Bill Viola Jr., Award-Winning Author│Producer│Promoter│Martial Artist│MMA Historian│Sensei│組手 Expert
“Sensei” Bill Viola Jr. is a best-selling author, film producer, mixed martial arts historian and international martial arts champion who is Founder and President of the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based Kumite Classic Entertainment.
Viola Jr. began his karate career following in his father’s footsteps, literally “kicking before he could walk.” He is noted as one of the most consistent sport karate competitors in the United States recognized as a multi-time United States of America Karate Federation (USAKF) National Champion and All-American Athlete. As a Junior at the University of Pittsburgh, he was recognized by Arnold Schwarzenegger as a World Champion at The Arnold Sports Festival, Columbus, Ohio in 1998. At the event, Arnold inspired him to establish his own fitness production company. In 1999, he sustained a cervical neck injury in an automobile accident followed by surgery on his esophagus that ended his competitive aspirations.
As a university scholar, he graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He moved West to Hollywood, California to gain hands-on experience in the entertainment industry. Subsequently, he was accepted into the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio and established his own company, Kumite Classic Entertainment (KCE). He gained notoriety from his role in the Britney Spears video Stronger (2000) and was able to network and build relationships with leading directors and producers.
His company’s signature event, the self-titled “Kumite Classic,” is regarded by the press as the mecca for martial arts in Pittsburgh. KCE also produces the annual Pittsburgh Fitness Expo, noted as the largest and most established multi-sport convention in Western Pennsylvania attracting sports and entertainment icons such as Lynn Swann, Franco Harris, Antonio Brown, Ice-T, and Royce Gracie over the years. Viola has served as a consultant, referee, and event coordinator for some of the largest martial arts events in the world. In 2017 he brokered a partnership with Century Martial Arts and WAKO to produce the North American Open in Las Vegas, Nevada in conjunction with UFC Fight Week.
In 2014, Viola Jr. published the critically acclaimed non-fiction book Godfathers of MMA inspired by the life of his father. His work was the subject of the documentary film Tough Guys (produced by an Academy Award accredited team) and made its network television debut on SHOWTIME (2017). Viola Jr. was a producer on the film and also made a cameo playing his father. The book was re-released as Tough Guys (a commemorative edition) and peaked at #1 on the Amazon charts for sports (September, 2017).
In 2011, Viola’s research and documentation of martial arts was honored with a permanent exhibit installed at the Western PA Sports Museum and Senator John Heinz History Center. The display recognized Viola Sr. as the co-creator of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts a decade before the UFC (the showcase is located adjacent to the Franco Harris “Immaculate Reception”). Jr. and Sr. are both official Sport Karate History Generals and recipients of the Sport Karate Museum’s “Lifetime Achievement” award. The duo was awarded the Champion Associations Willie Stargell M.V.P. Award (2011) for community service, a tribute that includes Michael Jordan and Muhamad Ali as alum. In 2017 the Viola’s were published in the book, Who’s Who in the Martial Arts – Legends of American Karate. The dojo is home to the only karate athlete’s honored with the “Positive Athlete” award and featured on KDKA’s Hines Ward Show. In 2016 his work was honored by Pittsburgh Magazine who named him to the prestigious “40 under 40” list recognizing the most influential young leaders in the city.
Viola is an Amazon best-selling author, journalist and blogger contracted by such publications as Martial Arts Success, Sport Karate Magazine, Shotokan Magazine, and Sport Karate Illustrated. He established Kumite Quarterly magazine in (2003-2007) and was acting publisher who managed distribution throughout North America until 2007. The magazine was the official publication of Kumite International (KI), a scholarship foundation he founded (the first of its kind in the United States) through a partnership with Western PA Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Law Firm. KI allocated $50,000 in scholarship funds for karate athletes and made national news when Lynn Swann (The Chairman of President George W. Bush’s Council of Physical Fitness and Sports) presented the scholarships with Viola Jr. at his 2004 Kumite Classic. In 2016, he co-authored Go Ask Your Dad, an inspirational book about fatherhood which debuted on the Amazon best-sellers list. His latest project, CommonSensei is a self-help book aimed to teach high school and college age students skills they weren’t taught.
