Tribune Review Norwin Star Celebrates Karate World Champions
The Norwin Ninjas Karate Team from Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo made history with back-to-back victories at the 2025 ICO World Championships in Wales and the WKC Worlds in Niagara Falls, Canada — showcasing Pittsburgh’s top martial arts talent on the global stage.
Norwin Ninjas Karate Dominate the World Stage with Double World Titles
North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania — November 2025 — It’s official: the Norwin Ninjas Karate Team, representing the Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo, has made martial arts history. In a stunning October run, the team captured world titles at both the ICO (International Combat Organization) World Championships in Wales and the WKC (World Karate Commission) World Championships in Niagara Falls, Canada — marking one of the most successful months ever for the Pittsburgh-based dojo.
ICO World Championships — Swansea, Wales
Team USA made its first-ever appearance at the ICO World Championships, and the Norwin Ninjas led the charge. Guided by Sensei Bill Viola Jr., the American athletes brought home an extraordinary medal count and several Overall Grand Champion titles.
ICO World Highlights:
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Gabriella “Gabby” Viola: 9 Gold • 3 Silver • 2 Bronze — Overall Fighting Grand Champion & Most Decorated Athlete
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Xander Eddy: 8 Gold — Overall Fighting Grand Champion
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Cameron Klos: 8 Gold • 1 Bronze
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Carter Griffith: 6 Gold — Overall Kata Grand Champion
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Will Viola: Gold • Silver — Youngest medalist at just 8 years old
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Riley Evans: Bronze
“These kids aren’t just representing Norwin—they’re representing America,” said Sensei Bill Viola Jr., who also serves as WAKO USA Tatami Chairman. “Their success proves that our small community can produce world-class talent capable of competing with the best in the world.”
WKC World Championships — Niagara Falls, Canada
Fresh off their European success, the Norwin Ninjas didn’t slow down. Just days later, the team conquered the World Karate Commission (WKC) World Championships, where athletes from over 20 nations faced off for international titles.
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Cameron Klos: Gold x2, Bronze
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Carter Griffith: Gold, Silver x2
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Rocky Whatule: Gold x3
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Dryce Davis: Silver, Bronze
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Gavin Bilinksy: Silver, Bronze
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Gary Klos: Referee Medal of Distinction
WKC World Highlights:
Rising stars Aiden Johnson, Diesel Kurkowski, and River Pendegrass — competing in their first world championships — earned multiple medals in sparring and forms, helping the U.S. secure one of its strongest showings ever.
“These rookies are the future of our dojo,” said Viola. “They train beside world champions, and now they’ve proven they belong in that same spotlight.”
A Legacy of Champions
The Norwin Ninjas are part of the proud legacy of Allegheny Shotokan Karate, founded in 1969 by Grandmaster Bill Viola Sr., one of America’s martial arts pioneers. Under Sensei Bill Viola Jr., the dojo continues to produce elite competitors while teaching life skills through the award-winning “Sensei Says®” character education program.
From Norwin School District classrooms to international arenas, these athletes represent discipline, respect, and perseverance — embodying the dojo’s core message:
“The more you sweat in here, the less you bleed out there.”
As 2025 closes, the Norwin Ninjas stand as dual world champions, carrying the torch for Western Pennsylvania and proving once again that Pittsburgh builds champions.
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