Pittsburgh area Team Kumite headquartered at Allegheny Shotokan Karate Dojo earns World Titles.
SAINT VINCENT STUDENT KICKS HIS WAY TO A WORLD KARATE TITLE
The World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2021 World Championships November, 23rd-30th in Orlando, Florida. The weeklong event hosted the worldâs best in WKC Tatami-style martial arts competition. Pittsburgh based Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate Dojo earned over 20 medals, including top honors from 20-year-old St. Vincent student Cameron Klos, who was recognized as the overall âGrand Champion.â
Team USA is comprised of 300 athletes from across the country who won the National Team trials in Detroit this past June. Twelve members from Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate Dojo earned positions to represent the United States at the World Championships. Of that group, ten students advanced to the medal rounds and stood on the podium. Sensei (coach) Bill Viola Jr. said, âIt is so amazing to see our athletes represent Western PA on an international level. When they play the star spangled banner for one our students, itâs a special moment. Cameron is leading by example.â
The highlight of the week was Cameron Klos earning top honors in the Adult Black Belt Overall Finals. Klos earned a spot to compete by winning gold for his traditional kata (pattern) during elimination rounds. The finals pitted gold medal winners and elite athletes in various disciplines to determine the âbest of the best.â The final four international champions represented Canada, Guatemala, Venezuela, and Klos for the United States. In the end, Klos was named Grand Champion of the WKC.
Senator Kim Ward presented Cameron with a proclamation for his victory upon his return to Pittsburgh. He will perform for the County Commissioners at the Greensburg Courthouse of December 16th.
Klos, a Cyber Security major at St. Vincent College, holds a 4.0 GPA. Sensei Viola Jr. says, âIt takes a special kind of work ethic to juggle an international karate schedule and remain at the top of his class in college. Cameron personifies dedication. His is earning a âblack belt in lifeâ.â
The 2022 WKC World Championships will be held in Dublin, Ireland. The team will be fundraising throughout the year to attend and defend their titles. For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com
” ‘Cause it makes me that much stronger Makes me work a little bit harder It makes me that much wiser So thanks for making me a fighter Made me learn a little bit faster Made my skin a little bit thicker Makes me that much smarter So thanks for making me a fighter “
Gabby Viola Video Highlights – “Fighter”
Gabby listens to this song đ”, and it speaks to her đ reminding her to always keep her hands up! She still has good and bad days, but when the disease attacks, I remind her that sheâs a fighter It seems scary, but deep down she has the fortitude of a hundred kids. She proved it to me and all the bystanders that day in Detroit…
Let me share. Life isnât fair, the sooner you accept that the better. In 2018, completely out of the blue, my daughter Gabby was diagnosed with bowel disease, an incurable inflammatory form of colitisđ„. Without too much detail youâd never know she is sick on the outside, but on the inside, it is killing her: severe bleeding, dehydration, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, inflammation of joints, skin and eyes, and a swelling colon just off the top of my head. She was only seven years old; no family history of the illness! Why oh why?! Long story short, we continue to do what we have to do: Specialists, naturopathic and holistic experts, trials, infusions, diets, meds, steroids, tests, and therapy â the works. All you can do is pray đđ» for remission.
She’s Got Guts! Intestinal Fortitude
In the meantime, she wanted to continue karate. It was her sanctuary, and her doctor gave it the. In July 2019, she attended the World Karate Commission Team Trials in Detroit, Michigan. Top placement earned a spot on âTeam USAâ to compete at the World Championships. Gabby and her teammates bled for this opportunity. She was one of the youngest competitors to enter and still only a brown belt, in a division dominated by seasoned black belts. The selection process is based on multiple rounds of competition. Day 1, she stumbled. The look of disappointment on her face broke my heart into a million pieces, but I couldnât show it. Her little lip quivering, trying to hold back tears, I consoled her the only way I knew how. I said, âItâs time to unleash tora .â âWin or lose, show everyone your tiger spirit.âđŻ
We had something special up our sleeve, a symbol of her destiny. That weekend, I brought a 55+ year old brown belt with me. It was tattered and way too long, but it was magical. It was the same belt my father wore, that I wore, that my sister Addie wore, and now Gabby. She knew the history behind the belt, and I told her she just needed to add her own sweat to it. In that moment, she showed âtora no me,â the âeye of the tiger.â It was a complete 360. She took the mat with a passion and fervor Iâve never seen. She absolutely nailed her kata, flipped the script, and catapulted to GOLDđ„. In that moment, not a single individual victory or title Iâve experienced could compete with the pride I felt.