Viola is the owner “Sensei” of Allegheny Shotokan Karate, the gold standard for martial arts in Western PA (celebrating its 50-year anniversary in 2019). The family-owned and operated dojo is blessed with 3 generations of Violas who carry on the legacy. Over the past fifty years, Viola’s karate school has welcomed and transformed everyone from children struggling with autism to Olympic level competitors. “It doesn’t matter if they are a professional athlete or a teenager who is coping with bullies,” Viola Jr. says, “Each and every student is on their own personal journey of self-enlightenment and courage. Our goal is to help them reach their potential and go beyond.” This formula of empowerment inspired Viola Jr. to package the family secrets into an Award-winning curriculum—Sensei Says®. This life skills education course is the cornerstone of Allegheny Shotokan’s sister programs Norwin Ninjas (4-7 year olds) and Nursery Ninjas (2-3 year olds). The growing Pittsburgh karate legacy includes all four of his sisters and now his daughter, Gabriella Capri Viola (2018 US Open International Champion) and a son, William Viola IV born 2017.
Currently, Viola has made it his mission to KICK Parkinson’s disease—literally. After he lost his Grandmother to complications from the disease, he created a mobile 1-mile “kick-a-thon” in conjunction with the former State Senator Sean Logan’s PIND (Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases) 5K. In all, over the past three years, the PIND 5K event has raised over $1 million dollars through appropriations, grants and sponsors — 100% of the funds are earmarked for experimental testing and research in hopes of finding the cure in Pittsburgh. In 2018 Viola’s daughter Gabby was diagnosed with Indeterminate bowel disease, and in 2019 the two are planning advocacy efforts at the Capital to lobby for improvements to our healthcare system.
Today, Bill is the head coach of “Team Kumite,” an all-star travel team that represents Pittsburgh on an international level. Most recently he coached his student, Xander Eddy at the Pan American Championships in Cancun, Mexico. Eddy became the youngest American in history to win Gold and was honored by the Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf and WTAE featured athlete. In 2020, the team is slated to compete at the Irish Open in Dublin, Ireland and visit Tokyo, Japan for the Olympic Games.
His book, Godfathers of MMA, was the inspiration of the Film “Tough Guys” where he teamed up with Oscar® winning filmmaker Ross Kauffman and Academy Award® nominated documentarian Morgan Spurlock (SUPER SIZE ME) to produce “Tough Guys.” Viola re-released and re-branded (Tough Guys) the book to coincide with the film. On October 16th 2017 the book hit #1 as the top seller in the Amazon sports category.
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» Education
- University of Pittsburgh
- Summa Cum Laude
- University Scholar
- BA Political Science, 1999
» Work Experience
Allegheny Shotokan Karate Inc., North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
Master Instructor
- Recognized as World Champion by Arnold Schwarzenegger -1998
- Triple Gold Medalist USA Karate Jr. Olympics
- 4x USA Karate Federation National Champion (1995-1998)
- USAKF All American Athlete
- Creator Norwin Ninjas Program
- Creator Sensei Says ®
- Trained Olympic-level, NFL, MLB athletes
Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
President & Founder, 1999-Present
- Established Annual Pittsburgh Fitness Expo
- Multi-sport conventions
- Film production
- Talent Management
Star Equity LLC, Greater Pittsburgh Region
Co-Founder, 2017-Present
- Commerical & Residential real estate
- Investment & Management
Author
Non-Fiction, 2003-Present: Notable work
- Godfathers of MMA (2015) Inspiration film Tough Guys
- Go Ask Your Dad (2016) Debuted on Amazon Best Seller List
- Tough Guys (2017) #1 Amazon best-seller
- Sensei Says ® (Life Skills Curriculum)
- Common Sensei (currently under development)
Kumite Quarterly Magazine., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Publisher, 2003-2007
- Editor
- Creative Director
Eckert Seamans Law Firm, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- KI Scholarship Program Director, 2001-2007
- Allocated $50,000 in “KICK” scholarships
Congressman Ron Klink (PA 4th District), North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania
- Congressional Intern, 1997
» Associations
Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League Martial Arts Chairman, Union member of the Screen Actors Guild and American Federation of Television and Radio, PIND 5K race Kick-a-thon.
» Honors
- Honored with The Willie Stargell “MVP Award” for community service, 2011
- Recipient of The Lifetime Achievement Award, Sport Karate Museum, 2005
- Inducted into National Black Belt League The Martial Arts Hall of Fame, 2003
- Member of the “Whos Who in the Martial Arts” 2017 (Legend of American Karate recipient)
Pittsburgh Magazine named Bill Viola Jr. as one of the “40 Under 40” most influential people in the city in 2016.
Bill Viola Jr. is a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania based producer, author and international martial arts champion who experienced the “Golden Era” of MMA firsthand as his father; Bill Sr. is credited as the co-creator of the sport (a decade before the UFC) by the Heinz History Center, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institute.
