World Champions
Congrats to Team USA and the brought home to the Dojo!
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 over 2500 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.”
Medals for our dojo representing 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
1. Multiple World Titles
Chief instructor Bill Viola Jr. and many Norwin Ninjas students have won numerous WAKO, NASKA, USANKF, AAU, USAKF, etc. titles. Their students have captured championships in both kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) divisions at junior and senior levels—a testament to the breadth of their skill.
2. Elite Training & Proven Curriculum
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The program blends traditional Shotokan fundamentals with modern competition strategies.
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Training includes rigorous kata precision, explosive sparring techniques, cardio conditioning drills, and competition psychology—exactly what’s needed to succeed at the world stage.
3. Consistent International Success
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Year after year, Norwin Ninjas competitors bring home medals from top-tier competitions like the WAKO World Championships, Pan Americans, and National Championships.
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Their track record shows not just occasional wins—but a sustained presence among the global elite.
4. From Preschool to Podium
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Many champions started early in Nursery Ninjas and advanced through age-appropriate stages.
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The program builds confidence, discipline, and competitive experience gradually—resulting in world-class athletes by the teen and young adult years.
5. Team & Mentorship Culture
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Champions frequently mentor younger students—running prep clinics, helping with kata drills, and modeling tournament composure.
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That culture of peer support strengthens everyone’s performance and keeps the tradition of excellence alive.
️ Why That Matters for You
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Training alongside champions elevates everyone—kids pick up advanced techniques and performance habits just by being immersed in a high-level environment.
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Even beginners benefit from the disciplined, results-driven structure that produces champions.
✔️ Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a program with real competitive success on the world stage, Norwin Ninjas delivers. Their world champions prove their curriculum works—and your child can grow alongside winners at every stage.
