Bill Viola is a Pittsburgh, PA based international martial arts champion, instructor, coach, fitness promoter and founder of Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. Viola graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999 with a bachelor degree in Political Science. Immediately after graduation, he moved to Studio City, California and gained hands-on experience within the entertainment industry.  He subsequently earned acceptance into the Screen Actor’s Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio (AFTRA).  The exposure afforded him the opportunity to meet and work with many of Hollywood’s top performers, celebrities, directors, and producers.  He gained an astute knowledge of event production that influenced him to create his own production company, Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp.  The company produces the annual Kumite Classic and launched the Fitness And Sports Tour (FAST Expo).  Viola’s professional experience has earned him international recognition within the fitness industry.  He has recruited and worked with amateur and professional athletes from across the world. Viola is the head instructor at Allegheny Shotokan Karate in  North Huntingdon / Irwin, PA.  The school was established in 1969 by his father and is now home to Team Kumite, an all-star sport karate team that that has earned the only NBL world titles in the Pittsburgh region since its inception.   Read more

Watch highlights from the Kumite Classic. FAST Expo held at the Monroeville Convention Center Memorial Day Weekend.  Pittsburgh, PA

Warrior is a mixed martial arts movie filmed in Pittsburgh, released September 9, 2011 by Lionsgate. It stars Tom Hardy, Nick Nolte, Joel Edgerton, Justin Berg, Jennifer Morrison, and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling superstar Kurt Angle. Jim Cvetic (Western PA Police Athletic League) and Bill Viola (Pittsburgh MMA) served as consultants for the movie. Watch interview with Pittsburgh’s own Kurt Angle. Bill Viola performs “Unsu” Kata

How Rocky influenced modern mixed martial arts

The Academy Award winning Rocky evoked hope in millions of people that a hero existed among the typical “Tough Guys” in America. The fictional character Rocky Balboa was a normal “Tough Guy” from Philadelphia that rose from obscurity to become the most famous fighter in the world. The Battle of the Tough Guys was launched in 1979 the same year as Rocky II. The allure of finding the next Rocky combined the unique timing of the general public’s infatuation with the Rocky theme; lead to the first mixed martial arts competition at in Philadelphia (The Philadelphia Civic Center -1980). This would provide seemingly normal people a chance to rise from underdogs to stardom. For more information visit:

• www.godfathermma.com
• www.pittsburghmma.com

Bill Viola was introduced to the art of Shotokan Karate by his father Bill Viola Sr, founder of Allegheny Shotokan Karate. His lessons began as early as 1978 when he was just a toddler. As a youth Viola was one of the most consistent and well rounded competitors in the country recognized as a USAKF Jr. Olympic champion and Overall Sport Karate International Champion (traditional and open circuits).

Bill Viola currently works for the Pittsburgh based Kumite Classic Entertainment, and serves as head coach of Team Kumite, and Head Instructor at Allegheny Shotokan Karate in Irwin / North Huntingdon, PA. Bill Viola can be reached at bill@kumiteclassic.com