LAS VEGAS, NV--(Marketwire - Oct 17, 2012) - Today, Respect Your Universe, Inc. (RYU) (TSX VENTURE: [ RYU ]) (OTCBB: [ RYUN ]), [ http://www.ryu.com/ ], is pleased to announce their first international distribution partnership with specialty retailer Made 4 Fighters ([ http://www.made4fighters.com/en/ ]). Located in the United Kingdom, Made for Fighters is Europe's leading specialty retailer of MMA clothing, equipment and nutritional supplements. Made4Fighters.com will carry a variety of RYU apparel and gear from the Men's and Women's Fall 2012 lines ([ http://www.made4fighters.com/en/store/brand/ryu/ ]).

"We have stayed at the forefront of the market because we are a one-stop-shop for MMA fighters or fans. Our focus has always been on offering the widest range of MMA product in Europe, and we like to showcase up-and-coming MMA brands as well as the more established ones. We've worked with a large number of MMA brands over the years but RYU offers something really special -- the highest quality of product, a management team who know the sports industry inside out, and a world class marketing campaign. We're all excited about the potential for RYU -- we've never seen this much hype about a brand!" commented Made 4 FightersManaging Director, Abby Williams.

As the European specialists in MMA, Made 4 Fighters is proud to offer the best and most informed customer advice to exceed their customers' expectations. Their dedicated team helps tens of thousands of customers; from MMA competitors, to complete novices, make informed choices about MMA related purchases each and every year.

"With Made 4 Fighters the leading specialty retailer on the forefront of the European market for Martial Arts fighters and fans, partnering with them is a great opportunity for RYU to be easily available and more accessible to the European market," said RYU CEO & Chairman, David Campisi. "We are looking forward to our new partnership with Made 4 Fighters and their Founder, David Fullerton, who is a Martial Arts enthusiast and has a reputation for providing the best Martial Arts apparel in Europe."

Founded on the principles of respect, honor, strength and sustainability, and influenced by the dedication of the athlete to the ancient sport of Martial Arts, RYU's innovative premium apparel and product for both performance and lifestyle was created to inspire all athletes to achieve greatness. By producing products that are environmentally, and ethically, sound, all of RYU's apparel and products are comprised of up to 90% organic and recycled materials utilizing some of the best yarn and fabric suppliers in the world.

Through the creation of innovative apparel and products that have less of an impact on the environment, RYU's fabrics and technologies boast the attributes of Moisture Control Fabric (AIR Weave), Thermal Control Fabric (FIRE Weave), Weather Resistant Fabric (WIND Weave) and Eco-Friendly Fabric (TERRA Weave). RYU's authenticity in its apparel and products is also reflected in the design of each item containing one or more symbols from ancient Samurai iconography. 

RYU is an official sponsor of the UFC and will be visible in various elements throughout the UFC events in 2012 including logo displays and live announcements during bouts along with television promotions and placement on the UFC website including their web store. 

European customers can now purchase RYU from Made 4 Fighters over the phone on 0871 951 2222, or by visiting [ www.made4fighters.com ]. For more information on RYU visit [ http://www.ryu.com ] or call +1-888-455-6183 ext. 101.

About Respect Your Universe
Respect Your Universe, Inc. (TSX VENTURE: [ RYU ]) (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, strength, honor and sustainability. Respect to the End.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contact Information
Corporate Information:
Respect Your Universe, Inc.
[ http://www.ryu.com ]

Public Relations:
Respect your Universe, Inc.
[ pr@ryu.com ]

Investor Relations:
+1-888-455-6183 ext 102
[ ir@ryu.com ]

About Made 4 Fighters
Made4Fighters.com is Europe's leading specialist retailer of MMA clothing, equipment and supplement nutrition products. The business was launched in November 2007 with the simple mission statement of, "Providing the widest range of products for MMA fans or fighters, at affordable prices". The rapid growth of the business has meant Made 4 Fighters needed to relocate distribution centre for the third time from a 10,000 sq ft warehouse to a facility more than twice the size in June 2012.

As the specialists in MMA, Made 4 Fighters is proud to offer the best and most informed customer advice to ensure we exceed our customers' expectations. Our dedicated team of customer centric staff help tens of thousands of customers make informed choices about MMA related purchases each and every year; from MMA competitors, to complete novices.

The company was founded by MMA enthusiast David Fullerton in 2007 who was frustrated by the lack of good quality branded MMA product. Made 4 Fighters quickly became the customers' choice, with a reputation for the best product range and industry expertise. Though the company has grown massively since launching over five years ago, its reputation as Europe's only true experts in Mixed Martial Arts product is still at the heart of Made 4 Fighters business today.

For more information or product images, please contact Made 4 Fighters via the press office [ contact@made4fighters.com ] or call the marketing department on 0044 (0)113 204 2417.

Forward-Looking Statements

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 securities law, including statements regarding RYU's distribution partnership with Made 4 Fighters. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of RYU to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others, that sales of our apparel products through our distribution partners may not be as significant as anticipated. Except as required by law, RYU undertakes no responsibility to update any of the statements contained in this news release.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.