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IBD Advocate

Gabby Viola: Young IBD Advocate Turning Pain into Purpose Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) can feel overwhelming—especially for children facing the daily challenges of chronic illness. But Gabby Viola is proving that adversity doesn’t define a life—it strengthens it. Through courage, determination, and advocacy, Gabby is emerging as an inspiring young voice for pediatric IBD awareness...

What is Kumite?

What is Kumite? In karate terms, Kumite (組手) literally means “grappling hands” or “meeting of hands.” In martial arts, especially karate, it refers to sparring, where practitioners apply techniques against a live opponent rather than rehearsing forms (kata). So, people often ask me why I named my company Kumite Classic, and the answer goes much...

Pittsburgh Karate School

Viola Karate: The Top Pittsburgh Karate School – A Legacy of Martial Arts Champions For over half a century, Viola Karate has stood as one of the most respected martial arts institutions in Western Pennsylvania. Known formally as Allegheny Shotokan Karate, the dojo has built a reputation for producing elite athletes, preserving traditional karate values,...

Pittsburgh Power

Pittsburgh Power Karate Tournament Feel The Power May 16-17th at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center (1000 Fort Duquesne Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15222). Who Can Compete All ages — from young children to adults All skill levels — beginners to advanced black belts All styles — karate, tae kwon do, kung fu, tang soo do,...

2026 Divisions

Division Ages Gender Rank Forms Under Belt Forms 5 m/f all Forms Under Belt Forms 6 m/f first timers Forms Under Belt Forms 6 m/f novice Forms Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f first timers Forms Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f novice Forms Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f intermediate Forms Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f advanced...

IBD Warrior

Meet Gabby Viola – IBD Warrior and Advocate Gabriella “Gabby” Viola is a 15-year-old World Champion martial artist and a prominent advocate for the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) community. Diagnosed with indeterminate bowel disease at age 7, she is widely known as an “IBD Warrior” for her resilience in competing at the highest levels of sport karate and kickboxing while...

Pittsburgh Kickboxing

Pittsburgh Kickboxing WAKO and the Rise of Modern Kickboxing WAKO — the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations — is the world’s largest and most influential kickboxing governing body. Founded in 1976, WAKO standardized rules, weight classes, safety protocols, and judging criteria across multiple styles including point fighting, light contact, full contact, K-1, and low kick....