WKC Gold Medal
Team USA
Gabby and Bill Viola Jr
1st Place Scores
The famous 55+ year old belt
Team USA WKC
Understanding inflammatory type diseasesđ„: Inflammation is the bodyâs response to fighting off harmful things. It could be an injury, infection, or something toxic. In Gabbyâs case, she is always on
Her body is confused. This is called IBD or (Inflammatory bowel disease) đ„ not to be confused with the very common IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) which is not an inflammatory condition/disease. IBD is an umbrella covering both Crohnâs Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both Crohnâs and colitis are characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. IBD is a âninjaâ of sorts, because the symptoms often stealth like to the outside world. Patients often look totally normal to friends and family, but behind the scenes they are struggling with abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, and persistent uncontrollable trips to the bathroom. Its cause is unknown, but Doctors do know itâs the result of a defective immune system. Essentially Gabbyâs immune system is attacking itself causing the inflammation
Gabby on Steroids
Gabby off Steroids
While there is no cure, we search for ways to help her live a comfortable life, and hold on to hope that a cure will be discovered in her lifetime.
For those that are close to my family, you already know how this situation dramatically changed our lives. For twenty years I promoted the Kumite Classic (one of the largest and most prestigious independent tournaments in North America). The expo was a 24/7 â 365 type operation. Despite the kumite being apart of my identity, it does NOT define me. As they say, âfamily firstâ and I have retired from the Kumite Classic until Gabby is in remission. Someday, I hope to pass the torch đŻïž to her, and she can reignite đ„! I enjoy coaching my team, teaching, and traveling when she is %. Itâs a new chapter in a long book!
Gabby’s story was a featured front page article in the Pittsburgh Tribune Review
Today, Gabby is receiving biologic infusions at UPMC Childrenâs hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Her Doctors are kind, compassionate, and very knowledgeable. The infusions are typically 3-4 hour procedures (she has to miss school for each treatment). It is taxing on her body and mind.
IBD Advocate & Lobbyist
However, insurance doesnât make it easy on these patients. The amount of red tape and outrageous medical bills is both frustrating and sad . According to The National Center of Biotechnology (NCBI), the yearly cost of her current medicine is $25,000 to $45,000 annually, depending on the frequency needed . Big Pharm đ đ should be ashamed. The polices and regulations need to change! As a result we choose to âfightâ and get involved. Gabby has been asked to join a national effort to raise awareness for the disease. Beginning this May, she will be lobbying on behalf of patients (like herself) who suffer lack of access to certain treatment. She will be sharing her story as an advocate of IBD research, trying to convince Washington to support her cause. She hopes to be part of the solution and be a small part of one day finding a cure for IBD. She will be attending the Crohnâs and Colitis Foundationâs âDay on the Hillâ to meet with different Senators an Congressmen to plead with them to do more! Her trip will be mulitple meetings with legislators about policies impacting the IBD community. The event includes forums hosted by the National Council of College Leaders for parents and pediatric patients, informative advocacy training briefings, and a reception on Capitol Hill .
As a family, we have made the decision use this terrible diagnosis as a powerful teaching moment. We look for anyway to change a negative into a positive . So we tackle this disease, the way we train at the dojo. with relentless determination! She promises to fight everyday, and I know she will inspire and empower otherâs to do the same. This disease will not stop her from reaching her dreams, goals, and aspirations. There are be setbacks, but without them there are no comebacks.
Over the years, we have had to make multiple emergency stops to local hospitals, urgent cares, and medical facilities. Recently she was hospitalized at the 2019 US Open ISKA World Championships and admitted into Arnold Palmer Childrenâs Hospital after nearly passing out. She was in a flare and her body was attacked. Unfortunately, she was unable to perform to her standards the next couple months, and fell short of winning WKC Worlds. She could either spiral into self-doubt and depression, or double down on her training. Iâm proud to announce she back to her winning ways taking 1st place at NASKAâs 6-A COMPETE Internationals. The place really doesnât matter, its continuing to âsuit up,â time and time again, when otherâs say âhang it up.â This journey will always have ups and downs but we fail forward . No matter how difficult the challenge, we continue to inch forward . We call is Kaizen (æčć) continual self-improvement! 1% every day⊠Its our âViolosophy.â
The Peopleâs Champ
Often times people associate martial arts as a rough-and-tumble sport dominated by male competitors, but Gabby Viola is shattering the stereotype. 9-year-old Gabby was recently honored by the national karate media and their peers with nationwide âPeopleâs Choice Awards.âPoint Fighter Live is one the most popular media outlets in North America for the sport and recognized the top athletes.
