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Pittsburgh Power Karate Tournament

January 30, 2026by norwinninjas

Pittsburgh Power Karate Tournament

Pittsburgh karate tournament

Event Overview

The Pittsburgh Power is an open martial arts tournament that welcomes competitors of all ages, styles, and levels — from beginners to seasoned black belts. It’s presented by Kumite Classic Entertainment, the same organization behind the well-known Kumite Classic martial arts and fitness expo held annually in Pittsburgh.

FEEL THE POWER!

2026 Kumite Classic Pittsburgh Power is the premier open martial arts competition, expo and convention in America!  From our 25-year-anniversrary last year at the Arnold Sports Festival, back to our hometown of Pittsburgh this year.  This is a world class facility, atmosphere and event!!

📅 May 16–17, 2026

📍 David L. Lawrence Convention Center

📌Info:  https://www.kumiteclassic.com/pittsburgh-power-karate-tournament/

📝 Registration- Mat Action

🏨 Hotel:  WESTIN Pittsburgh (will SELL OUT)

🎦 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WumKmWNH3I

Meet and greet celebrities, fitness icons and health experts during the world-renowned event in bodybuilding, fitness, and action sports.  Kumite Classic has partnered with Jim and Tyler Manion, the President and Vice-President of the IFBB Professional League and National Physique Committee.  The festival drew over 10,000 attendees last year, including top athletes, fitness influencers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals, showcasing the latest trends in sports and fitness.

Competition Structure

The tournament features a range of competitive divisions including:

  • Forms (kata) — multiple age/rank categories

  • Point Sparring (kumite) — novice through advanced, youth to adult

  • Weapons — beginner to black belt

  • Modified WAKO rules to allow sport-oriented sparring opportunities for kickboxing style competitors.

Because the Pittsburgh Power operates under the Kumite Classic umbrella, WAKO USA-recognized divisions may offer competitive pathways tied to national kickboxing ranking systems.

Who Can Attend?

  • All martial arts schools and clubs

  • All styles — from traditional karate to modern sport divisions

  • Kids, teens, adults, and veteran competitors

  • First-time competitors to experienced tournament athletes

Event Experience

The tournament is part of the broader Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival, which includes:

  • Karate tournament competition

  • Martial arts demonstrations

  • Fitness expo atmosphere

  • Additional events like grappling, but the Power Karate Tournament is centered on forms, sparring, and weapons competition at the convention center.

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