Viola Karate Captures World Titles at 2025 WKC World Championships in Niagara

Pittsburgh-area dojo extends family legacy on the global stage; Team USA standouts deliver gold-medal performances

Niagara Falls, Ontario — October 2025 — Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo (North Huntingdon, PA) delivered a dominant performance at the 2025 WKC (World Karate & Kickboxing Commission) World Championships in Niagara, earning multiple world titles and cementing its reputation as one of America’s premier martial-arts programs.

Under the leadership of Sensei Bill Viola Jr., athletes from the Pittsburgh region shined across point fighting, traditional kata/forms, and weapons divisions—showcasing technical mastery, ring IQ, and the trademark grit that defines the Viola Karate system.

• Cameron Klos: Gold x2, Bronze

• Carter Griffith: Gold, Silver x2

• Rocky Whatule:  Gold x3

• Dryce Davis: Silver, Bronze

• Gavin Bilinksy: Silver, Bronze

• River Pendegrass: Silver, Bronze

• Diesel Kurkowski: Silver, Bronze

• Aiden Johnson:  Bronze

• Gary Klos: Referee Medal of Distinction

“Our athletes embraced the pressure and performed with class, courage, and precision,” said Sensei Bill Viola Jr., head coach of Viola Karate. “This team represents decades of hard work at our dojo—and they carried Western Pennsylvania onto the world stage with pride.”

River Pendergrass’s story is particularly compelling: a feature article titled “From Tragedy to Triumph” details how River was struck by a bus, placed in critical condition, and then made a comeback to win a national championship in the WKC system. Beyond his athletic accomplishments, River’s resilience in recovering from a serious accident and returning to win national gold speaks to tremendous character, mental toughness, and the values that the Viola Karate program emphasizes. He exemplifies not just competitive ability but also the life-skills development (per the dojo’s mission) of perseverance and overcoming adversity.

Team Highlights

Congrats to our “ROOKIES” at Viola Karate:

Aiden Johnson: Already reaching the world-stage qualification, earning bronze in continuous sparring.

Diesel Kurkowski: Early-career championships building momentum as a bronze and silver medalist.

River Pendergrass: National champion, adding a bronze and silver world title to his resume.

• Multiple World Champions crowned across junior and senior divisions

• Podium sweep representation in point fighting, kata/forms, and weapons

• Best-ever medal haul at a WKC Worlds for the dojo (final tally available upon request)

• U.S. Team contributors who helped power an outstanding overall showing for Team USA

“Walking onto the finals stage in Niagara is something I’ll never forget,” said River, a newly minted WKC World Champion from Viola Karate. “Sensei always says, ‘Either I win or I learn’—this week, we did both.”

A Legacy of Excellence

Founded in 1969 by Bill Viola Sr., Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate has trained generations of champions and community leaders. The dojo—home to the nationally recognized “Sensei Says®” life-skills curriculum—blends traditional Shotokan fundamentals with modern sport-karate strategy. The result is a pipeline of athletes who excel in competition and character.

“Fifty-plus years later, the mission is the same,” added Viola Jr. “Discipline. Perseverance. Basics-basics-basics. Niagara was a milestone, but it’s also a springboard to what’s next.”

About the WKC World Championships

The World Karate & Kickboxing Commission (WKC) World Championships assemble elite amateur athletes from around the globe to compete in a full slate of disciplines, including point fighting, continuous, kata/forms, and weapons. The 2025 event in Niagara Falls, Ontario drew national teams and independent clubs from multiple countries, creating one of the most competitive environments in sport karate.

Media Kit & Contacts

• Team Roster, Individual Results & Final Medal Count: Available upon request

• Photos/Video (rights-cleared for media): Available upon request

• Interview Requests: Athletes, coaches, and parents are available for local and national media

Media Contact:
Sensei Bill Viola Jr.
Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo
bill@kumiteclassic.com | 724-640-2111
12591 US-30, North Huntingdon, PA 15642

About Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate

Established in 1969 by Bill Viola Sr., Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate is a family-run dojo serving Western Pennsylvania for more than five decades. The academy is known for producing national and world-class competitors while mentoring students through the Sensei Says® life-skills program—focused on confidence, respect, and resilience. Learn more at ViolaKarate.com.

Editor’s Note: Please confirm preferred spellings, titles, and any embargo details prior to publication. A detailed results sheet (athlete-by-athlete) can be provided to tailor local coverage by school district, city, or age division.