Norwin Ninjas is an award-winning children’s karate program based in Irwin, Pennsylvania, developed by the Viola Family. Allegheny Shotokan (established in 1969), is family-owned dojo serving the Irwin, North Huntingdon, and greater Pittsburgh regions for over 56 years. The program offers marital arts classes for children as young as two years old, emphasizing life skills such as respect, focus, and confidence through the “Sensei Says ®” curriculum. The life skills program is a federal trademark of the dojo with intellectual property that includes the exclusive Gigo™ Ginger™ Marcos™ characters of SENSEI SAYS ®
The Viola family’s martial arts legacy spans three generations, with each generation contributing uniquely to the growth and evolution of the programs. Their exclusive and trademarked curriculum includes SENSEI SAYS ®, COMMON SENSEI ®, and BLACK BELT IN LIFE ®. Sensei Bill Viola Jr. and Shihan Bill Viola Sr. are members of the USA Karate Hall of Fame.
On September 23rd the City of Pittsburgh celebrates “Sensei Viola” Day in the City to recognize the dojo and its martial arts contributions to the community.
The dojo is home to NASKA, WKC, and WAKO World Champions. Meet members of U.S. ARMY FIGHT TEAM and USA National Kickboxing Team under the recognition of the US Olympic Committee. Read about what BLACK BELT magazine has to say about our OLYMPIC hopefuls.