Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Premier Martial Arts Training in North Huntingdon Since 1969
Established in 1969 by Shihan Bill Viola Sr., our dojo has served as a cornerstone of martial arts excellence in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for over five decades. As a family-owned institution, we combine tradition with innovation, offering Shotokan Karate, MMA, and self-defense training under the guidance of internationally recognized instructors. Our curriculum, including the award-winning Sensei Says Life Skills program, has produced hundreds of regional, national, and world champions across organizations like WAKO, NBL, and USA Karate.Recognized as the co-creators of modern MMA in America, we maintain a legacy of excellence while prioritizing character development, community service, and practical self-defense applications. Our facility in North Huntingdon houses Team Kumite, one of the region's most successful competition teams, and the Norwin Ninjas youth program.
Services
Karate Classes
MMA Training
Competition Teams
Self-Defense Courses
Youth Programs
Details
- Year established: 1969
Highlights and features
- 50+ years of martial arts excellence in Pittsburgh since 1969
- Award-winning Sensei Says Life Skills character development curriculum
- Internationally recognized instructors with Olympic and professional athlete experience
- Home of Team Kumite - Pittsburgh's most successful competition karate team
- Recognized as co-creators of modern MMA in America by Heinz History Center
Associations and certifications
- USA Karate Hall of Fame
- Pennsylvania Karate Rating Association (PKRA)
- National Black Belt Hall of Fame
- Kumite International Hall of Fame
- Pittsburgh MMA Hall of Fame
Services
Karate Classes
Traditional Shotokan Karate instruction for all ages and skill levels. Our curriculum combines physical fitness with character development, teaching discipline, respect, and self-defense techniques. Classes are led by internationally certified instructors with decades of competitive experience.
MMA Training
Comprehensive MMA programs rooted in the sport's original rule set developed by Bill Viola Sr. in 1979. Training includes striking, grappling, and conditioning techniques used by professional athletes, with a focus on safety and technical proficiency.
Competition Teams
Elite Team Kumite and Norwin Ninjas programs for competitive martial artists. Training includes tournament preparation in kata, kumite, and weapons divisions, with a track record of producing world champions since the 1970s.
Self-Defense Courses
Practical self-defense programs for adults and families. Instruction focuses on real-world scenarios, situational awareness, and effective countermeasures taught by instructors with law enforcement and security backgrounds.
Youth Programs
Norwin Ninjas youth program combining martial arts fundamentals with character education. Classes improve focus, confidence, and physical coordination while teaching respect and perseverance through structured belt progression.
People
Bill Viola Sr.
Founder/Grand Master
9th Dan black belt with 60+ years experience. Recognized by Heinz History Center as MMA co-creator. Inducted into USA Karate Hall of Fame. Author of martial arts books and subject of Showtime's 'Tough Guys' documentary.
Bill Viola Jr.
Head Instructor
4x USA Karate National Champion and triple-gold medalist. Author of 'Tough Guys' and 'Godfathers of MMA'. Oversees daily operations and competition team training. Featured in Fighters Only Magazine for tournament expertise.
Ray Adams
Master Instructor
76-year-old Master promoted in 2018 after decades of service. Specializes in traditional Shotokan techniques and competition preparation. Holds multiple black belt rankings and tournament judging certifications.
Dave Zezza
Senior Instructor
63-year-old Master with 40+ years experience. Focuses on kata instruction and character development. Promoted to Master rank in 2018 alongside Ray Adams after decades of dedicated service to the dojo.
Jack Bodell
Alumni Hall of Famer
First black belt promoted by Shihan Viola. Former Secret Service agent who protected President Carter. Referee for early MMA events and founder of West Newton karate school. Inducted into multiple martial arts halls of fame.
Questions
What martial arts styles do you teach?
We specialize in traditional Shotokan Karate, MMA fundamentals, and competitive sport karate techniques.
Do you offer classes for beginners?
Yes, all classes welcome all skill levels with personalized instruction from experienced black belt instructors.
What age groups do you accommodate?
We offer programs for children as young as 5, teens, adults, and families through our Norwin Ninjas and adult-only classes.
Are there competition opportunities?
Our Team Kumite program provides structured competition training and participation in national/international events.
What makes your school unique?
50+ year legacy as Pittsburgh's original martial arts school with direct ties to MMA's creation and proven character development curriculum.
Do you offer self-defense training?
Yes, practical self-defense techniques are integrated into all programs with specialized adult courses available.
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