Sponsorship

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Sponsor National & International Karate & Kickboxing Athletes

501.c3 non-profit team

Kumite International- World Champions

TAX EXEMPT: 75621468
EIN: 46-5120017

Team Kumite athletes proudly represent the United States on the world stage, capturing world titles and major international medals across Ireland, Portugal, Canada, England, Hungary, and most recently Wales in the United Kingdom. At the 2025 World Championships in Wales, Team Kumite competitors rose above the international field, delivering some of the event’s most decorated performances and earning recognition among the tournament’s top athletes.

Looking ahead to 2026, the team has its sights set on premier international stages in Abu Dhabi, Spain, and France as they continue their pursuit of global excellence. Many Team Kumite athletes are ranked by WAKO USA, the National Governing Body for kickboxing in the United States under the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, solidifying their position among the nation’s elite competitors.

Team Kumite competitors participate in both sport karate and kickboxing, showcasing speed, timing, and explosive athleticism.

The team carries forward a powerful martial arts legacy rooted in the Viola family’s deep history in combat sports. Guided by the leadership of Sensei Bill Viola Jr. and inspired by the pioneering work of Bill Viola Sr., Team Kumite continues a multi-generational commitment to martial arts excellence while developing the next generation of international champions.

The team has produced numerous national, international, and world champions, more than any other team in Western Pennsylvania. These results helped put Pittsburgh back on the sport-karate map, with Team Kumite athletes winning an “unprecedented” number of world titles and international medals.

Help Sponsor

Kumite International

Corporate Sponsors

Thanks to U.S. Army and Edgar Snyder and Associates at 2026 Corporate Sponsors

Community Sponsors

If you have a local business and would like to support Norwin Athletes with their Olympic dreams click here.

Kick-A-Thon

Kick 5K. Norwin Community Kick-a-thon

🇺🇸 TEAM USA Community Sponsorship Levels

Community Sponsorship Levels Kick-a-thon

Level	Contribution	Recognition
🥉 Bronze Sponsor	$100	Business name listing
🥈 Silver Sponsor	$200	Medium logo recognition
🥇 Gold Sponsor	$500	Large logo recognition
🏆 Platinum Sponsor	$1,000	Featured logo placement and premium recognition

💎

Diamond Tier – Premier partnerships (Olympic Dreams)

(Exclusive high-level partnerships)

Diamond Level	Contribution	Sponsorship Role
💎 Athlete Ambassador Sponsor	$2,500	Sponsor of a Team USA athlete ambassador
💎 Official Gear Sponsor	$5,000	Official equipment partner with branding on team gear
💎 Presenting Sponsor	$10,000	Event or program presented by sponsor
💎 Title Sponsor	Custom / Exclusive	Official Title Sponsor of the Team USA campaign or event

Diamond partnerships include premium marketing exposure, brand integration, and national-level recognition.

Sponsor World Champions 🇵🇹 🇭🇺 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 🇨🇦 🇮🇪 🇺🇸

MARTIAL ARTS OLYMPIC PATHWAY

The Team has traveled internationally representing Team USA in elite martial arts competition across Portugal, Hungary, Ireland, Wales, England, France, United Kingdom, and Canada. From standing atop the podium at the ICO World Championships in Swansea, Wales, to competing in world-class kickboxing events throughout Europe and North America, she has proudly carried the American flag on the international stage. These Pittsburgh area athletes are part of the emerging generation of American athletes competing on the Olympic development pathway for kickboxing through the international governing body World Association of Kickboxing Organizations. WAKO is the global federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee, making it the official route for athletes pursuing potential Olympic inclusion in kickboxing.

Team USA under WAKO USA, is the national federation aligned with the U.S. Olympic movement. Athletes qualify for Team USA by winning national championships and national team trials, then represent the United States at continental and world championships.

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CBS SPECIAL

TRAINING

Kumite

MEANING

In layman’s terms, Kumite is a fist fight. The philosophy of Kumite Classic is taking on all challengers and fighting (taking head-on the status quo) by creating the most dynamic and professional events possible.

FYI: Kumite (組手) is a Japanese word commonly associated with “fighting.” Its literal translation is “crossing or meeting of hands.”

Our Philosophy is "Better to fight for something, than live for nothing."

GEORGE S. PATTON

GENERAL

Kumite

TESTIMONIALS

I am honored to be a part of the Kumite Classic

ROYCE GRACIE

UFC LEGEND

The martial arts builds character and you [Cameron] are a true champion.

Arnold Schwarzenegger

Hollywood Icon

The Kumite Classic is world class martial arts!

Kurt Angle

WWE Olympic Champion

Team Kumite

Community Service

Team Kumite Community Impact

Team Kumite is more than a championship martial arts team — it is a community-driven organization dedicated to service, leadership, and giving back across Western Pennsylvania. For decades, the Viola Karate family and Team Kumite athletes have supported charitable initiatives that benefit local heroes, children, medical research, and families in need.

Since 1969, the Viola Karate Dojo has embraced the philosophy that martial arts training should build not only strong competitors, but also strong citizens and community leaders.

Scholarship & Education Support

Through Kumite International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by the Viola family in partnership with the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Law Firm, Team Kumite has helped provide over $50,000 in scholarships and educational support to young martial artists.

These programs reward academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, and tournament achievement, while helping offset the cost of training, travel, and higher education for promising students.

Fighting Parkinson’s & Neurodegenerative Disease

Team Kumite organizes and participates in the PIND 5K Run/Walk & Kick-a-Thon, supporting research at the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Students and families complete a one-mile “kick-a-thon” while raising funds for research into Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, Alzheimer’s, and related neurological disorders.

To date, the team has helped raise over $20,000 to support this important mission.

Advocacy for Crohn’s & Colitis Research

Team Kumite athlete Gabriella “Gabby” Viola serves as a proud advocate for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Gabby continues to compete at the highest levels of international martial arts while raising awareness and advocating for pediatric IBD research.

Her advocacy includes community outreach and meetings with federal legislators to help promote funding for medical research.

Supporting First Responders

Each holiday season, Team Kumite families deliver homemade cookies, treats, and thank-you cards to local police, fire departments, EMS responders, and 911 dispatch centers to show appreciation for those who serve and protect the community.

Helping Families in Need

The team participates annually in the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program, collecting hundreds of toys for children across Western Pennsylvania.

Team Kumite also supports the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League “Stuff-A-Store” Program, helping provide toys, clothing, and essential items that allow families in need to experience a holiday shopping event free of charge.

Supporting the Muscular Dystrophy Association

The dojo has also supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association, appearing on KDKA-TV’s Jerry Lewis Telethon to present donations exceeding $20,000 to support individuals living with neuromuscular diseases.

A Black Belt in Life

Team Kumite believes martial arts is not only about winning championships — it is about developing character, compassion, discipline, and leadership.

Through scholarships, charity races, medical advocacy, and community outreach, Team Kumite proudly serves Western Pennsylvania while teaching its students how to become true “Black Belts in Life.”