2026 Kumite Classic – Pittsburgh Power

The Pittsburgh Power Fitness Festival is scheduled for May 16–17, 2026 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

This alignment signals a stronger synergy between martial arts (via Kumite Classic) and the broader fitness/sport expo (via the Pittsburgh Power festival).
Participants in martial arts will benefit from exposure to the larger fitness and bodybuilding audience, and vice versa: fitness/bodybuilding attendees will get martial-arts competitions integrated into the event.
For exhibitors and sponsors, the combined event means greater foot traffic and cross-discipline crossover. The exhibitor list for the festival already lists “Kumite Classic” among participating brands. Pitts Power Fit
For athletes and schools, the tournament portion hosted by KCE carries state titles and competition formats that attract established martial-arts schools.

Competition Format: For the martial-arts side, the tournament includes categories such as forms, sparring, and weapons (open to all styles). Schedule: The expo will run Saturday (9 am–5 pm) and Sunday (9 am–4 pm); judging for events has specific times (Men’s Saturday, Women’s Sunday) though details may evolve.
Venue: David L. Lawrence Convention Center in the heart of Pittsburgh — good access for participants and spectators alike.
Branding & Positioning: KCE calls itself “Pittsburgh’s most established fitness expo and prestigious martial arts championships.”
The Mecca of Karate: Kumite Classic has long marketed itself as the regional “mecca” of sport karate in Pittsburgh.

Martial-arts schools should plan for registration early (for both competitors and weapons/forms divisions).
Fitness/expo exhibitors and vendors should consider ways to tap into the martial-arts crowd — cross-promotion, gear, apparel, nutrition, etc.
Attendees should review the schedule carefully (which day their division is on) and plan logistics (hotel, travel, gear).
The combined nature of the event means more traffic and activities — arriving early and staying engaged across both fitness and martial-arts segments will maximize value.
Keep an eye on official updates from both Kumite Classic and Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival for full competition details, division breakdowns, registration deadlines, and any rule changes.

Jim Manion is the long‐time President of the IFBB Pro League, the professional bodybuilding organization.
He also led (and in many ways still influences) the National Physique Committee (NPC), the USA amateur bodybuilding federation which for many years was the primary feeder into the IFBB Pro League.
His home base is Western Pennsylvania, which ties into your region (Franklin Park, PA) and makes him a relevant regional figure in fitness/sport.
Under his leadership, the IFBB Pro League has expanded to include many more competition divisions (men’s open, 212, men’s physique; women’s bikini, figure, wellness etc.).
The NPC is the only amateur organization in the U.S. that provides a path to IFBB pro status.
Because your interest is in martial arts, fitness, and event production (via the Kumite Classic Entertainment brand), Jim Manion represents a major force in the fitness/physique side of the industry. The alignment of a martial-arts brand with a broader fitness/physique expo means his role or organization might be a key stakeholder or influencer.
His regional influence (Pennsylvania) and national/ international reach (through IFBB) provide valuable connectivity for local events to break into bigger circuits.

Bill Viola Jr. (born April 9, 1977) is a martial‐arts champion, instructor, author and promoter based in the Pittsburgh region.
He serves as President of Kumite Classic Entertainment (the brand you referenced) and is closely associated with the dojo Allegheny Shotokan Karate in North Huntingdon / Pittsburgh.
He has written books (e.g., Godfathers of MMA) and developed curricula (Sensei Says® life skills).
His father, Bill Viola Sr., is credited as a pioneer of modern mixed martial arts (MMA) in the U.S., and Bill Jr. carries forward that legacy.
Kumite Classic is his production/festival brand — combining martial-arts tournaments, fitness expos, publishing and media projects.
At the local level, his dojo (Allegheny Shotokan) has a reputation as a top martial-arts school in the Pittsburgh region and has trained national and international competitors.
Since you’re talking about Kumite Classic and a partnership/big event in 2026 involving martial arts (karate, etc.), Bill Viola Jr. is central. He is the driving force behind the martial-arts side of this.
His local roots, national experience, and media/production capability mean he’s well positioned to create a high-level event that bridges sport karate, martial arts, fitness and entertainment — exactly the kind of synergy your earlier description implied.
His presence also lends credibility in the “mecca of karate” framing you used for Pittsburgh and Kumite Classic.