News & updates

Viola karate family takes pride in sport’s Olympic debut

Students of Allegheny Shotokan (Viola Karate Norwin Ninjas) Martial Arts in North Huntingdon gathered outside of the dojo in front of a 20-foot screen, like Penguins fans watching a Stanley Cup playoff game on the big screen outside of PPG Paints Arena, to watch the Tokyo Olympics. This summer’s games carried special meaning to the...

Gabby Viola

Meet Pittsburgh’s very own Karate Kid Gabby Viola! Gabby Viola karate and kickboxing Gabby began training in karate at just two years old at Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo, becoming the inspiration behind the dojo’s Nursery Ninjas program. A third-generation Viola martial artist, she proudly carries forward a family tradition rooted in discipline, leadership, and...

NASKA World Champions

Pittsburgh Karate Athletes Earn 2019 World Titles The North American Sport Karate Association (NASKA) sanctions the most prestigious karate tournaments in the country and abroad.  For the last thirty years, the league has tracked and ranked competitors throughout the tournament season to determine the World Tour Champions.  The ratings are compiled annually, with the highest...

Sensei Viola Day – Pittsburgh

September 23rd is “Sensei Viola Day” in Pittsburgh celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Allegheny Shotokan Viola Karate Dojo (The parent to Norwin Ninjas).   “Sensei Viola Day” is a designated day honoring Bill Viola Sr., the pioneering founder of Allegheny Shotokan Karate, recognized officially by Allegheny County, PA. ️ In September 2019, Allegheny County...

Viola Karate Family

Meet The Viola’s – A Family Martial Arts Legacy in Pittsburgh, PA The Viola family is a multi-generational martial arts dynasty from Western Pennsylvania, shaping karate, kickboxing, and sport martial arts for decades. Their influence spans three generations, from pioneering tournaments to world-class competitors and coaches. Viola Family Karate Martial Arts Legacy Generation Name Relationship...

Like father like daughter

“Like Father, Like Daughter – story of Gabby Viola and her father Bill Viola Jr. is a powerful example of how martial arts traditions are passed from one generation to the next. Gabby and Sensei Bill Viola Yoko Geri Kekomi: Sensei Bill Viola Jr. and daughter Gabby viola showing off the side kick (yoko geri...

Pittsburgh Karate Legacy

Pittsburgh Karate Legacy The Viola family is a Pittsburgh martial arts legacy. Bill Viola Sr. is the co-creator of the modern sport of MMA while his children continue to spread his teachings. Great read about Pittsburgh Karate champions. By Dave Zuchowski Pittsburgh Post Gazzette February 12, 2015 When Bill Viola Sr. attended middle school in...