Meet The Viola’s – A Family Martial Arts Legacy in Pittsburgh, PA

The Viola family is a multi-generational martial arts dynasty from Western Pennsylvania, shaping karate, kickboxing, and sport martial arts for decades. Their influence spans three generations, from pioneering tournaments to world-class competitors and coaches.

Viola Family Karate Martial Arts Legacy

First Generation – The Pioneer

Bill Viola Sr.

• Founder of Allegheny Shotokan Karate and an innovator in mixed martial arts, credited as the “Godfather of MMA”

• Co-created the early “Tough Guy” competitions, mixed martial arts before the UFC.

• Mentored thousands of martial artists and laid the foundation for the Viola family legacy.

Second Generation – Champions and Coaches

Bill Viola Jr.

• World-class competitor, head instructor of the family dojo.

• Amazon best-selling author of “Common Sensei” and “Tough Guys”.

• WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) leader, promoting amateur kickboxing in the U.S.

• Mentor to students and organizers of major tournaments like the Kumite Classic.

Ali Viola

• Aunt to the current generation.

• National champion and mentor to students.

Addie Viola 

• Aunt with competitive titles, contributing to the family’s coaching and mentoring programs.

• World and national champion

Third Generation – Rising Champions

Gabby Viola

• Daughter of Bill Viola Jr.

• Member of the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program fight team.

• Competes internationally in amateur kickboxing.

Will Viola

• Son of Bill Viola Jr.

• Follows in the family tradition with strong skill in karate and acrobatic techniques, including signature moves like the cartwheel kick.

• Competes in youth tournaments and is considered part of the next generation of champions.

Other grandchildren

• Several grandchildren are actively training, learning the family values of discipline, respect, and perseverance.

Family Values and Philosophy

The Viola family has always emphasized:

• Discipline and respect – foundation for life and martial arts.

• Self-confidence and leadership – preparing students for success on and off the mat.

• Innovation in competition – pioneering tournaments and athlete development.

• Community service – giving back to the Pittsburgh region through events and seminars.

Why the Viola Family Stands Out

From Bill Viola Sr.’s tournament innovations to Bill Viola Jr.’s coaching, authorship, and WAKO leadership, and now to the third generation with Gabby Viola, Will Viola, and Xander Eddy, the Viola family represents three generations of champions, innovators, and mentors. They continue to inspire the next generation of martial artists locally, nationally, and internationally

(Left to right) Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, Bill Viola Sr., Bill Viola Jr., Joce Viola

The Viola Karate Family is one of the most influential martial arts families in America, particularly known for their contributions to traditional karate, sport karate, and the early development of mixed martial arts (MMA). Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Viola family has spent over five decades promoting martial arts excellence and discipline across generations.

Bill Viola Sr. – The Patriarch

• Founded Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969 in East Allegheny, PA.

• Recognized as a pioneer of MMA in the United States:

  • Co-founded CV Productions, Inc. in 1979.

  • Created the first regulated “Tough Guy Contest” (a precursor to modern MMA) in 1980.

• Inducted into the USA Karate Hall of Fame and honored by the Heinz History Center (a Smithsonian affiliate).

• Continues to teach and mentor at nearly 80 years old.

• Honored by Allegheny County with “Sensei Viola Day” on September 23.

Bill Viola Jr. – The Visionary

• Son of Bill Sr., a champion martial artist, author, and coach.

• Creator of:

  • Norwin Ninjas kids martial arts program.

  • Common Sensei, a life skills dojo blending martial arts philosophy with self-improvement.

  • Black Belt in Life®, a motivational movement.

• Recognized as a USA Karate National Champion and featured in Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 under 40.”

• Wrote the bestselling book “Godfathers of MMA”, which inspired the Showtime documentary Tough Guys.

Gabby Viola – The Legacy Continues

• Daughter of Bill Jr. and a third-generation black belt.

• Member of Team USA Kickboxing (WAKO), competing internationally.

• Signed to the U.S. Army Fight Team in 2025.

• Overcame autoimmune disease (IBD) to become a national and world champion.

• Featured in magazines and documentaries for her perseverance and success.

Legacy Highlights

• Allegheny Shotokan Karate is a multi-generational, family-run dojo known for:

  • Producing national and world champions.

  • Hosting the Kumite Classic, one of the largest sport karate events in the country.

  • Supporting community youth through martial arts education and mentorship.

• Known for merging traditional martial arts values with modern innovation, such as life coaching, character education, and even media production.

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In the Media

The Viola Karate Family isn’t just about fighting—they represent a lineage of discipline, character, and leadership, serving as a national model for how martial arts can shape lives and build stronger communities.  Viola Jr. is now head instructor and creator of Norwin Ninjas.

William “Bill” Viola Sr. began his martial arts journey in 1955, when he first got a taste of combat while studying boxing with family friend, the legendary Marion “Slugger” Klingensmith. He discovered the Asian martial arts in the early 1960s.

“My friend Medick Capirano picked up karate at WVU in the ROTC program,” my father recalled. “I thought I was pretty tough, but he threw me all over the room when we’d work out on weekends. I was addicted.”

While attending California State University, he continued his training with the All-American Karate Federation, an offshoot of the Japanese Karate Association. He earned rank under pioneers Robert Trias and George Anderson.

In 1969, he established Allegheny Shotokan Karate, which celebrated 50 years as a family-owned dojo in 2019. He chose the name “Allegheny” because of its original location in Allegheny County, and “Shotokan” reflected his base style in traditional Japanese karate.

He began teaching in 1969, with former California State football player Denny Costello as the first student to sign up. The first instructor to join him was Keith Bertoluzzi, former master of ceremonies at the Holiday House in Monroeville, Pennsylvania. Bertoluzzi leveraged his connections to invite visiting celebrities, including members of the Beach Boys, to attend classes.

“Karate in the ’60s and ’70s was so popular,” my father remembered. “We [instructors] were the rock stars.” By 1971, the local school district, known for its progressive policies, offered him the opportunity to teach a regular elective karate course—the first in an American public school.

Over the years, the dojo has become the Gold Standard for martial arts in Pittsburgh. All five of his children—Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, Bill Viola Jr., and Joce Viola—have earned black belts. His son, Bill Viola Jr., has carried the family legacy forward, becoming a world-class competitor, coach, and author.