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Summer Shiai

July 28, 2025by norwinninjas

Summer Shiai 2025 Showcases Pittsburgh Martial Arts 

Greensburg, PA — July 25-26, 2025 — The 2025 Summer Shiai Tournament wrapped up this past weekend at University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg, welcoming martial artists of all ages for a day filled with intense competition, personal triumphs, and unforgettable memories.

Hosted by Kumite Classic Entertainment, the annual event brought together competitors from across the region to compete in kata (forms), kumite (sparring), weapons, and team divisions. Hundreds of athletes representing dozens of schools showcased their talent, determination, and dojo pride.

“The energy and spirit in the gym was electric,” said Sensei Bill Viola Jr., tournament director and founder of Kumite Classic. “These young martial artists are the future of our sport, and we’re proud to give them a platform where they can test themselves and grow.”

Highlights from the Event Included:

  • Standout performances from Team Kumite athletes and visiting black belts

  • Powerful displays of discipline and respect in the youth beginner divisions

  • Special demonstrations from elite martial artists and instructors

  • A lively vendor area with food trucks, apparel, and martial arts gear

  • Inspirational moments where first-time competitors earned their first medals

“Win or lose, every student walked away stronger and more confident,” said Viola. “That’s what Summer Shiai is all about — building black belts in life.”

Summer Shiai Results and Photos:

Enrique Letona Seminar Overview

enrique letona seminar

Seminar Details

  • Held at the Summer Shiai Tournament, the Enrique Letona Seminar took place on Friday, July 25, beginning at 6:30 PM.

  • Hosted at the University of Pittsburgh–Greensburg during the Summer Shiai, it showcased skills from a world champion point-fighter.

Who is Enrique Letona?

  • A decorated competition martial artist, Letona competes at world-class levels in sport karate (point fighting) and has achieved medals in events like Battle of Atlanta representing Stars Guatemala and Team Paul Mitchell.

    • He’s known for his rigorous training routines and elite-level sparring technique.

      Seminar Highlights

      Expert-Level Teaching

      • Letona led dynamic sparring drills and teaching sessions, offering insights into advanced point-fighting strategies and ring tactics.

      Practical & Engaging Training

      • Attendees praised the seminar’s intensity and structure. Social media reports like:

        “Huge shout out to @letona.enrique for all the training with weekend …” 
        “Enrique on the 3rd day of a three‑day karate intense training…” 
        underscored the high energy and professionalism Letona brought to the session.


  • Why It Stood Out

    • World Champion Expertise: Direct training from a globally competitive point fighter.

    • Tournament Integration: The seminar flowing into Summer Shiai created synergy between competition and coaching—a learning‑plus‑applied experience.

    • Motivating Environment: Participants reported feeling more confident and driven, thanks to Letona’s approach and personality.

    • About Summer Shiai

The Summer Shiai is an annual martial arts tournament created to celebrate traditional karate and promote values such as focus, perseverance, and community. It is open to all styles and belt levels and serves as a stepping stone for students looking to compete at the national level.

For more information on upcoming events or to join next year’s Summer Shiai, visit www.kumiteclassic.com

by norwinninjas

About the author: Bill Viola Jr. is Amazon best-selling author and creator of the award-winning Sensei Says® life skills curriculum. He experienced the "Golden Era" of MMA firsthand as his father, Bill Sr., is credited as the co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts in 1979. His book Godfathers of MMA inspired the critically acclaimed SHOWTIME film Tough Guys where he acted as a producer alongside an Academy Award accredited team. The Viola family owns and operates Allegheny Shotokan Karate in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania now celebrating their 50-year anniversary (1969-2019). He is currently the President of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. bill@kumiteclassic.com • Connect LinkedIn #senseisays #sokepokey #martialwayist