Pittsburgh Martial Artists Gain Professional Status Pittsburgh Martial Artists Gain Professional Status Signing With the U.S. Army Fight Team

The U.S. Army Fight Team has selected two Pittsburgh-area martial arts champions to join its highly decorated squad. Fourteen-year-old Gabby Viola and 15-year-old Xander Eddy will represent America at international martial arts and combative sports competitions under the U.S. Army banner. These individuals are part of the Army’s initiative to promote fitness, resilience, and teamwork through competitive sports and martial arts training. The Fight Team serves as both a recruitment tool and a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to physical excellence, strength, and confidence.

On Christmas morning, Viola and Eddy woke up to the gift of a lifetime: receiving word from the U.S. Army that they would become sponsored athletes for the 2025 season. Gabby Viola said, “I woke up to a U.S. Army flag as my first present. I am blessed to carry that flag into battle.” Xander Eddy added, “I went to Instagram and updated my profile to say, ‘BE ALL YOU CAN BE,’ because I am going to make the best of this opportunity.” The duo, who have trained together since they were toddlers, signed contracts to represent the U.S. Army Fight Team on a global tour.

Slated U.S. Army Fight Team events include international competitions such as the ICO (International Combat Organization) World Championships in Wales, the prestigious Mexican Open, the WKC (World Kickboxing Commission) World Championships in Canada, and the WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) Pan American Championships in the Dominican Republic. According to Sensei Bill Viola Jr., instructor to Xander and father to Gabby, “This opportunity helps them get closer to an Olympic dream.” Gabby and Xander are both USA Kickboxing national champions under the auspices of the IOC (International Olympic Committee) and AOC (American Olympic Committee).

Viola and Eddy gained national notoriety in 2024 after both medaled at the WAKO Junior World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, followed by gold medal performances at the WKC World Championships in Albufeira, Portugal. Viola Jr. adds, “Both athletes represent the United States at Olympic-level events. That experience was a perfect fit for the U.S. Army. They have dedicated their lives to the martial arts, so I appreciate the Army for rewarding them with a sponsorship to do what they love.”

The Army is an institution of honor and respect, so competition resumes are not the only metric for selection. U.S. Fight Team Founder Wesley Lawrence, a seasoned competitor with over 40 years of martial arts experience and a retired U.S. Army soldier, stated, “The U.S. Army Fight Team symbolizes the integration of sportsmanship, combat readiness, and the warrior ethos, offering a unique platform to highlight the Army’s diverse talents and capabilities.” He continued, “Gabby and Xander are exemplary students in school, role models in their community, and inspirations to their teammates. That is ‘Army Strong’ in my opinion. We are proud to add them to our squad of champions.”

The story of the Army Fight Team is one of resilience, passion, and a deep commitment to empowering others. It is a testament to the power of martial arts to build character, discipline, and a sense of community. As they prepare to take center stage in 2025, their journey is sure to inspire and motivate martial artists across the nation.

The United States Army Fight Team is comprised of approximately 25 military and civilian athletes from around the country who compete on national, international, and world levels. The team will make its 2025 debut at the WAKO National Championships, hosted by the Kumite Classic at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio. The “Arnold” is known as the largest fitness event in the world. This event also serves as the official WAKO Team Trials for the Junior Pan American Championships and Senior World Championships in Abu Dhabi. Gabby and Xander train at the Allegheny Shotokan Viola Karate Dojo, which has been producing champions in the Pittsburgh region since 1969.

Gabriella “Gabby” Viola is a young, highly accomplished martial artist from Western Pennsylvania. She has a long track record of success in sport karate and kickboxing — winning national and world titles, including international medals in Ireland, Portugal, Canada, England, Hungary, and Wales. She’s also been ranked #1 in her division by WAKO USA, the national governing body for kickboxing in the United States under the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Gabby trains out of Allegheny Shotokan Karate (also known as Viola Karate), a respected dojo in North Huntingdon with a family martial arts legacy extending back generations.

Selection to the U.S. Army Fight Team

• Gabby was selected to compete for the U.S. Army Fight Team along with other top young competitors like her dojo mate Xander Eddy.
• The U.S. Army Fight Team is a competitive martial arts team affiliated with the Army that fields fighters in national and international events across disciplines like sparring, forms, and weapons.

Gabby Viola

Being selected to the U.S. Army Fight Team isn’t the same as joining the U.S. Army is a competitive affiliation where top young martial artists represent the team at tournaments and championships. The Army Fight Team is a nonprofit organization with a mission to support and promote martial arts excellence. For Gabby, this honor reflects her success as an elite junior combat athlete and recognition of her skills on a broader national stage.

What makes Gabby’s story especially remarkable is that she has achieved many of these successes while managing a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnosed at age 7. She continues to train, compete at elite levels, and advocate for others with similar conditions, including working with fundraising and awareness efforts for IBD research.

Gabby is part of a three-generation martial arts family — her grandfather founded Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969, her father is a former world champion and coach, and several family members hold black belts. Her journey inspires young athletes, especially girls in martial arts, showing perseverance both in competition and in life.