IBD Advocate

Gabby Viola IBD ADVOCATE

A Fighter Inside and Outside the Ring

 

 

 

Gabby Viola is the definition of a fighter — not only for the titles she has earned on the world stage, but for the battles she has faced, and overcome, away from the spotlight.

Born into a third-generation martial arts family rooted in the Allegheny Shotokan “Viola Karate” tradition, Gabby grew up in a dojo where discipline, respect, and service mattered as much as winning. Martial arts was never just a sport in her family — it was a vehicle for character, leadership, and giving back. From an early age, Gabby learned that true strength is measured by how you respond to adversity.  That lesson would become deeply personal.

The Fight Outside the Ring

As a young athlete (7-years-old), Gabby was diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) — a chronic, often debilitating condition that can derail even the strongest competitors. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a serious, chronic autoimmune condition that affects the digestive system. It includes two main diseases: Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. While many people think of it as just a “stomach problem,” IBD can be dangerous and life-altering if not properly managed. IBD causes the immune system to attack the digestive tract, leading to ongoing inflammation. IBD can cause serious emergencies, including: Severe intestinal bleeding, Bowel obstruction, Toxic megacolon (dangerous swelling of the colon), Perforation (holes in the intestine), Severe infections, Without treatment, these complications can be fatal. One of the biggest dangers of IBD is that people often don’t “look sick.” Many young people with IBD become symbols of resilience, discipline, and courage—proving that a chronic illness doesn’t define limits.

Training days were interrupted by pain, exhaustion, medical treatments, and uncertainty. Many athletes would have stepped away. Gabby leaned in.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Advocate

She trained through flare-ups. She traveled internationally while managing her health. She learned how to listen to her body, adapt, and persevere. Instead of allowing her diagnosis to define her limits, Gabby chose to let it define her mindset — becoming an advocate for resilience, self-discipline, and courage for other young people facing invisible battles.

Her fight off the mat forged the champion she would become on it. Gabby embarked on an important mission as an advocate for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation by participating in the annual Day on the Hill. and will lobbying for bipartisan support of important bills to help patients who suffer from these terrible inflammatory 🔥chronic diseases

Gabby Viola — Professional Martial Artist, Ambassador & Advocate

Gabby’s story, in her own words:

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Night of Steel Advocate

Gabby Viola was a featured “Impact Speaker” the Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for our third annual Night of Steel, a virtual celebration of all things Pittsburgh!

Service, Leadership, and Giving Back

Gabby’s journey is inseparable from her lifelong connection to the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League. Following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather — both longtime PAL ambassadors — Gabby grew up in a community that emphasized positive relationships between youth and law enforcement, service leadership, and mentorship through sport.

Today, she proudly serves as a PAL Goodwill Ambassador, using her platform to inspire young people to pursue discipline, confidence, and purpose — especially those who may feel overlooked or limited by circumstance. She is also an Athlete Ambassador for Edgar Snyder & Associates for 2026.

A Fighter With a Mission

Now fifteen, Gabby continues to compete at the highest international level, with upcoming world championships in Abu Dhabi, Italy, France, and Spain. But her mission extends far beyond medals.

She fights for:

• Young athletes managing illness or adversity

• Girls pursuing excellence in combat sports

• Youth who need structure, confidence, and positive role models

• Communities strengthened through discipline and service

Gabby Viola is proof that greatness isn’t forged only in victory — it’s built in the quiet moments of perseverance, the unseen sacrifices, and the decision to keep moving forward when it would be easier to stop.

She is a champion.
She is a leader.
She is a fighter — inside and outside the ring.

Dominance on the World Stage

Gabby’s competitive resume is impressive.

She is a multiple-time World Champion across the sport’s most prestigious platforms, including:

• WAKO World Champion (Budapest, Hungary)

• ICO World Champion (Swansea, Wales — 9 gold medals, tournament record)

• WKC World Champion (Albufeira, Portugal & Orlando, Florida)

She currently holds the #1 national ranking at –55 kg and represents Team USA under the Olympic-recognized kickboxing pathway governed by WAKO.

In 2025, Gabby was selected to represent the United States as a sponsored athlete on the U.S. Army Fight Team — an honor reserved for elite competitors who embody strength, discipline, and leadership. On Christmas morning, she received word of her selection — a moment that symbolized not just athletic achievement, but trust in her character and values.

“I am blessed to carry that flag into battle,” Gabby said, reflecting her understanding that competition is about representing something greater than yourself.

Now fifteen years old, Gabby Viola represents the U.S. Army Fight Team, capturing world titles and major international medals across Ireland, Portugal, Canada, England, Hungary, and most recently Wales (United Kingdom). At the 2025 World Championships in Wales, Viola was crowned the top overall competitor of the entire field, earning recognition as the event’s most decorated athlete.