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 world’s 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.
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 “Viola” 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, “I 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.”
Medaling for the United States:
- 10-year-old Xander Eddy, Gold (male kickboxing team)
- 18-year-old, Cameron Klos, Silver (classical kata) Silver (traditional kata)
- 12-year-old Sammy Pietrzyk, Silver (female kickboxing team)
- 12-year-old Taylor Provence, Bronze (female kickboxing)
- 12-year-old Riley Evans, Bronze (female kickboxing)
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.
For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com
