What is Pittsburgh’s largest karate tournament? The Kumite Classic
The Kumite Classic (often called âKumite Classic Entertainmentâ or just âKumite Classicâ) is a major multiâsport & martial arts expo / tournament held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 2
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It includes karate tournaments, along with fitness events, strength contests, grappling/Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and more.
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Itâs open to many styles, ages, and levels â both traditional martial arts practitioners and more modern sport karate / open divisions. +2
Organizer / Key People
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The main promoter is Bill Viola Jr., martial artist, coach, promoter, and owner of Kumite Classic Entertainment.
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The Kumite Classic is affiliated with Allegheny Shotokan Karate and also with âTeam Kumite,â an all-star karate competition team in the Pittsburgh region.
History & Significance
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Founded in 1999. Itâs been going a long time and is well-established in the martial arts community in Pittsburgh and the wider region.
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It has grown into not just tournaments, but a larger expo / fitness / sports event.
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The brand has become known for attracting top talent â âworldâs greatest martial artistsâ attend its events, often bringing elite competitors in karate, grappling, fitness, etc.
What Happens at The Kumite Classic
Divisions & Types of Competition
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Karate tournaments: traditional kata, sparring (âkumiteâ), open divisions.
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WAKO divisions are offered. WAKO = World Association of Kickboxing Organizations. So there are point fighting / kickboxing style divisions when relevant.
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Other martial arts styles are included: tae kwon do, tang soo do, kung fu, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, grappling, etc. Fitness and strength / body building / expo components are part of the event.
Who Can Compete
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All ages and levels â kids, teens, adults; novice to advanced.
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All schools, styles, organizations, and clubs are welcome. It is an âopenâ tournament in many respects.
Additional Related Events
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They also run the Pittsburgh Power open martial arts tournament under the Kumite Classic umbrella. Pitts Power Fit+1
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The Summer Shiai is another one of their martial arts tournaments.
Why People Attend / What Makes It Special
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Itâs well-regarded in the sport karate community; considered a âmeccaâ in Western Pennsylvania.
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Gives opportunities for up-and-coming martial artists to compete on a big stage.
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The event is more than just sparring / kata; it has fitness, spectacle, and exposure.
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Strong legacy through Team Kumite and Bill Viola Jr.; many successful athletes have connections to these events. Team Kumite ç”æ
The Kumite Classic  is one of the most diverse martial arts and fitness events in the United States. The annual show based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is held over Memorial Day Weekend. The event hosts a full scale consumer expo surrounded by multiple championships and competitions that run simultaneously including sports such as sport karate, natural bodybuilding, power lifting, strongman, Olympic weight lifting, dance, cheer, arm wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, physical fitness challenges etc. The event also hosts concerts, talent showcases, model pageants, bikini pageants, and fitness pageants. The high energy atmosphere has created a unique fan base of combat sports and martial arts enthusiasts.
The Kumite Classic is part of The NBL (National Black Belt League) and acts as a Can-Am National Championship. The event attracts international and world champions to the Pittsburgh region each year. The Kumite Classic is Pittsburghâs premier karate and martial arts tournament. The Kumite Classic is also the most established Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and grappling championship in the area. The event played host to the first ever BJJ Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament in the region over a decade ago.
Sport Karate or Sport Martial Arts showcases the best of the best from all point based fighting arts. They are open competitions that allow athletes from all disciplines to participate such as karate, tae kwon do, tang soo do, kung fu to compete on a common platform under a universal set of rules.
The Kumite Classic was founded by NBL Hall of Fame member Bill Viola. Viola a former USA Karate All-American Athlete and international sport karate champion has over 30 years martial arts experience. His father Bill Viola Sr. is a pioneer of karate in the Pittsburgh region, founding Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969.
Pittsburgh “City of Champions” The prestigious Kumite Classic is synonymous with athletic excellence recently honored with the Pittsburgh M.V.P. Award at the Willie Stargell Memorial Banquet. Over the past thirty years legends such as Michael Jordan and Muhammad Ali have attended the banquet.
Links:
The Kumite Classic, Pittsburgh’s most exciting karate martial arts tournament, championship, competition.