Gabby Viola was nominated as âCompetitor of the Yearâ by Point Fighter Live. The honor, dubbed as a âPower Awardâ was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America. After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote total of the show. The physical award will be presented this April in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.
Gabby is a third generation Viola to win national honors. Sheâs following in her Dad Bill Jr. and Grandfather Bill Sr.âs footsteps. She began her training as a toddler and has been a national champion since she debuted at the 2013 Kumite Classic. Sheâs a member of Team USA, and defending Gold Medalist from the WKC Nationals Championships. Gabby is an inspiration to other girls battling bowel disease. At 7-years-old, she was diagnosed with chronic inflammation and ulcerative colitis. While there is no cure for the condition, she is fighting for remission every day and proving that nothing can stop her karate dreams. She is currently treated with infusions at UPMC Childrenâs hospital and will travel to the Washington, DC this May to meet with the Senate and Congress about funding new research to find a cure.
When asked about the recognition Gabby said, âIâm really happy. I hope this helps get me to Japan!â Sheâs on a mission to fund raise to watch her Idol Sandra Sanchez from Spain compete for a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Gabby had the opportunity to train with Sanchez in Orlando, Florida this past July. When sheâs not competing, she loves playing piano, dance, and teaching her 2-year-old brother karate.
Throughout the long season, Gabby traveled to Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada to compete. The honors are based on an entire yearâs body of work.
Gabby is a member of Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate Dojo which recently celebrated its 50-Year Anniversary. The Dojo was honored with a proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who recognized âSensei Viola Dayâ on September 23rd 2019 for the Pittsburgh region. Sensei Bill Viola Sr. has 4 daughters, all of whom have earned their black belts. His Granddaughter Gabby and all the up and coming Senpai and Sensei (Lucy, Sammy, Taylor, Zoey, Haley, Abby, Riley) carry on the tradition of strong inspiring ladies from the dojo!
The team is gearing up for the 2020 WKC World Championships held in Madrid, Spain and fundraising to visit Tokyo, Japan and attend the 2020 Olympics . For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com
# # #
Gabby began training at just 2-years-old and was the inspiration of the Nursery Ninjas program at Allegheny Shotokan Karate. She made her competition debut at the 2013 Kumite Classic and has since competed in over 100 tournaments across North America. In 2015 she won her first Grand Champion, and later that year was the youngest competitor at the World Games. She is a multiple time PKRA State Champion, USKA National Champion, WKC National Champion, and consistent champion on the NASKA World Tour. She is a 3rd generation Viola to carry on the family legacy. Gabby is committed to community service, and has been a top fundraiser to âKick Parkinsonâs Diseaseâ a charity her father helped establish in memory of their Grandmother.
We would also like to extend this positive energy out to our Allegheny Shotokan dojo brothers who also suffer from GI complications: Sensei Conor Burns, Sensei Dave Zezza, and Senpai Mike Pietrzyk
For
Immediate Release: 2/13/20 Contact: Call/Text Bill Viola Jr. 724-640-2111
Pittsburgh Karate Girls Honored by Peers with National “People’s Choice” Meet Gabby Viola and Lucy Lokay
14-year-old Lucy Lokay and 9-year old Gabby Viola
Often times people associate martial arts as a rough-and-tumble sport dominated by male competitors, but two Pittsburgh area karate girls shattering the stereotypes. 9-year-old Gabby Viola and 14-year-old Lucy Lokay were recently honored by the national karate media and their peers with nationwide âPeopleâs Choice Awards.â Sportmartialarts.com and Point Fighter Live are the equivalent to the Academy Awards and Grammys for sport karate. They are the two most popular media outlets in North America and recognize the top athletes at the beginning of each season with year-end recognition.   Â
9-year-old
Gabby Viola was nominated as âCompetitor
of the Yearâ by Point Fighter Live. The honor, dubbed as a âPower Awardâ was voted on by coaches,
competitors, and promoters from across North America. After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won
her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the
highest vote getter of the show. The physical award will be presented this
April in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.
Gabby is a third generation Viola to win national honors. Sheâs following in her Dad Bill Jr. and Grandfather Bill Sr.âs footsteps. She began her training as a toddler and has been a national champion since she debuted at the 2013 Kumite Classic. Sheâs a member of Team USA, and defending Gold Medalist from the WKC Nationals Championships. Gabby is an inspiration to other girls as sheâs been battling bowel disease. At 7-years-old, she was diagnosed with chronic inflammation and ulcerative colitis. While there is no cure for the condition, but she is fighting for remission every day and proving that nothing can stop her karate dreams. She is currently treated with infusions at UPMC Childrenâs hospital and is scheduled to visit Washington, DC this May to lobby for new treatments for the disease with .
