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Voted Best Karate School in Pittsburgh

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Allegheny Shotokan Karate voted best martial arts school in the Westmoreland Country area by Trib Total Media.
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Viola Karate Dojo is widely considered one of the top karate schools in the Pittsburgh area for several key reasons: its history, championship success, family legacy, and strong focus on life skills and community.

Here are some of the main reasons why many people consider it the best karate school in Pittsburgh:

1. Over 50 Years of Tradition and Experience

best of best

The school was founded in 1969 by Bill Viola Sr., making it one of the longest-running martial arts schools in Western Pennsylvania. For more than five decades, the dojo has trained thousands of students and built a reputation for high-quality instruction and strong martial arts values.

This long history gives the program credibility and deep roots in the Pittsburgh martial arts community.

2. A Three-Generation Martial Arts Family

viola karate family

The Viola school is not a franchise—it’s a family tradition passed down through generations.

  • Founder: Bill Viola Sr. – pioneer of modern sport fighting and an early contributor to mixed martial arts.

  • Head instructor: Bill Viola Jr. – national champion, author, and international coach.

  • Next generation athletes such as Gabby and Will Viola represent Team USA in kickboxing.

This multi-generation lineage creates a strong sense of authenticity and continuity in the program.

3. Producing World Champions

Students from the dojo have earned national and world titles across major martial arts organizations including AAU, NASKA, WKC, and WAKO.

The school’s competition team—often known as Team Kumite—has been one of the most successful sport karate teams in the region and has won multiple world championships.

This competitive success proves the training system works at the highest level.

4. Unique Life-Skills Curriculum

Unlike many schools that only teach punches and kicks, Viola Karate uses the Sensei SaysÂź life-skills curriculum designed to build:

  • Confidence

  • Discipline

  • Respect

  • Focus

  • Leadership

The goal is to develop “Black Belts in Life,” not just on the mat.

5. Programs for All Ages

The school offers structured programs for different age groups:

  • Nursery Ninjas (ages 2–3)

  • Norwin Ninjas (ages 4–7)

  • Youth and teen programs

  • Adult karate and competition teams

This age-specific training helps students progress safely and effectively.

6. Community Impact

The dojo has had a major impact on the Pittsburgh community through:

  • charity events and scholarships

  • youth programs with organizations like the Police Athletic League

  • major martial arts events like the Kumite Classic

In recognition of the school’s influence, the City of Pittsburgh even declared “Sensei Viola Day.”

Pittsburgh based Allegheny Shotokan Karate was voted the best martial arts school in the region by Trib Total Media! We thank all the friends and families that make our dojo special.

Allegheny Shotokan Karate: A Pittsburgh Family Martial Arts Tradition

Martial Arts are great way to build self-confidence and boost self-esteem in children. Every mom and dad wants to instill respect, discipline and focus in their kids, but with so many options available today it can be difficult to find the right program. Parents across the region have been raving about the Irwin based Norwin Ninjas, winner of the Trib Total Media Readers’ Choice Gold Award. As Western Pennsylvania’s premier youth marital arts course, the programs are structured to develop positive “character” traits that reinforce strong family values. The award winning classes have been honored for their creativity and unique curriculum developed by certified teachers and educators. Gary Klos of North Huntingdon has a son in the school and tells us, “Every class is exciting, and the workouts challenge the kids mentally and physically. I’ve been around a lot of other martial arts and this is simply the best program for my son. He loves it.” The energetic group of students is led by the Viola family; three generations karate champions. Master Bill Viola Sr. has over fifty years’ experience in the martial arts and has enlisted his black belt family; son Bill Jr, and daughters Addie, Jacque, Ali and Joce to help run the school. Over the past 6 decades Viola Sr. has taught thousands of students, making him the authority on karate in the Norwin area. In 1969 he founded Allegheny Shotokan Karate, the first martial arts school in the area. Viola Sr., a retired school teacher, has used his education background and years of hands-on experience to help devise a program that not only teaches self-defense and Shotokan karate, but more importantly building character in young people. The Norwin Ninjas emphasize a child’s “SELF” image and uses goal oriented objectives to encourage them. Every student sets goals and works towards reaching them. Sensei Bill Viola Jr. says, “We strive to build positive role models, and as our students advance, they are taught to set an example. To us, it’s all about building future leaders. The mental focus and determination they learn in karate will carry over to school, family and life. It starts a young age and I have seen so many kids improve their grades, behavior, and coordination after joining the class. I couldn’t be prouder of the kids who have graduated from our programs.” In fact Connor Burns and Liz Leaseburg were honored by former Steeler Hines Ward as male and female “Positive Athletes of the Year” for martial arts. Viola continues, “Kids like Connor and Liz are making a difference in the community. They epitomize the motto, ‘Building Champions in Life.’” Michael Russell of North Huntingdon has a daughter in the teenage class. He says, “I love that it is a family run school. All the instructors are exceptional and they make you earn everything! This is not a chain; you will progress at your own pace. They have really brought out the best in Sara.” Sara recently competed at the National Black Belt League World Games representing the United States and won a World Title. Eight years ago she began as a Norwin Ninja, and now after years of dedication has become yet another role model for the next generation of Norwin Ninjas. Sensei Viola ads, “We teach all our Ninjas that to in order to achieve, you have to embrace the three ‘D’s’ Desire, Determination, and Dedication.” New students are now being accepted for Monday and Wednesday classes at our Irwin and North Huntingdon locations. If you would like to reserve a spot for a free lesson at no obligation, call Sensei Bill Viola at 724-864-3495. www.alleghenyshotokan.com irwin pa karate