WAKO USA Kickboxing

Bill Viola Jr.: Innovating the Future of Martial Arts From the Tatami to the World Stage

Few figures in American martial arts have influenced the sport from as many angles as Bill Viola Jr.. A former world-class competitor turned author, producer, educator, and international sports executive, Viola has spent decades redefining what modern martial arts can be—both as a competitive pathway and as a platform for leadership, education, and community impact.

At the center of that influence stand two pillars: his leadership within WAKO USA and his role as President of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp., the organization behind one of North America’s most respected combat-sports events.

From Pittsburgh Champion to Architect

Before becoming a builder of systems, Viola was a product of them. A former USA Karate National Champion (All-American) and World Champion, his competitive career was cut short by a serious car accident in 1999. That moment became a turning point—not away from the sport, but deeper into it.

Rather than chasing personal titles, Viola shifted his focus toward infrastructure: how athletes are developed, how events are run, how rules are standardized, and how values are preserved as martial arts evolve.

The Kumite Classic: A Blueprint for Modern Events

Under Viola’s leadership, the Kumite Classic grew from a regional tournament into a globally recognized destination event. More than just a competition, it became a model—one that balanced tradition with innovation.

What set the Kumite Classic apart was Viola’s insistence on:

• Professional-grade production standards

• Athlete-first scheduling and safety protocols

• International rule alignment

• A festival-style environment that welcomed families, sponsors, and the broader community

Long before “sports experience” became an industry buzzword, Viola was treating martial arts events like major productions, raising expectations across the sport.

Leadership on the Olympic Pathway: WAKO USA

Viola’s impact expanded further through his role as Chairman of Tatami Sports for WAKO USA, the official U.S. federation for Olympic-recognized kickboxing disciplines.

In that role, he oversees the governance of point fighting and other tatami-based divisions—the largest participation base in the sport and the primary pipeline to Team USA.

His work with WAKO USA has focused on:

• Aligning U.S. competition with international standards

• Building transparent pathways from grassroots to world championships

• Elevating officiating, safety, and athlete development

• Preparing American athletes for success on the global stage

As WAKO continues its alignment with the Olympic movement, Viola’s role places him at the intersection of policy, performance, and progress.

Innovation Beyond Competition

Viola’s definition of innovation goes beyond brackets and belts. He is also the creator of the CommonSensei® book series and the force behind federally registered trademarks such as Sensei Says® and Black Belt in Life®—programs that translate martial-arts principles into life skills, leadership education, and youth development.

This philosophy carries through everything he touches: competition as education, discipline as a life tool, and sport as a vehicle for service.

A Builder of Systems—and People

What distinguishes Bill Viola Jr. from many figures in martial arts is that his influence is not confined to a single role. He has been:

• An elite athlete

• A national-level event producer

• A governing-body executive

• An author and curriculum designer

• A mentor to Olympians and young beginners alike

Through the Kumite Classic and WAKO USA, Viola has helped shape how martial arts are experienced in America—not just who wins, but how athletes are developed, supported, and prepared for life beyond the mat.

The Pittsburgh Viola Legacy in Motion

Today, Bill Viola Jr. is less concerned with personal accolades than with sustainability. His work reflects a long-view philosophy: build systems that last, protect athletes, honor tradition, and adapt intelligently to the future.

In an era where martial arts continue to evolve rapidly, Viola stands as a rare constant—an innovator grounded in values, using modern tools to strengthen an ancient discipline.

Bill Viola Jr. — WAKO USA Chairman (Tatami Sports)

Bill Viola Jr. serves as Chairman of Tatami Sports for WAKO USA, the official U.S. federation for Olympic-recognized kickboxing under the International World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO).

What that role actually means

As Chairman of Tatami Sports, Bill oversees the non-ring (tatami) disciplines of the sport, including:

• Point Fighting

• Light Contact

• Kick Light

• Forms / Musical Forms (where applicable)

These divisions represent the largest youth and developmental pipeline in Olympic-style kickboxing.

Leadership & impact

In this role, Bill is responsible for:

• Rules governance and standardization aligned with WAKO international regulations

• National championship oversight, including seeding, brackets, officiating standards, and athlete safety

• Team USA pathway development, helping athletes progress from grassroots competition to national teams and world championships

• Official and referee education, ensuring consistency, fairness, and professionalism nationwide

His leadership has helped elevate U.S. tatami competition to meet international Olympic-movement standards, strengthening America’s presence at WAKO World Championships.

