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
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Founded Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969 in East Allegheny, PA.
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Recognized as a pioneer of MMA in the United States:
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Co-founded CV Productions, Inc. in 1979.
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Created the first regulated “Tough Guy Contest” (a precursor to modern MMA) in 1980.
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Inducted into the USA Karate Hall of Fame and honored by the Heinz History Center (a Smithsonian affiliate).
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Continues to teach and mentor at nearly 80 years old.
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Honored by Allegheny County with “Sensei Viola Day” on September 23.
Bill Viola Jr. – The Visionary
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Son of Bill Sr., a champion martial artist, author, and coach.
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Creator of:
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Norwin Ninjas kids martial arts program.
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Common Sensei, a life skills dojo blending martial arts philosophy with self-improvement.
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Black Belt in Life®, a motivational movement.
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Recognized as a USA Karate National Champion and featured in Pittsburgh Magazine’s “40 under 40.”
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Wrote the bestselling book “Godfathers of MMA”, which inspired the Showtime documentary Tough Guys.
Gabby Viola – The Legacy Continues
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Daughter of Bill Jr. and a third-generation black belt.
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Member of Team USA Kickboxing (WAKO), competing internationally.
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Signed to the U.S. Army Fight Team in 2025.
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Overcame autoimmune disease (IBD) to become a national and world champion.
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Featured in magazines and documentaries for her perseverance and success.
Legacy Highlights
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Allegheny Shotokan Karate is a multi-generational, family-run dojo known for:
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Producing national and world champions.
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Hosting the Kumite Classic, one of the largest sport karate events in the country.
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Supporting community youth through martial arts education and mentorship.
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Known for merging traditional martial arts values with modern innovation, such as life coaching, character education, and even media production.
In the Media
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Featured in:
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Showtime’s “Tough Guys” documentary.
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ESPN, Black Belt Magazine, ABC News, and the Smithsonian Channel.
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Numerous local Pittsburgh news stories about their martial arts impact.
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Summary
| Member | Role |
|---|---|
| Bill Viola Sr. | Founder, MMA pioneer, Hall of Fame karateka |
| Bill Viola Jr. | Author, coach, creator of Common Sensei |
| Gabby Viola | Elite athlete, Team USA Kickboxing |
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.
Let me know if you’d like a graphic, family tree, or custom story highlighting them!
William “Bill” Viola Sr. has began his journey in 1955 when my dad got his first taste of
combat while studying boxing with a family friend, the legendary Marion “Slugger”
Klingensmith. He discovered the Asian arts in the early 1960s. “My friend Medick
Capirano picked up karate at WVU in the ROTC program,” my father said. “I thought
I was pretty tough, but he threw me all over the room when we’d work out on the
weekends. I was addicted.”
While attending California State University, my father continued 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 celebrating 50 years as a family owned dojo in 2019.
He selected the name “Allegheny” for his school because of its original location in
Allegheny County. The “Shotokan” portion of the name was a no-brainer since his
base style was the traditional Japanese art. My dad began teaching in 1969, and the
first student to sign up was former California State football player Denny Costello.
The first teacher to come on board was Keith Bertoluzzi. The former master of
ceremonies at the Holiday House in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, Bertoluzzi used his
connections to invite visiting celebrities to attend karate class, among them several
members of the Beach Boys. “Karate in the ’60s and ’70s was so popular,” my father
recalled. “We [instructors] were the rock stars.”
As evidence, he cited the fact that by 1971, the local school district, known for its
progressive policies, offered him the opportunity to teach a regular elective karate
course. It was the first in an American public school.
Over the years, the dojo has become the Gold Standard for martial arts in Pittsburgh. All 5 (Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, Bill Viola Sr., Bill Viola Jr., Joce Viola) of his children has earned black belt. His son, Bill Viola Jr. is now head instructor and creator of Norwin Ninjas.
