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 3–8 pm |
| Wednesday | 3–8:30 pm |
| Thursday | 3–8 pm |
| Friday | 4–6:30 pm |
| Saturday | 7:30 am–3 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
The classes they run
“You do not have to be the most physical or active person to get started in the kickboxing class.”
“He doesn't just teach punches and kicks—he introduces the kids to “E-guard” (Emotional Guard), helping them build not just physical strength but also emotional resilience.”
“While Ryer has many different programs to offer I have been a dedicated cardio kick boxer.”
Other martial arts here
“While Ryer has many different programs to offer I have been a dedicated cardio kick boxer.”
“I am a student in the adult Brazilian jiu jitsu program at Ryer Martial arts Academy.”
“I feel comfortable and welcomed here, and love the karate studio upstairs and that there are clean showers and locker facilities.”
“Our boys have learned so much from being in an environment that fosters respect for others in addition to the obvious top notch martial arts/self defense instruction.”
What members say
“Mike Guffey is a fantastic and motivating coach at Crossfit Shadyside along with all the other fine coaches.”
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, and the instructor is incredibly kind and genuinely cares about his students.”
“After a few sessions, our son grew to love the class and his little sister joined soon thereafter.”
“Secondly, the facility is clean and tidy (which is something really important to me), and there is enough space for a solid amount of people to work out.”
“In addition to gaining valuable physical skills and physical confidence, my son has maintained core strength and actively practiced various methods of verbal defense.”
“Fully committed, attentive, supportive and very patient instructors with such a toddler friendly fun style made this class our kids' favorite too.”
From the reviews
A Hidden Gem in Martial Arts Education This martial arts academy is truly a standout. The space is immaculately clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed with an open-concept layout that allows parents the flexibility to either stay and observe or drop off and pick up with ease.
I can't say enough about Ryer academy and all the amazing teachers there. My daughter started there at age 3 and is now 8 and still loves it and enjoys every class.
Among all the classes our four year old twins attend, Martial Arts class at Ryer Academy is by far our favorite. In addition to being the cutest thing to watch toddlers while they passionately learn (in their own words) how to become ninjas, it is an activity that not only helps them physically but continuously grows…
I visited Ryer Academy in July 2012 with my youngest son, as we were interested in helping him learn self discipline through the practice of martial arts. We were respectfully greeted by the owner, Josh Ryer, and were invited to a free week of classes in their excellent facilities.
New to kickboxing? Start at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
Ryer Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly gym — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or a kick, that's exactly who a good beginners class is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or coordinated to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and coaches scale every drill to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable gyms build the basics (stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads and bags) first, and any contact eases in gradually under a coach's control. Third, all fitness levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or fundamentals class time so your first session is alongside others who are also starting out. Most gyms are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first kickboxing class at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a kickboxing gym for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good coaches expect beginners to come through the door. Here's what to know. What to expect: a typical first class is a warm-up, then drilling the basics — stance, footwork, and punches and kicks on pads or a heavy bag — not hard sparring. Go at your own pace and rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move and sweat in, and supportive trainers. What to bring: water, and hand wraps and gloves if you have them — many gyms lend loaner gloves for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call. As you keep training you'll add your own gloves and wraps (and shin guards once you start sparring). Sparring is optional and eases in gradually, once your basics are solid. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign a waiver and meet the coach. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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