Bill Viola Jr. is a nationally recognized promoter and leader in the martial arts and fitness industry. He is the founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment, the production company behind the Kumite Classic—one of the largest multi-sport martial arts expos in the United States. Held annually in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the event features combat sports, sport karate, kickboxing, fitness competitions, and health & wellness initiatives, drawing athletes and spectators from across the country.

As a promoter and historian, Viola Jr. has played an important role in preserving and elevating the legacy of martial arts in America. His book Godfathers of MMA (later re-released as Tough Guys) documented the early roots of modern mixed martial arts and helped spark broader recognition of its origins. The research ultimately contributed to the production of the Showtime documentary Tough Guys (2017), bringing national attention to the pioneers of early MMA competition.

Beyond large-scale event promotion, Viola Jr. is deeply committed to youth development through martial arts. He actively promotes competitive sport karate and kickboxing through WAKO USA and other sanctioning bodies, providing pathways for young athletes to compete at regional, national, and international levels. His work bridges traditional martial arts values with modern competitive sport, emphasizing discipline, character development, and athletic excellence.

Continuing the legacy of his father, Bill Viola Sr., a pioneer in the martial arts community, Viola Jr. remains dedicated to advancing the Viola Karate tradition while expanding opportunities for the next generation of martial artists.

Through his work with Kumite Classic Entertainment and related ventures, Viola Jr. has developed expertise in event consulting, sports marketing, sponsorship development, and brand positioning. He advises promoters, gym owners, and martial arts organizations on how to scale tournaments, increase athlete participation, enhance production value, and build sustainable revenue streams. His consulting often includes:

• Tournament infrastructure design (bracketing systems, division structuring, rules alignment, sanctioning integration)

• Event monetization strategy (vendor activation, VIP experiences, media packages, ticketing models)

• Sponsorship acquisition and corporate partnerships

• Athlete branding and pathway development

• Regulatory navigation and sanctioning compliance

• Risk management and operational logistics

Viola Jr. is particularly skilled at bridging traditional martial arts culture with modern sports entertainment standards. He understands how to honor heritage while delivering high-production, media-ready events that attract sponsors, live audiences, and streaming platforms.

In addition to promotion, he has served as a consultant on historical research and documentary projects related to the early roots of American mixed martial arts. His archival work and investigative research contributed to preserving significant chapters of combat sports history, culminating in national media exposure through the Showtime documentary Tough Guys.

His consulting portfolio also extends into:

• Youth sports development models

• Martial arts curriculum branding and life-skills integration

• Merchandising and apparel line development

• Championship award and medal design

• Media production and digital storytelling

• Community-based sports initiatives and nonprofit partnerships

As a second-generation martial artist and organizer, Viola Jr. combines deep institutional knowledge with entrepreneurial innovation. He brings a rare blend of historical insight, operational discipline, marketing acumen, and visionary leadership, making him a sought-after advisor for organizations seeking to elevate their events, preserve legacy, and build long-term brand equity within the martial arts space.