When asked about the recognition Gabby said, âIâm really happy. I hope this helps get me to Japan!â Sheâs on a mission to fund raise to watch her Idol Sandra Sanchez from Spain compete for a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. Gabby had the opportunity to train with Sanchez in Orlando, Florida this past July. When sheâs not competing, she loves playing piano, dance, and teaching her 2-year-old brother karate.
Gabby Viola hopes to attend the 2020 Olympics
14-year-old
Lucy Lokay was recognized by Sportsmartialarts.com in the âOverall
Youth Femaleâ category. She received enough preliminary votes
nationally to beat out thousands of other competitors and earn a nomination in
the final four, and a trip to Chicago, Illinois for the awards ceremony. Lokay explains, âI was so honored. I mean these other girls are already starring
in TV shows and movies, and Iâm just a small town girl. Iâm just getting
started. Itâs crazy.â
Her
coach Bill Viola Jr. agrees, âLucy was the youngest in the field nominated by
SMA. This puts her name on the radar for
the entire league. She has a bright
future.â Although Lucy took runner up,
just to share the stage with North Americaâs top female martial artists was
empowering. She is ranked #2 in the
World Rankings by the North American Sport Karate Association. Not since one of her mentors, Ali Viola, a
decade ago has any female from the tristate area ever been nominated for an SMA
award.
Lucy is
dedicated to giving back as a representative of the Western PA Police Athletic
League, volunteering for their community initiative. She works alongside Pittsburgh Police and
community leaders to help those less fortunate learn martial arts and boxing
and helps organize âStuff-a-Storeâ toy drives with her mother Amy.
Throughout
the long season, Gabby and Lucy traveled to Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida,
Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada to compete. The honors are based on an entire yearâs body
of work.
Gabby and Lucy
Gabby
and Lucy are members of Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate Dojo which recently
celebrated its 50 Year Anniversary. The
Dojo was honored with a proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who
recognized âSensei Viola Dayâ on September
23rd 2019 for the Pittsburgh region.
Sensei Bill Viola Sr. has 4 daughters, all of whom have earned their
black belts. Now his Grand Daughter
Gabby and Lucy carry on the tradition of strong inspiring ladies from the dojo!
The
team is gearing up for the 2020 WKC World Championships held in Madrid, Spain
and fundraising to visit Tokyo, Japan and attend the 2020 Olympics.
For
Immediate Release: 11/21/19 Contact: Call/Text Bill Viola Jr. 724-640-2111
2019 World
Titles brought home to Western Pennsylvania
The World Karate and Kickboxing Council (WKC) hosted the World Championships November, 3rd -9th in Niagara Falls, New York.   The worldâs best from 22 countries converged to compete in WKC Tatami-style divisions. The competition was the largest WKC championships in history with thousands of athletes.
Riley Evans on the podium
Team
USA was comprised of athletes from across the country who won the National Team
trials in Detroit this past June. 13
members from Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate Dojo earned positions to
represent the United States at the World Championships. Of that group, 5 students advanced to the
medal rounds and secured top honors.
These medals are the first ever for the Pittsburgh region.
Sensei Bill Viola Jr. said, âI am proud of the way these kids represented our community and the United States. Win or lose, they demonstrated respect and determination. We they play our National Anthem for Gold, it makes all the sacrifice worthwhile.â
The 2020 WKC World Championships will be held
in Madrid, Spain. The team will be
fundraising to send a team to Spain and to visit Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics.
âThatâs one small step for karate; one giant leap for martial arts.â
East Allegheny Karate Class Circa 1970
1969 was a glorious time to be alive; a new home cost a paltry $15,000, 90% of kids walked to school, and Woodstock was in vogue. America was on top of the world as Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon, Mario Puzo released The Godfather, and a little known dojo named âAllegheny Shotokanâ set up shop in the gritty suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Yes, it was the golden era of Karate, and those who donned a crisp white âgiâ and tattered black belt had a special swagger about themselves. The martial arts were provocative and mysterious, and if you wanted to learn its vast secrets, Bill Viola was your man. Unbeknownst to him, the Viola name and Pittsburgh karate would become synonymous.
