Pittsburgh’s Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo Dominates International Stage at ICO World Championships in Wales
Swansea, Wales — October 15-19, 2025 – The Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo, headquartered in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, delivered a spectacular performance at the recent ICO World Championships held in Swansea, Wales. The team’s athletes not only competed among the world’s elite but emerged as some of the most decorated competitors of the event. Gabby, Cameron, Xander and Carter all finished in the top ten of the overall medal count rankings.
Gabby Viola: Gold x9 Silver x3 Bronze x2 *overall fighting grand
Cameron Klos: Gold x8 Bronze x1
Xander Eddy: Gold x8 *overall fighting grand
Carter Griffith: Gold x6 *overall kata grand
Will Viola: Gold, Silver
Riley Evans: Bronze
15-year-old Gabriella “Gabby” Viola, along with her teammates from the Viola dojo, the squad secured multiple gold medals across point-fighting, forms/kata, and full-contact divisions — underscoring the depth of their skill and training. Notably, Gabby was awarded the highest honor of the entire tournament: the title of Most Decorated Athlete and Overall Gold Medal Winner across all disciplines of the ICO World Championships. Sensei Cameron, Xander and Carter all finished in the Top Ten for overall medal count!
“Our program has always emphasized the full spectrum of martial arts excellence — technical precision, mental toughness, composure under pressure,” said Sensei Bill Viola Jr., head coach and founder of the dojo’s elite travel team. “To see these young athletes stand on the world stage and represent Western Pennsylvania, the USA, and our dojo with such distinction is a proud moment for our entire community.”
The ICO (International Combat Organisation) World Championships attract top amateur athletes from around the globe competing in disciplines that include point-fighting, ring continuous, kick boxing, and weapons forms/kata. The 2025 edition in Wales featured competitors from more than 20 countries, making field dominance especially noteworthy.
The Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo’s success follows a legacy built over decades. Founded in 1969 by martial arts pioneer Bill Viola Sr., the school has been a cradle of champions and innovators in the sport. The current generation of athletes continues that legacy by showing that Pittsburgh’s martial arts tradition remains among the world’s best.
In addition to their athletic triumphs, the dojo’s athletes are celebrated for their character, academic achievement, and community leadership. All the students balance world-class competition careers with academic excellence and active involvement in youth development programs.
Looking ahead, the team plans to build on this momentum for the upcoming season, with national and international tournaments on the calendar and fundraising efforts underway to expand their travel and training outreach.
For more information about Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo’s world-class training program, athlete biographies and upcoming events, please contact Bill Viola Jr. at 724-640-2111 or bill@kumiteclassic.com.
About Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo
Founded in 1969 and based in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo (also known as Viola Karate) is a multi-discipline martial arts academy serving the Pittsburgh region and the international sport-martial arts community. Under the guidance of Sensei Bill Viola Sr. and Bill Viola Jr., the dojo has produced national and world champions across karate, kickboxing and sport martial arts.
About ICO (International Combat Organisation)
The International Combat Organisation (ICO) sanctions amateur world championships across multiple combat disciplines, uniting athletes from dozens of countries in point-fighting, ring fights, forms/kata, and full contact divisions. The 2025 edition was hosted in Swansea, Wales from October 15-19.
