LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Dec 19, 2011) - Respect Your Universe Inc. (RYU) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]) ([ http://www.respectyouruniverse.com/ ]) is pleased to announce the successful completion of the first biannual RYU Sales Meeting at the Wynn Hotel, Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

The company's founders, executive management, sales and independent sales representatives gathered for two days to discuss the Spring debut and Fall 2012 lines of premium athletic apparel for men, and the Fall 2012 debut line of women's premium athletic apparel, as well as sales, marketing and brand strategies.

It was the first opportunity for RYU's eight partnering independent sales representatives -- Roger Hesson, Falon Cardo, Greg Schepisi, Colleen Mack-Rentschler, John Kortebein, Josh Wiesman, Marcella Fredericks and David Maiorani of Watt/Spohn -- to meet with the RYU Team and founders to discuss the product and sales strategies.

Between these independent sales professionals with over a century of combined experience, RYU will be represented across the country, including sales to US Military bases around the world.

"We're very fortunate to have such a high-caliber, professional team representing our brand," Kevin Hyland, VP of Sales stated. "They are well-established in their territories and have tremendous experience working for some of the biggest brands in the sporting goods industry."

The RYU Team and independent sales representatives had a unique opportunity to meet with top-level MMA trainer and practitioner Keebo Robinson and former UFC® Heavyweight Champion Kevin Randleman of The Research and Development Training Center in Las Vegas.

In Spring 2012, RYU will debut their men's premium high performance line "Built for Athletes, Suited for Style," that embodies the art of the sport and places emphasis on respect, strength, honor and sustainability as the foundation of their apparel and products. Performance and training apparel items to be available for Mixed Martial Artists and athletes alike in 2012 include performance t-shirts (short sleeve and long sleeve), compression tops (short sleeve and long sleeve), compression shorts, fight shorts, training tops, pants and shorts, hoodies, track and wind jackets and various headwear items such as beanies and caps.

All of the RYU apparel items and products have been produced from organic and/or recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world while achieving the performance attributes desired by Mixed Martial Arts fighters and the true everyday athlete.

For more information on RYU visit [ http://www.respectyouruniverse.com ] or call +1-888-455-6183 ext. 101.

About Respect Your Universe

Respect Your Universe, Inc. (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]) is a premium performance apparel and equipment company rooted in and inspired by Mixed Martial Arts. Focused on the needs of the athlete, RYU brings innovative design, development and production of premium authentic performance gear with style to mixed martial artists and athlete enthusiasts worldwide. The RYU brand is based on respect, honor and sustainability.

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Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, the information presented in this news release constitutes "forward-looking statements" as such term is used in applicable United States laws. These statements relate to analyses and other information that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management. Any other statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as "expects" or "does not expect," "is expected," "anticipates" or "does not anticipate," "plans," "hopes," "estimates," "projects" or "intends," or stating that certain actions, events or results "may," "could," "would," "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and should be viewed as "forward-looking statements". Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and other factors include, among others, the actual results of sales and designs of our apparel, the MMA industry and market, the apparel industry and market, the availability of capital to fund our business plan and the resulting dilution caused by the raising of capital through the sale of shares, product manufacturing and sourcing, and labor. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this news release and in any document referred to in this news release.