Viola Family

The Viola Family!  Sensei Viola proudly stands with all five of his children.  The Allegheny Shotokan Black Belts include (left to right): Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, Bill Viola Sr, Bill Viola Jr, Joce Viola.

The Viola’s  Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, Bill Viola Sr, Bill Viola Jr, Joce Viola.

Party Time

The annual Christmas Party was a big hit.  Congrats to Gary Klos who won the obstacle course for the second year in a row, beating out Billy Leader by less than a second.  The food was great, we appreciate the wonderful group of parents who helped out this year.  We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  No class next Monday.  Have a nice holiday break.

It’s Official

Proud father Bill Viola and Allegheny Shotokan’s youngest new student… Gabby Viola.  16 months old and already kickin!  Gabby ran around the room yelling “kiai” on every punching bag.

Ninja Promotions

Congrats to Ethan, Parker and Gavin for passing their test! Shihan was impressed with their intensity! Look for them to make some noise at tournaments in 2012.

Merry Christmas

Christmas Party Wed. Dec. 22nd 6:45 PM.  Fun obstacle course followed by a school photo.  Please wear your season’s beating t-shirts if you have one.  Food and social time to follow until 8:30.

Kumite Classic 2012

The Kumite Classic is bigger and better in 2012! Join us May 25-26^th at The Monroeville Convention Center for Pittsburgh’s most established fitness expo.  The media has dubbed The FAST Expo as a “One stop shop for everything fitness.” The expo showcases the latest fitness products, exercise equipment, sports gear, clothing, nutritional supplements, health foods, and cutting edge cosmetic advancements.

The Fitness And Sports Tour campaign is dedicated to promoting healthy active lifestyles through a full scale interactive consumer expo. The event is Pittsburgh’s most established fitness expo, celebrating its 13^th annual season attracting thousands of fitness enthusiasts and health conscious consumers from across the country. The multifaceted expo is surrounded by “non-stop action” playing host to simultaneous championships, competitions, and demonstrations in one expansive area for spectators to enjoy. The audience is one of the most diverse (demographic & geographic) in the fitness industry attracting fans from over 15 different sports. The prestigious Kumite Classic brand is synonymous with athletic excellence.

Health and wellness consultations are available with industry professionals and onsite evaluations are presented by doctors, physical therapists, chiropractors, and natural health experts. The FAST Expo collaborates with health professionals and educators on comprehensive and sustainable approaches to preventing and reducing serious health problems from both conventional medical and holistic approaches. The expo provides spectators the opportunity to participate in workouts, seminars, certification courses, competitions, and challenges.

The general public can meet & greet with celebrities, professional athletes, Olympic champions, and fitness icons. The expo highlights sports performance athletes, strength competitors, and fitness experts though a multitude of athletic skills competitions and world class sport championships.

City of Champions

-Pictured left to right:  Bill Viola Sr, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Frank Caliguri, Bill Viola Jr.

The Champions Association presented the 36th Annual Pittsburgh M.V.P. awards at the Willie Stargell Memorial Awards Banquet, Monday December 5th.  The distinguished ceremony honors industry leaders and professional athletes who are making a difference in the community.

North Huntington resident Bill Viola Sr. received the “Pittsburgh M.V.P.” award for his work as a Mixed Martial Arts pioneer.  Viola co-founded CV Productions in 1979, a company which is credited with creating a new sport, known today as mixed martial arts..   The award brought recognition to the city of Pittsburgh and the Western PA region celebrating the true birthplace of modern Mixed Martial Arts in the United States.  Most fight fans had believed that the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) established the first mixed martial arts competitions, however Viola and his partner Frank Caliguri actually developed the sport in 1979.  They promoted 10 competitions across Pennsylvania in 1980 until the State Legislature banned mixed martial arts with the passage of  SENATE BILL No. 632 Session 1983. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum of the Heinz History Center in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute unveiled an exhibit on June 23rd 2011 to document Viola’s role in developing mixed martial arts in America.  Dr. Fred Adams of Penn State University is currently writing a new book the history of Mixed Martial Arts that will chronicle Viola and Caliguri’s creation.

Over the past thirty years, The Willie Stargell Banquet has attracted some of the countries most prolific figures including basketball legend Michael Jordan and  World Boxing Champion Muhammad Ali.  Viola was honored to be recognized with such an elite alumni.   Viola said, “Pittsburgh is known as the City of Champions and now they can have pride that the fastest growing sport in the World (MMA), was started here as well.”  Dr. Fred Adams of Penn State University is currently writing a new book the history of Mixed Martial Arts that will chronicle Viola and Caliguri’s creation.

Other distinguished guests and honorees at the 2011 banquet included Pittsburgh County Executive Rich Fitzgerald and Judge Dwayne Woodruff just to name a few.  The event was co-sponsored by The Hillman Foundation and the Pittsburgh Pirates.  The banquet was hosted by Champion Enterprises founder Bill Neal, who has dedicated his life to community service.  Proceeds from the event support a Christmas Toy drive for underprivileged kids in Pittsburgh.

Laurel State

Season’s Beatings.  Thanks to all the parents who pitched in to help make the Laurel State / Christmas Kumite a great success! What a performance by all The Allegheny Shotokan students and Team Kumite Members!

Steeler Victory

Erie Open Karate Promoter Brian Arrington joined us @ game to cheer on the Steelers to a win!

Royce Gracie

UFC Legend Royce Gracie will be hosting a seminar Friday May 25th 2012 @ The Kumite Classic.  Contact 724-861-5162 to reserve a spot.  Space is limited and will sell out.