Our Dojo Competition Team
If you truly want to make karate a meaningful part of your life, consider joining our Competition Team. It will give you the extra push, confidence, and opportunities to take your skills to the next level. Many of our students have gone on to achieve national, international, and world titles — but our ultimate goal is always to build “Black Belts in Life.” Every champion started as a novice student on Team Kumite, and it has been an incredible journey watching their growth.

About Team Kumite
KUMITE (組手) is Japanese for “fighting” or “sparring.” In 1999, Sensei Bill founded Kumite Classic, his signature brand. Over the past 25 years, the Kumite Classic has grown into one of the largest martial arts events in the world. Around the same time, he also founded Team Kumite to represent Pittsburgh at the most prestigious martial arts competitions globally.

Since its inception, no other team in the Greater Pittsburgh Region has achieved more success on the open sport karate circuit. We are a homegrown dojo family that has earned titles from every major sanctioning body. Team Kumite and Coach Bill Viola have developed more national, international, and world champions than any other program in Western Pennsylvania. When you join Team Kumite, you’re stepping into a proud Pittsburgh sport karate legacy!

Eligibility
We are looking for potential! Any student (any age) currently enrolled in sparring class is welcome to try out. The only prerequisites are effort, respect, and a positive attitude.

Competition
It’s not about how good you are — it’s about how great you can become. There are many competitions designed for beginners and novice members. Students typically start at the state level and progress through tri-state, national, and beyond. Competitions are available for all ages and belt ranks to help develop skills. Don’t be intimidated — the team will support and guide you every step of the way.

When
Tryouts take place on Wednesdays at 7 PM (Dates TBA), once per quarter. Students will spar multiple rounds against different skill levels to test their abilities, including a continuous round at the end. Work ethic, heart (determination), respect, and a positive attitude are the only requirements.

You don’t have to be great to start, but you must start to be great!