News & updates

Connor Burns

“To say that karate changed my life is an understatement. Everyone has something that has truly impacted their life, but the effect that karate has had on me is beyond any other significant experience in my life. Karate became a permanent fixture in my life that pours out into all facets of my life. I...

History of MMA

MMA History For those interested in the history of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) here is a great article written by Sensei Bill Viola Jr. http://mmahistory.org/history-of-mma/ Sensei Viola has also written the award winning “Godfathers of MMA” available for Kindle on Amazon. Bill Viola Sr.’s Role in the Birth of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Bill Viola...

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...

Norwin Ninjas “Outstanding Team”

Norwin Ninjas Wins top honors at Pittsburgh’s largest Martial Arts event North Huntingdon, PA – July 9, 2015 The Allegheny Shotokan Karate School was honored as the “Outstanding Team” at the 2015 Kumite Classic martial arts championships held at the 16th Annual BioRhythm Pittsburgh Fitness Expo. The Kumite Classic is the region’s largest and most...

World Champions

NBL WORLDS CHAMPIONS Pittsburgh, PA — January 5th, 2015 Winning World Titles is nothing new for the Viola family, especially for Duquesne University law student Ali Viola. Over the course of the past decade, she has become a 7x National Black Belt League (NBL) World Champion with international honors that have made her the most...

Black Belt Staff

Norwin Ninjas benefit from the oldest most established karate school in the area. North Huntingdon School Continues Its Black Belt Legacy Pictured Left to Right: Front Row: Dave Zezza, Perry Culver, Ray Walters, Bill Viola Sr., Bill Viola Jr. Ray Adams, Tim Meyer, Rocky Whatule Second Row: Dave Crissman, Bill Holshue, George Yurechko, Joce Viola,...