âSenseiâ Viola was a no-nonsense disciplinarian who lived the mantra, âThe more you sweat in here, the less you bleed out there,â an ode to his simple yet effective philosophy of intensity and self-protection. This sense of unwavering willpower has manifested itself through the tens of thousands who have trained under his hand. Over the past half-century, his powerful brand of punches and kicks has camouflaged lifeâs most important lessons: respect, discipline, and focus. The Violaâs preach, âCharacter is a commodity that canât be bought, only built.â You arenât rich until you have something money canât buy, and for Viola his passion is priceless. The confidence he has instilled in his students can be found on and off the mat, from the classroom to the boardroom, or from raising a family to protecting a loved one. Viola smiles, âItâs that indomitable spirit that builds champions in life. Our dojo is a family.â
Allegheny Shotokan Karate (1969-2019) is celebrating its 50-year anniversary as the gold standard for martial arts in Western PA. The family-owned and operated dojo is blessed with 3 generations of Violas who carry on the legacy. All five of Violaâs children have earned black belts and his eldest, Sensei Bill Viola Jr., now heads the school. Viola Jr.âs daughter Gabby and son Will [William Viola IV] are fixtures at the martial arts studio. Sr.âs other children Joce and Jacque are Doctors of Pharmacy in North Huntingdon, Addie, a teacher in Bethel Park and Ali, a Lawyer downtown. Heâs proud that their karate foundation has helped them pave the way for fulfilling careers.
Viola Family: Addie, Jacque, Ali, Bill Sr., Bill Jr., Joce
Viola Sr., now 71, still teaches his black belt class every Monday evening, a reminder to everyone that karate is a lifelong journey. In fact Ray Adams, 76, joined the club in 1971 and is still actively training today. He is the longest tenured student and says, âI just earned my Master rank and have no plans of slowing down, my next test will be in my 80s.â One of Adamâs favorite training partners and the dojoâs first black belt was Jack Bodell. Known as the âPresidentâs Bodyguardâ as a member of the United States Secret Service in charge of protecting President Jimmy Carter, Jack explains, âSensei gave me the skills to succeed in life.â Jack Bodell, Ray Adams, Ray Walters, Dave Zezza and Viola Jr. round out the âMasterâ ranks at Allegheny Shotokan. Viola Sr., 9th Degree Black Belt, remains the patriarch.
Jr. and Sr. are both official Sport Karate History Generals and recipients of the Sport Karate Museumâs âLifetime Achievementâ award. The duo was awarded the Champion Associations Willie Stargell M.V.P. Award (2011) for community service, a tribute that includes Michael Jordan and Muhamad Ali as alum. In 2017 the Violaâs were published in the book, Whoâs Who in the Martial Arts â Legends of American Karate edition. Viola Sr.âs life was the subject of the Amazon #1 selling book Godfathers of MMA which in turn inspired the SHOWTIME documentary film Tough Guys (2017) produced by an Academy award winning team. Viola Jr., who authored the book, was also a producer on the film, making a cameo playing his father. Â
Showtime
Tough Guys
Bill Viola Jr. plays his father
Viola Jr. has been a member of Screen Actors Guild since 2000 after a stint in Hollywood which included stunts, commercials and work on the Britney Spears âStrongerâ video. He founded his entertainment company [Kumite Classic] after Injuries sustained in a car crash that ended his competitive career (1999). The company produces the Pittsburgh Fitness Expo (regions largest multi-sport convention) and has a publishing division which has included Kumite Magazine and Tough Guys. Viola Jr. is currently adapting his book into a screenplay and is in negotiations for a major motion picture. He was featured in Pittsburgh Magazine “40 under 40” list in 2016. Viola Jr. has since created the CommonSensei self-help book series. Here are some of his famous quotes. Â
Hollywood
Kumite Classic
CBS TV
bill viola jr retirement
Bruce Lee Edition
Tough Guys #1 Best Seller
Kumite Classic
Kurt Angle & Franco Harris
Pittsburgh Fitness Expo
The dojo is internationally renowned as the most successful sport karate school in Pittsburgh region, garnering the only dual Pan American Gold Medalists in both traditional karate (WKF) and kickboxing (WAKO), as well as countless national, international and world titles.
Doug Selchan
Xander Eddy
Governor Tom Wolf
In 1998 Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized them as the #1 school in America and Hines Ward selected Violaâs students as Positive Athletes to represent marital arts (2012-2013).
Hines Ward
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Royce Gracie w Shihan
As karate approaches its first Olympic berth at the 2020 Tokyo Games, Viola was instrumental in the movement as he hosted the USA Karate Jr. Olympics at the University of Pittsburghâs Fitzgerald Field House in 1992 under the auspices of the United States Olympic Committee. Incidentally, Viola Jr. was a triple Gold Medalist, the only athlete to earn that status. In March 2019, USA Karate honored Viola with the âPioneer of USA Karateâ award for his dedication to the Olympic karate movement. The Viola dojo has always had its finger on the pulse of anything and everything martial arts, and continues as the heartbeat of Pittsburgh karate today.