Below are a few issues of his Kumite Quarterly Magazine:
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Viola has also served as an independent consultant for number major motion pictures including the mixed martial arts movie Warrior (2011) and as an Associate Producer for the film Tapped Out (2014) starring former UFC champions Lyoto Machida and Anderson “Spider” Silva. In 2016, he co-authored Go Ask Your Dad, an inspirational book about fatherhood which debuted on the Amazon best sellers list:
Bill teaches martial arts at the same school his father established in 1969 (Allegheny Shotokan). He is part of a growing Pittsburgh karate legacy that that now includes his daughter, Gabriella Capri Viola and son Wiliam Viola IV.
In 2016 he released the Amazon best selling book, “Go Ask Your Dad.”
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More Info:
Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp. Kumite Clasic owns and operates Allegheny “Viola” Shotokan Karate established in 1969 by his father (Bill Viola Sr., the co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts).
In 2016 Pittsburgh Magazine named Viola Jr. as one of the “40 Under 40” most influential people in the city.
He is the creative force behind the highly acclaimed Sensei Says ® life skills curriculum.
Viola was featured in the 2017 release of “Who’s Who in the Martial Arts.” The book honored Viola with a Lifetime Achievement and Legends in American Martial Arts status.
His Hollywood experience gave him an astute knowledge of event production that influenced him to create his own production company, Kumite Classic Entertainment Corp in 1999. The company produces the annual Kumite Classic and launched the Fitness And Sports Tour (FAST Expo) and Pittsburgh Fitness Expo. Viola’s professional experience has earned him international recognition within the fitness industry. He has recruited and worked with professional athletes (NFL & MLB) from across the world including Olympic Champions.
The Kumite Classic is one of the most diverse martial arts and fitness expos in the United States. The annual show based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is typically held over Memorial Day Weekend. The event hosts a full scale consumer expo surrounded by multiple championships and competitions that run simultaneously including sports such as; sport karate, natural bodybuilding, power lifting, strongman, Olympic weight lifting, dance, cheer, arm wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, physical fitness challenges etc. The event also hosts concerts, talent showcases, model pageants, bikini pageants, and fitness pageants. The high energy atmosphere has created a unique fan base of sports and fitness enthusiasts.
In 2012 Viola teamed up with UFC and MMA legend Royce Gracie to promote a series of seminars with the Kumite Classic.
Viola partnered with former Mr. World Dave Hawk and Olympic Champion and Professional Wrestler Kurt Angle to host the Ultimate Teen Challenge in Pittsburgh, May 2005. The event has become an annual feature at the Kumite Classic.
On May 30th 2010 Bill Viola Sr. resurrected CV Productions Inc. and promoted “Caged Kumite,” a pro-am mixed martial arts show at the Kumite Classic. The event commemorated the thirty-year anniversary of mixed martial arts in Pittsburgh.
On May 28th 2011 Bill Viola partnered with former NFL Professional player Franco Harris to host The World Teen Football Combine. Jeannette High School standout Demetrious Cox, a former karate student of Viola, won the first annual competition.
Martial Arts:
Bill Viola was introduced to the art of Shotokan Karate by his father William Viola, founder of Allegheny Shotokan Karate. His lessons began as early as two-and-half years old (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 1993 Overall Sport Karate International Champion. He went on to be the most successful sport karate champion in Pennsylvania Karate Rating Association history winning an unprecedented 8-consecutive black belt overall state titles (1992-1999). As an open and traditional competitor Viola excelled on multiple circuits including NBL, NASKA, AAU, and USAKF. He competed across North America as a member of X-Caliber and Metro All-Star national travel teams.
He was recognized as a multiple USA Karate All-American Athlete and National Champion. Viola was the only adult black belt triple gold medalist (Kata, -65 Kilo Kumite, Kobudo) at the 1997 USAKF National Championships in Akron, Ohio. read more
In 1998 he was recognized by Arnold Schwarzenegger as a World Champion at The Arnold Classic, Columbus, Oh.
Stunt Work & Professional Shows
Viola has served as a stunt actor and choreographer including performances for Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon Movies, US Steel, Police Athletic League, Eckert Seamans Law Firm, and the University of Pittsburgh. Over the years Viola has participated as a spokesperson for national campaigns including, Say No to Drugs, a tour took Viola coast to coast from Los Angeles to New York. -Pictured left, Bill Viola congratulated by Arnold Schwarzenegger for winning the Arnold Classic -1998
Brief Accomplishments:
Viola has won numerous national and international titles and was inducted into National Black Belt League Hall of Fame in 2003 (Houston, Texas). He was also inducted into the National Federation of Martial Arts Hall of Fame, Kumite International Hall of Fame, and the Pennsylvania Karate Rating Association Hall of Fame. In 2004 he was honored at The Sport Karate Living Legends Banquet with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Lynchburg, Va. Viola was recognized at the 35th Annual Willie Stargell Memorial banquet on December 16th 2010. He received the “Pittsburgh M.V.P.” award for his work within the fitness and Martial Arts industry.
