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Ryer Martial Arts Academy
4.9 ★★★★★ 67 Google reviews · Krav Maga school in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Plan your first class
- Free intro class most schools welcome newcomers with a free intro or trial class — check their site or give them a call to book your first session
- Beginner-friendly all levels welcome, including total beginners — you don't need to be fit or have any experience to start
- Kids & teens Krav Maga classes for kids and teens (ages 5) — built around confidence, focus, and staying safe
- LE & military training for law enforcement, military, and security professionals — ask about dedicated or group programs
- Fitness & conditioning Krav-based fitness and conditioning classes — a high-energy workout that builds real-world strength and stamina
- 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
“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.”
“I've been coming to Ryer Academy for their Cardio Kickboxing classes for almost 3 years now.”
“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.”
Other martial arts here
“I am a student in the adult Brazilian jiu jitsu program at Ryer Martial arts Academy.”
“Each week I look forwarded to going to kick boxing class.”
“You do not have to be the most physical or active person to get started in the kickboxing class.”
What students say
“The atmosphere is welcoming and supportive, and the instructor is incredibly kind and genuinely cares about his students.”
“Fully committed, attentive, supportive and very patient instructors with such a toddler friendly fun style made this class our kids' favorite too.”
“From a practical perspective, I appreciate Ryer's flexible scheduling and opportunities to make up missed classes (due to vacation, illness, etc.”
“I've been coming to Ryer Academy for their Cardio Kickboxing classes for almost 3 years now.”
“In addition to gaining valuable physical skills and physical confidence, my son has maintained core strength and actively practiced various methods of verbal defense.”
“After a few sessions, our son grew to love the class and his little sister joined soon thereafter.”
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 Krav Maga? Start at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
Ryer Martial Arts Academy comes up as a beginner-friendly school — noted on their own site. If you've never thrown a punch or set foot in a self-defense class, that's exactly who a good beginners program is for. A few things worth knowing before your first week. First, you don't need to be fit or athletic to start — you get in shape by training, not before it, and instructors scale the intensity to you. Second, you won't be thrown into hard sparring — reputable schools build the fundamentals (stance, movement, and core self-defense techniques) over weeks, and controlled pressure-testing eases in gradually so every drill stays safe. Third, all levels really are welcome — ask about a dedicated beginners or Level 1 class time so your first session is alongside others who are also just starting out. Most schools are happy to let you watch or try a class first, so reach out before you commit.
Your first Krav Maga class at Ryer Martial Arts Academy
Nervous about walking into a Krav Maga school for the first time? Almost everyone is, and good instructors 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 a few core techniques with a partner — controlled and at your own pace, not hard sparring. Rest whenever you need to; no one will bat an eye. What to wear: comfortable athletic clothes you can move in — there's no uniform or special gear you need to buy to get started. What to bring: water and a mouthguard if you have one — most schools have everything else you'll need for a first class, so it's worth asking when you call what to bring. Pressure-testing eases in gradually, once your fundamentals are solid — you won't be sparring hard on day one. Arrive 10–15 minutes early to sign in and meet the instructor. It gets easier fast — most people feel far more at home by their third class.
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