Why Bill Viola Jr. was chosen

Bill’s appointment reflects a rare combination of:

• Elite athlete experience (former national and world champion)

• Event-production expertise (producer of one of North America’s largest combat-sports tournaments)

• Long-term governance credibility, with decades inside amateur and professional martial-arts ecosystems

He is widely respected for balancing competitive excellence with athlete welfare, youth development, and education.

Bigger picture

As WAKO continues its Olympic alignment, the Tatami Sports division plays a critical role in:

• Introducing young athletes to international rules early

• Providing safe, structured competition environments

• Creating sustainable athlete pipelines rather than one-off champions

Bill Viola Jr.’s chairmanship reflects his broader philosophy:

WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) and Olympic recognition for kickboxing:

IOC Recognition Status

• Kickboxing — under WAKO — is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC granted full recognition to the sport and to WAKO as its official international governing body on 20 July 2021.

• Prior to full recognition, WAKO received provisional IOC recognition in November 2018, beginning its official inclusion in the Olympic Movement.

What IOC Recognition Means

IOC recognition makes kickboxing an official sport within the Olympic Movement. It means:

• WAKO is acknowledged as the world governing body for the sport.

• National WAKO member federations are generally recognised by their National Olympic Committees, which helps athletes compete internationally within Olympic-affiliated events.

• WAKO athletes can participate in major multi-sport events that operate under or in collaboration with the IOC (e.g., World Games, World Combat Games, and continental events).

• Kickboxing is not yet an official medal sport at the Summer Olympic Games (like athletics or swimming). IOC recognition is a major step toward Olympic inclusion, but it doesn’t automatically place kickboxing on the Olympic program.

Current Competitive Opportunities

Because of IOC recognition and WAKO’s status:

• WAKO kickboxing is featured at major linked multi-sport events Jr. World Championships 

• National federations (like WAKO Poland) are recognized by their Olympic committees.

• Kickboxers compete in WAKO world and continental championships and World Games events — important stepping stones toward broader Olympic exposure.

What’s Next

The next major milestone for kickboxing would be inclusion in the Olympic Games schedule (e.g., Paris 2024, Los Angeles 2028, or Brisbane 2032), which would require additional IOC approval and event-specific decisions by the Olympic host organizers.

VIOLA FAMILY MAKING A NAME IN WAKO:

 

Gabriella “Gabby” Viola

• Elite Junior Kickboxing Competitor: Gabriella “Gabby” Viola is a highly accomplished youth martial artist from Western Pennsylvania who competes internationally in kickboxing under WAKO and other major organizations.

• Team USA & WAKO: She has earned national titles and been selected to represent the United States on WAKO Team USA at events such as the WAKO Junior World Championships and WAKO Pan American Championships.

• International Success: Gabby has won medals and championships on major stages, including the WAKO World Championships in Budapest (bronze), ICO World Championships in Wales, and other international and national events. She’s been ranked #1 nationally in her weight class by WAKO USA.

• Recognition & Representation: In addition to her success in competition, she was selected as a sponsored athlete for the U.S. Army Fight Team, reflecting her status as a top youth competitor and ambassador for the sport.

• Inspiration Off the Mat: Gabby’s journey includes competing at elite levels while managing chronic health challenges, and she serves as a role model and health advocate for others overcoming adversity.

  Will (Cartwill) Viola

Young WAKO USA National Team Member: Will Viola is a young martial artist (around 7 years old as of 2025–2026) who has earned a spot on WAKO USA’s national team, which means he represents the United States in international competitions through the Olympic-recognized amateur kickboxing pathway.

• • Competitive Success: He has already competed internationally and won titles, including strong performances at events like the ICO World Championships in Wales and earning medals in traditional forms and sparring.

  • Team USA Selection: Will earned his spot on the U.S. team by winning at the USA Kickboxing Team Trials (national qualifying event) and is listed on the team roster alongside other top young competitors.

  • Overcoming Challenges: Outside the ring, he’s known for training and competing while managing serious food allergies, and he uses his platform to inspire other kids facing similar health challenges.