USA Karate Jr. Olympics
Over the past fifty years, the school has welcomed and transformed everyone from children struggling with autism to Olympic level competitors. âIt doesnât matter if they are a professional athlete or a teenager who is coping with bullies,â Viola Jr. says,  âEach and every student is on their own personal journey of self-enlightenment and courage. Our goal is to help them reach their potential and go beyond.â This formula of empowerment inspired Viola Jr. to package the family secrets into an Award-winning curriculumâSensei Says. This life skills education course is the cornerstone of Allegheny Shotokanâs sister programs Norwin Ninjas (4-7 year olds) and Nursery Ninjas (2-3 year olds).
Brownsville:
Viola got his first taste of combat sports in 1955 studying boxing from family friend, the legendary Marion âSluggerâ Klingensmith (later to become the Pennsylvania State Athletic Commissioner, Brownsville Mayor and Police Chief, Fayette County Commissioner, and Congressman). He discovered martial arts in the early 1960s as a teenager in high school. Viola recalls, âMy friend Medick Capirano picked up karate at WVU in the ROTC program. I thought I was pretty tough, but he threw me all over the room when weâd work out on the weekends. I was addicted.â He continued training throughout college at California State under The All American Karate Federation, a split-off from the Japanese Karate Association, and then gaining rank under icons Grand Master Robert Trias, the father of American Karate, and Grand Master George Anderson the founder of the Father of Olympic Karate.
George Anderson
Robert Trias
1960s Kumite
Origins of âAlleghenyâ Shotokan: (1969-2019) 50 Years serving Pittsburgh, PA
The name âAlleghenyâ represented the schoolâs first location in Allegheny County (East Allegheny High School) and traditional âShotokan,â is the base style of Japanese Karate-do taught. Viola began teaching students in the summer of 1969. His first student was former California State football player Denny Costello, and droves of EA students followed. The first teacher to join the ranks was Keith Bertoluzzi. Bertoluzzi was the Master of Ceremonies at the Holiday House, Monroeville, PA. He used his musical influence to invite visiting celebrities to attend karate classes including members of the Beach Boys and other musical acts of the era. As Shihan Viola remembers, âKarate in the 60s and 70s was so popular; we [the Senseis] were the rock stars.â By 1971, East Allegheny had become what is known as a âprogressiveâ school incorporating new curriculum. The district offered Viola the opportunity to teach a regular elective karate course, the first in the nation in a public school.  Over the past 50 years the school has held classes in the suburbs of Pittsburgh including North Versailles, Turtle Creek, Paintertown, White Oak, Irwin, North Irwin and currently residing in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.
Shihan Viola and Denny Costello Spar (late 1960s)
Philanthropy/Community Service
The school is endorsed by Western PA Police Athletic League (PAL) where Viola Jr. served as a goodwill ambassador as a youth. He has been involved in charitable work since his senior year at the University of Pittsburgh, when he established “Kumite International” collegiate scholarships. The partnership program with Western PA Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Law Firm allocated $50,000 in scholarship funds for karate athletes. The program made national news when Lynn Swann (The Chairman of President George W. Bush’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports) presented the scholarships with Viola Jr. at the 2004 Pittsburgh Fitness Expo / Kumite Classic in Pittsburgh (the mecca for martial arts competition).
Bill Viola Jr and Lynn Swann Award College Scholarship
The dojo has raised tens of thousands of dollars for various causes such as Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson âs disease. In 2017 Viola Jr. and former State Senator Sean Logan created âKick Parkinsonâs Diseaseâ– a cause close to both men as Logan was diagnosed with Parkinsonâs disease in his mid-forties and Viola Jr. spent years caring for his Grandmother who passed away from neurodegenerative complications. The Viola Karate Dojo has since made it their mission to KICK Parkinsonâs diseaseâliterally. Each year they assemble hundreds of students to kick one mile non-stop though the racetrack at Boyce Park in Monroeville in conjunction with the Loganâs PIND (Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases) 5K. The students showcased their skill during record setting heat in 2018 and bumped their 2-year donation to $15,000 to aid PIND. The In all, over the past three years, the event has raised over $1 million dollars through appropriations, grants and sponsors — 100% of the funds are earmarked for experimental testing and research in hopes of finding the cure in Pittsburgh.
In 2019 Viola Jr. and his Daughter Gabby will begin advocacy efforts at the Capital to lobby for improvements to our healthcare system as she battles inflammatory bowel disease (Crohns Disease).