Competition Retirement
In the summer of 1999, Viola was involved in an automobile accident on US Route 30 in North Huntingdon, PA. He was unable to compete at the USA Karate nationals and announced his retirement. He sustained a serious cervical neck fracture injury from the car crash that effectively ended his competitive karate career (1981-1999). –Tribune Review Westmoreland Sports August 15, 1999 page 6.
Kumite International
In 2000, Viola partnered with the Western PA Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Lawfirm to establish Kumite International college scholarships for competitive martial artists. May 8th 2004 Viola and former NFL Professional Lynn Swann (Chairman, President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports: June 20, 2002 – July 30, 2005) honored scholarship recipients at the Kumite Classic. In 2002 Team Kumite was founded, and have earned the only NBL World Titles in the Pittsburgh region since its inception. NBL World Champion alumni include; Alison Viola, Terrence Tubio, Nicole Sullivan, Jose Rivera, and Dominic Leader. Kumite International was awarded the “Image Award” at the 2005 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. The ceremony was covered by Black Belt TV.
Fitness And Sports Training
In 1995 Viola began teaching sports endurance and cardio classes. In 2004 Viola expanded his personal training and established “Fitness And Sports Training” (The FAST Class). The conditioning and sports performance classes focused on improved speed, agility and strength for competitive sports teams in the Pittsburgh region.
Consulting
Viola has served as a consultant for martial arts documentaries and coordinator for International martial arts events across North America including the Mexican Open and the NBL Supergrands World Games; (Jacksonville, Florida / Houston, Texas / Myrtle Beach, South Carolina).
Viola has served as a talent judge and promo coordinator for Sony Pictures Entertainment. He acted as a consultant for the motion picture Warrior, a mixed martial arts movie filmed in Pittsburgh (released September, 2011 by Lionsgate). Viola teamed up with longtime associate Jim Cvetic (Western PA Police Athletic League) to help organize major scenes for the production.
Hollywood
Bill Viola (member of SAG/AFTRA) has made numerous television, film, and radio appearances on networks such as MTV, NBC, CBS, ABC, FOX, UPN, WB, USA, Blackbelt TV and ESPN.
In 2000, Viola won Sisqo’s Shakedown, MTV’s most popular program at the time. Singer-choreographer Pink selected him as the most dynamic performer on the show. He has also made appearances in national commercials for companies such as 7-Eleven and built an impressive portfolio as a fashion and commercial print model, featured on MTV’s Hitched or Ditched (Big Bear, California) working along side Jennifer Lopez, Mandy Moore and Carson Daly.
Viola has worked as a freelance talent scout and entertainment entrepreneur. He has mentored top martial arts performers, helping them gain exposure within the entertainment industry. Viola helped launch the modeling career of Nick Bateman at the Model Universe competition in Miami, Florida. Bateman was discovered by fashion Icon Calvin Klein at the event.
Viola has extensive experience within the entertainment industry, working behind the scenes of major Hollywood productions. He has worked on location for big budget music videos sharing the set with musical artists such as the Def Tones, Britney Spears, and The Black Eyed Peas. The experience influenced the creation of The Kumite Classic concept.
- Twitter: @kumiteclassic
- Facebook: Bill Viola Jr.
- Website: Godfathers of MMA
- Wikipedia: Bill Viola Jr.
- IMDB: Bill Viola Jr.
