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Will Viola – My Fight Outside the Ring

January 30, 2026by norwinninjas

Allergies – My Fight Outside the Ring

Will Viola is a kid just like many others—but with a superpower: courage.

When Will was just 7 years old, he became one of the youngest athletes ever selected to Team USA through WAKO USA, competing on the Olympic-style kickboxing pathway. Soon after, he became a World Champion, winning a world title in the United Kingdom and proving to kids everywhere that big dreams can start small.

But Will’s biggest battles haven’t just been in the ring.

Will lives with serious food allergies,, and the risk of anaphylaxis—a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. Because of this, he must be extremely careful about what he eats and where he goes. Everyday activities, travel, and international competition all require extra planning, awareness, and bravery.

allergies

Instead of letting allergies slow him down, CartWill chose to stand up for other kids like him.

As a Team USA athlete, Will has traveled the world—visiting Hungary, Portugal, France, England, Wales, and Ireland—showing kids and families that living with food allergies and anaphylaxis does not mean you can’t be strong, confident, or successful. In 2026, he will continue his journey to the United Arab Emirates, Italy, and Spain, carrying his message even farther.

Will is known as “The Allergy Avenger” because he:

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUEwPvoEQcl/

  • Speaks up for kids with food allergies and anaphylaxis

  • Shows that it’s okay to be different

  • Proves that preparation is power

  • Turns challenges into confidence

Will Viola is not just a champion in sport—he is a champion for kids everywhere who face allergies, medical challenges, or fears of being left out.

His message is simple and powerful:

You are not alone.
You are stronger than you think.
And you can do amazing things.

About the conditions:

EoE stands for Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

It’s a chronic inflammatory condition where a type of white blood cell called eosinophils builds up in the esophagus (the tube that carries food from the mouth to the stomach).

For kids, teens, and athletes, EoE can cause:

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Food getting stuck

  • Chest or stomach pain

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Poor appetite or slow weight gain

  • Fatigue during training

EoE is often triggered by food allergies and sometimes environmental allergens. It is not contagious, and it’s not caused by anything the person did.

How EoE is managed

There is no cure yet, but it can be controlled with:

  • Identifying and avoiding trigger foods

  • Medications to reduce inflammation

  • Careful meal planning

  • Ongoing medical support

Why it matters for athletes

For athletes like Will:

  • Nutrition has to be strategic

  • Fueling, recovery, and travel require extra planning

  • Listening to your body is critical

The empowering part

EoE doesn’t define a person’s limits.
With the right plan, support, and mindset, kids and athletes with EoE can train, compete, and succeed at the highest levels.

From a very young age, Will showed something special. Not just athleticism, but fearlessness mixed with joy. He trained hard, smiled big, and attacked every drill like it was an adventure. One move in particular set him apart—the cartwheel kick. What started as a fun, creative expression of movement quickly became his signature, capturing attention and inspiring kids everywhere.

But behind the big kicks was a much harder reality.

Will lives with severe food allergies, Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), and the risk of anaphylaxis. That means every practice, every tournament, every trip required careful planning. Food wasn’t simple. Travel wasn’t easy. Even daily routines carried risk.

Still—Will showed up.

Not long after, he traveled internationally and became a World Champion, winning a world title in the United Kingdom. For many kids, that would already be the storybook ending.

For Will, it was just the beginning.

Karate taught him more than how to kick and punch. It taught him:

  • Discipline when things felt unfair

  • Confidence when he felt different

  • Courage when fear tried to take over

Instead of hiding his allergies, Will chose to lead with them.

That’s how he became known as “The Allergy Avenger.” Not because he fights villains—but because he stands up for kids who feel scared, left out, or misunderstood. Through karate, Will shows that preparation is power, awareness is strength, and being different can be a superpower.

Will Viola’s karate story isn’t just about titles or medals.

It’s about a kid who refused to let fear decide his future—and showed others how to do the same.

Big kicks. Smart choices. Brave heart.

 

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