Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo Triumphs on Global Stage at ICO World Championships in Wales
Swansea, Wales – October 15–19, 2025 – The travel team from Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo, based in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, dazzled at the 2025 ICO World Championships in Swansea, Wales. Competing against elite athletes from over 40 countries, the dojo’s competitors distinguished themselves as among the most decorated of the event.
ICO Medals
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Gabriella “Gabby” Viola: 9 Gold • 3 Silver • 2 Bronze — Awarded the tournament’s top honor: Most Decorated Athlete.
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Cameron Klos: 8 Gold • 1 Bronze
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Xander Eddy: 8 Gold — Recognized Overall Fighting Grand Champion.
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Carter Griffith: 6 Gold —Recognized Overall Kata Grand Champion title.
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Will Viola: 1 Gold • 1 Silver
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Riley Evans: Bronze
The athletes excelled across multiple formats—including point-fighting, forms/kata, and full-contact divisions—demonstrating the broad capability of the team.
Head instructor Bill Viola Jr. remarked: “Our program emphasises not only the technical side of martial arts but also mental strength, composure under pressure, and character. To see these young athletes represent Western Pennsylvania, the United States and our dojo with distinction on an international stage is a moment of pride for our entire community.”
The ICO World Championships, organised by the International Combat Organisation, bring together amateur competitors from numerous countries to contest disciplines such as point-fighting, continuous ring sparring, full contact and weapons/kata forms. The 2025 edition, held in Swansea, attracted athletes from more than 40 nations—making the Viola dojo’s success especially impressive.
The Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo continues a legacy that began in 1969 under the leadership of founder Bill Viola Sr.. Over the decades the school has earned a reputation for producing national and world-level champions, and these recent triumphs further confirm that the Pittsburgh region remains a powerhouse in martial arts.
Beyond medals, the team is lauded for its emphasis on academic performance, community leadership and personal development. For instance, Gabby Viola balances her elite sports schedule with outstanding academic achievement and active involvement in youth mentorship programs.
Looking ahead, the team is leveraging this momentum as they prepare for the next tournament season—both national and international. Fundraising initiatives are underway to support expanded travel and high-level training opportunities.
For more information about the training programs, athlete profiles and upcoming events at the Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo, contact Bill Viola Jr. at 724-640-2111 or email bill@kumiteclassic.com.
About Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo
Founded in 1969 and located in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, the Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo (also known as Viola Karate) is a full-spectrum martial arts academy serving the Pittsburgh region and broader international competition community. Under the leadership of Bill Viola Sr. and Bill Viola Jr., the dojo offers training in karate, kickboxing and sport martial arts and has produced numerous national and world champions.
About ICO (International Combat Organisation)
The International Combat Organisation sanctions amateur world championships across multiple combat disciplines—bringing together athletes from dozens of countries to compete in point-fighting, ring sparring, forms/kata and full contact divisions. The 2025 championship in Swansea, Wales was held October 15–19.
