Team USA Member Xander Eddy - Youngest American to Win Gold at WAKO Pan American Championships 9-year-old Xander Eddy of North. Building Champions in Life since 1969. Allegheny Shotokan "Viola" Karate was established by "Shihan" Bill Viola Sr. The school has a rich tradition serving the Pittsburgh region and Western Pennsylvania for nearly 50 years.
The family owned and operated business is a pillar of the community, noted as the oldest and most established school in the North Huntingdon (Irwin, PA) area. The Viola Family is internationally renowned, with teaching curriculum you can trust. Our staff has experience working with everyone from Olympic-level competitors to professional sports athletes from the NFL and MLB.
The family owned and operated business is a pillar of the community, noted as the oldest and most established school in the North Huntingdon (Irwin, PA) area. The Viola Family is internationally renowned, with teaching curriculum you can trust. Our staff has experience working with everyone from Olympic-level competitors to professional sports athletes from the NFL and MLB.
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Allegheny Shotokan "Viola" Karate School (ASK) was established in 1969 by Shihan (Master) Bill Viola. Allegheny Shotokan has a rich tradition serving Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania for over 50 years. The karate school is a pillar of the community, noted as the oldest and most established school in the Irwin North Huntingdon area.
Shihan is the authority on Martial Arts in the area with over 50 years experience. He is credited by the Heinz History Center in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution as the cocreator of Mixed Martial Arts "MMA" a decade before the UFC. In 2011 the Western PA Sports Museum established a permanent exhibit to honor him as one of the founding fathers of the sport.
Shihan Bill Viola Sr is master of the martial arts and member of the USA Karate Hall of Fame. He is credited as the co-creator of the sport of MMA (mixed martial arts) by the Heinz History Museum. His life is the suject of the book Godfathers of MMA which inspired the SHOWTIME film "Tough Guys."
Viola established Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969 and over the past 50 years Viola has taught thousands of students and coached hundreds of regional, national, international, and World champions.Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized his school as the number #1 team in America in 1998.
Viola established Allegheny Shotokan Karate in 1969 and over the past 50 years Viola has taught thousands of students and coached hundreds of regional, national, international, and World champions.Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized his school as the number #1 team in America in 1998.
MMA Family Tree Pittsburgh native Bill Viola Sr. credited with creating Mixed Martial Arts in America. Yoi and double yoi. You heard that right. Two Parmanti eatin' terrible towel waving "Yinzers" from Western Pennsylvania are credited with creating a new sport [MMA] over 14 years before the UFC.
These weren't your average yinzers though, they set sights on a "billion dollar" prize and would have won if it wasn't for Commonwealth outlawing the sport with the passage of the Tough Guy Law in 1983.Who knew? Fascinating story of what if, but #Pittsburgh is documented as the birthplace of MMA. How a Pittsburgh karate pioneer Bill Viola Sr. fits in the mixed martial arts family tree from Pankration to UFC.
These weren't your average yinzers though, they set sights on a "billion dollar" prize and would have won if it wasn't for Commonwealth outlawing the sport with the passage of the Tough Guy Law in 1983.Who knew? Fascinating story of what if, but #Pittsburgh is documented as the birthplace of MMA. How a Pittsburgh karate pioneer Bill Viola Sr. fits in the mixed martial arts family tree from Pankration to UFC.
Shotokan Karate was founded by Gichin Funakoshi (The Father of Modern Karate). The Japanese Art form is a hard style of Martial Arts that teaches perfection of technique and Character. Students focus on repect, discipline and work ethic. It is a incredible workout both mentally and phyically. Shotokan Karate for adults.
Reviews (9)
Anthony Hladek
Jan 16, 2019
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I have 2 children that attend Allegheny Shotokan. My oldest has been training at this school for almost 9 years. The instructors are first class and take the time to truly teach their students be it the forms, sparring, weapons or the Japanese language and the history of the dojo. This is the greatest group of instructors I have ever been around and I am proud to call them "family" and friends.
Lisa Evans
Jan 15, 2019
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Heather Farroux
Dec 02, 2018
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Allegheny Shotokan teaches much more than karate. The students learn life skills. My son has been with the school for 7 years and what he has learned here has trickled down into his academic performance and other activities he participates in. Hands down the best decision we could make as far as an activity to participate in.
Kris Provence
Jul 11, 2018
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My daughter has been training at Allegheny Shotokan for over 4 years. All of the instructors are the best of the best. Family owned and operated so it's not a chain like a lot of other martial arts schools. Not only does my daughter love going to class and training hard, I also enjoy being a part of our "karate family". We will definitely be a part of this family organization for many more years to come.
Gary Klos
Jul 07, 2018
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It is quite simple; there is no better Martial Arts School around! This school does not give belts out after a designated time frame. You must earn each and every belt, which takes a lot of training, discipline, and dedication. Allegheny Shotokan, led by the Viola’s, has produced numerous WORLD champions in Sports Martial Arts, along with many advanced black belts that are widely recognized throughout the world. Whether you are looking to learn traditional Shotokan karate, or want to give Sport Karate a try, this is the place to go. This school makes you feel like you are part of their family
Rebecca Tobin
Jul 04, 2018
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Dolly Thornton
Jul 01, 2018
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This is a school for all ages and walks of life. Not only do they teach discipline and self defense, but they help the students with self confidence, courage, and respect for oneself and others. The one thing you'd never expect from a karate school, is teamwork. The students help and encourage each other. Whether practicing in the dojo or competing against each other in a tournament, you won't see a bigger cheering section of students and families.
Michael Pietrzyk
Jun 25, 2018
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Both my son and daughter (Michael & Samantha )have been students of Allegheny Shotokan Karate Club for nearly 7 years. Great school with great instructors. Kids have a blast learning about martial arts and the history of karate. Both of my children are on the travel competition team. Enjoy traveling with friends and family to various tournaments located throughout the United States and Canada. If we had to do it all over again, Allegheny Shotokan would be the answer again.
Jeff W.
Nov 07, 2013
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Simply THE BEST karate school around! The school has produced more than a few World Champions and Bill Viola is one of the most respected names in karate (both father and son). The instructors are great with the kids and strive to bring out the best in all of their students. They offer a lot of classes and are continuing to add more.