Team USA Member Xander Eddy – Youngest American to Win Gold at WAKO Pan American Championships
Pittsburgh Martial Artist, Xander Eddy wins 2018 Pan American Championships – Gold Medalist
9-year-old Xander Eddy of North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, has become the youngest American to win the Pan American Kickboxing Championships in history. His record setting performance took place in Cancun, Mexico October 23-28 at Barceló Maya Beach. Eddy claimed a Gold Medal in the open weight class for Team USA.
Eddy earned a spot on the United States Kickboxing Team by winning the selection trials in Kansas City, Missouri in February. His teammate, Luke Lokay, a 15-year-old also from North Huntingdon, won the 63- Kg division to qualify. The selection process is limited to one competitor per weight class who is the current national champion officially recognized by their National Olympic Committees or Ministry of Sports. World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) is the largest international organization of kickboxing, and the governing body of Amateur kickboxing sport certified by SportAccord. WAKO is affiliated in 128 nations on 5 continents officially recognized by either National Olympic Committee or relevant National Government Sports Authority responsible for than 4,000,000 practitioners from across the globe
Both athletes faced adversity leading up the championship. In August, Xander shattered the growth plate in his foot practicing for the event. The injury was severe to his base leg which was critical for kicking and movement. It was questionable if he could participate. His training partner Luke tore his ACL and meniscus and broke his tibia and knee cap in 2012. Doctors speculated he may never play sports again. Both competitors overcame the odds and competed at the highest level for kickboxing this side of the hemisphere.
Xander Eddy, the youngest American to win Gold at WAKO Pan American Kickboxing Championships
Competitors from over 30 countries represented. In the final bracket, Eddy dominated 6 rounds against the top ranked athletes from Chile, Puerto Rico and Mexico by a combined score of 30-3. In the finals, he faced Guatemala in a heated fight that pitted chants of âUSAâ vs âGuate.â In dramatic fashion, after 2 rounds the score was tied forcing an additional round to determine the champion. Eddy scored a sidekick to take the lead and as time expired, he executed his patented âaxeâ kick to win Gold for America. He became the youngest athlete to win a Gold Medal for Team USA at the Pan Am Championships in history. Lokay also represented well, but fell to Guatemala in the final bracket claiming Bronze for Team USA.
Lokay and Eddy each have been training at Allegheny Shotokan Viola Karate in North Huntingdon since they were 4-years-old. Their Sensei, Bill Viola Jr., is the director for WAKO region 10 which oversees Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, West Virgina, and Washington, DC. He explains, âLuke and Xander set themselves apart with work ethic. Win or lose this kids are great role models. They have character.â Eddy was asked to carry in the American flag by his teammates during the opening ceremonies. Eddy accepted, âI just wanted to make my dojo, parents and country proud.â The duo represents Pittsburgh and all of Western Pennsylvania on the international kickboxing and karate circuit.
Luke Lokay and Xander Eddy warm up for competition
Eddy has won every recent major tournament he has attended including Open-Weight Grand Championship Title at North American Open in Las Vegas, Nevada (part of UFCâs International Fight Week), The Battle of Atlanta in Georgia, and US Open ISKA World Championships in Orlando, Florida. His “Norwin” community has gotten behind him in a big way!
Norwin Showing its Support
WAKO kickboxing was one of thirteen combat sports participating in the first ever World Combat Games which were held in Beijing, China under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). WAKO Kickboxing is slated to gain IOC membership this December joining traditional Karate which will be represented at the 2020 Games in Tokyo, Japan under the World Karate Federation.
It was nearly 20 years ago that Allegheny Shotokan Alum Doug Selchan won Gold in +80kg Kumite at the 1999 Pan Am Games for Karate in Winnipeg, Canada. Even though kickboxing and karate are technically different sports, Xanderâs parents say they are honored for him to follow in such prestigious footsteps. Pittsburgh has a rich tradition of world-class martial artists.
Next up, Xander, Luke, and their dojo will be traveling to Los Angeles, California this February for the âCOMPETE International Championships.â #kickboxing #pittsburgkickboxing #teamusa #usakickboxingteam
Doug Selchan USA Karate and Pan American Games Champion
U.S. Olympic Committee Press Release  WINNIPEG, Canada
The U.S. karate team ended its competition at the 1999 Pan American Games the same way it began the Games — with gold medals.
George Kotaka (Honolulu, Hawaii), John Fonseca (Northbrook, Ill.) and Doug Selchan (North Huntington, Pa.) each won a gold medal in men’s kumite in their respective weight divisions to give the U.S. a total of five individual gold medals. Akiru Fukuda (Huntington Beach, Calif.) and Kellie Kennedy (Seattle, Wash.) won gold medals in men’s and women’s kata on Sunday.
“We started with gold, and we ended with gold,” an elated U.S. head coach Tokey Hill said. “I can’t ask for more out of my boys and girls than that. They delivered.”  Kotaka came back to defeat Alberto Espejo (COL) in the finals of the under 65kg. After giving up the first point with 2:43 remaining, Kotaka scored five times and held Espejo scoreless for the remainder of the bout. “It was really nerve-wracking, but once we got out there, the jitters were gone and it was time to fight,” Kotaka said. “I initiated the attack and he (Espejo) countered it on the first point. But I knew that sooner or later, because there were three minutes, I could come back and get some points back.”
Fonseca never trailed in his bout against N.L. Sardenberg (BRA) in the men’s under 80kg, needing only two minutes to score the maximum points to earn the gold. “He (Sardenberg) is a very strong fighter, very sharp,” Fonseca said. “But  every body has good and bad days, and I felt very on today and maybe he was a little off.”
Selchan completed the karate competition with a hard fought win over Altamiro Cruz (BRA) in the men’s over 80kg. The bout was stopped several  times after Selchan suffered a scratch above his right eye early in the match. Selchan recovered to take a 3-2 lead with 27 seconds remaining and then scored an Ippon with 10 seconds remaining to put the match out of reach. Cruz scored with three seconds left, but time expired with Selchan leading 5-3. “I knew I had it all along,” Selchan said,
“Not to sound conceited, but  this week I was very confident. I was in pretty good shape, felt strong and felt good. I needed this win. It was a big win for me.”
Men’s Kumite Individual +80kg Gold Medal Match
Doug Selchan (USA)
Altamiro Cruz (BRA)
3T. Manuel Costa (URU)
3T. Yoel Diaz (CUB)
Norwin Student Gets a Kick From Karate -Pittsburgh Post Gazette By Torsten Ove
The All-Star Team âKumiteâ traveled to Orlando Florida for the 2018 The US Open held July 6-7 at Disneyâs Coronado Springs Convention Center. The tournament, broadcast live on ESPN2 and ESPN3, is recognized as the worldâs largest sport martial arts competition with over 40 countries and 6 continents present. The two-day tournament showcased 200,000 square feet of competition that included karate and kickboxing.
Representing Pittsburgh were 10 members from the Viola Karate Dojo including Sensei Bill Viola Jr., (Head Coach), Sensei Cameron Klos (Player Coach), and Sensei Gary Klos (Assistant Coach). All members placed in the top two in their respective divisions. The students were the only champions from the Western Pennsylvania region.
Results include: Luke Lokay: Â Gold 14-15 black belt sparring, Silver Clash Contact Fighting, Stephen Jackowski: Â Gold 12-13 Advanced Kata, Bronze Advanced Weapons, Nicolette Jackowski: Gold 14-15 Intermediate, Silver Kata, Lucy Lokay: Gold 12-13 Advanced Gold sparring, Â Gabby Viola Gold 6-7 year old Advanced Sparring, Silver Kata, Taylor Provence: Silver 10-11, Silver Sparring and Xander Eddy 4x Gold 8-9 year Advanced.
Lokay and Eddy each earned a spot to represent the United States as members of the 2018 âTeam USAâ at the Pan American Kickboxing Championship in Cancun, Mexico October 24-28th. Lokay will represent America in the 63- Kg division and Eddy secured the 30- Kg weight class. The selection process is limited to the current national champions officially recognized by their National Olympic Committees or Ministry of Sports.
Lokay, a Norwin High School student explains, âRepresenting my country is such huge honor. I am training every day to make my family and coaches proud. I know a lot of the kids at the dojo are counting on me.â Lokay and Eddy each have been training at Allegheny Shotokan âViolaâ Karate in North Huntingdon since they were 4-years-old. Their Sensei, Bill Viola Jr. explains, âLuke and Xander set themselves apart with work ethic. They are both naturally talented, but itâs what you do with that talent that gets you to the next level. They have the determination and dedication to win.â
Eddy is one of the youngest members to make Team USA but has already amassed an impressive resume. In 2017, he earned the Open-Weight Grand Championship Title at North American Open in Las Vegas, Nevada. The event was part of UFCâs International Fight Week. Eddy proudly explains, âI only had one thing on my mindâwin.â The victory put him on the radar of the coaching staff. Lokay and Eddy are the first US Team members to earn a team selection for The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) from Western Pennsylvania.