- LinkedIn: Bill Viola Jr. –
Further reading on Bill Viola Jr:
| Date | Title | Author | Publication |
| 5/14/2019 | Two Pittsburgh Tough Guys Made MMA Safe for Everyone but Themselves | Bateman, Oliver | MEL Magazine |
| 5/1/2019 | Readers Choice | Rocco, Jessica | Tribune-Review |
| 2/1/2019 | Action Athlete: North Huntingdon kickboxing kid brings home the gold | Junker, Guy | WTAE |
| 11/29/2018 | A Lifelong Journey | Peirce, Paul | Norwin Star (front page) |
| 11/11/2018 | North Huntingdon 9-year-old claims international kickboxing title | Huba, Stephen | Pittsburgh Tribune-review |
| 11/9/2018 | North Huntingdon youth claims kickboxing gold medal at Pan American championships | Kadilak, Karen | Trib Live |
| 10/27/2018 | Viola Karate – Building Champions in Life | Williams, Clem | Pittsburgh Tribune-review |
| 10/25/2018 | When Rehab Goes Right | Lammie, Nancy | Guide to Good Health |
| 10/20/2018 | Kicking for a Cure | Tafe, Nicole | In Community |
| 10/8/2018 | North Huntingdon men still kicking as martial arts masters | Peirce, Paul | Pittsburgh Tribune-review |
| 10/6/2018 | Despite medial issues, extreme heat, 3rd annual PIND 5k a hit | Carr, Dillion | Trib Live |
| 9/4/2018 | Martial artists kick their way through research fundraiser | Pickels, Mary | Trib Live |
| 8/23/2018 | Boyce Park 5K event to raise funds for Parkinson’s research | Carr, Dillion | Pittsburgh Tribune-review |
| 8/7/2018 | Karate kid Gabby Viola kicks back | Pickels, Mary | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 7/20/2018 | Allegheny Shotokan students compete at US Open World championships | Hartlep, Bill | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 6/20/2018 | Dr. Freddie Fu Gives Karate Standout a Second Chance | Viola, Bill | UPMC |
| 6/6/2018 | The Early Years of MMA Were a ‘No-Holds-Barred Freakshow’ | Bateman, Oliver | MEL Magazine |
| 4/7/2018 | Norwin’s Russell shows no weakness | Dunlap, Shane | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 4/7/2018 | Whether it’s softball or karate, Norwin’s Russell shows no weakness | Beckner, Bill | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 3/14/2018 | Perserving Tough Guys Heritage | Holtschlag, Heather | In Community |
| 2/12/2018 | Karate School Helps Needy | Napsha, Joe | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 2/1/2018 | How to Organize a Successful Tournament | Borkland, Herb | MAIA |
| 12/23/2017 | Team Kumite earns international titles | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 11/30/2017 | Stepping Into The Ring: A Look At MMA’s Local Roots | Hacke, Matthew | Whirl Magazine |
| 11/11/2017 | Book and Film Chronicle Brownsville Native’s Creation of New Sport | Zuchowaki, Dave | Pennsylvania Bridges |
| 10/16/2017 | Tough Guys tops Amazon Charts as best seller MMA | Williams, Clem | Pittsburgh MMA |
| 10/11/2017 | Tough Guys’ book an inspiring read | Guth, Jonathan | Herald-Standard |
| 10/9/2017 | Mike Murray of Colliers remembers being one of the first ‘Tough Guys’ | North, Kim | Weirton Daily Times |
| 10/8/2017 | Colliers man part of ‘Tough Guys’ movie | North, Kim | Times Leader |
| 10/4/2017 | Norwin student leads fundraising efforts to “Kick Parkinson’s Disease” | Staff | Trib Live |
| 10/1/2017 | Whos Who in the Martial Arts | Bowen, Jesse | ISBN-10: 1387161539 |
| 9/21/2017 | A Tough Guy Looks Back | Himler, Jeff | Trib-Norwin Star |
| 9/15/2017 | Tough Guys Showtime Network Debut Premiere | Staff | The Palace |
| 9/15/2017 | Showtime documentary proves Pittsburgh-area early mixed martial arts fighters were ‘Tough Guys’ | Sciullo, Maria | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 9/15/2017 | ‘Tough Guys’ documentary sheds welcome light on forgotten MMA tourney that pre-dates UFC 1 | Chiappetta, Mike | MMAFighting.com |
| 9/15/2017 | Tough Guys – Amazon | Viola, Bill | KCE Press |
| 9/15/2017 | Two locals were instrumental in first MMA event | Guth, Jonathan | Herald-Standard |
| 9/14/2017 | Mixed martial arts pioneer gets TKO in Tough Guys 1980 opener | Himler, Jeff | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 9/14/2017 | Will Zullo, Henry Roosevelt, Craig DiBiase & Jamie Crowder On Their Film, “Tough Guys” | Yahoo Staff | Yahoo Entertainment |
| 9/13/2017 | Showtime’s ‘Tough Guys’ documentary explores MMA’s early roots | Stupp, Dann | MMA Junkie |
| 9/13/2017 | MMA’s roots right back to Western PA | staff | Burghline |
| 9/12/2017 | Tough Guys’ trace MMA’s roots right back to Western PA | Harrop, Joanne | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 9/11/2017 | Before UFC, It was all about Tough Guys | Viola, Bill | Pittsburgh MMA |
| 9/10/2017 | “Tough Guys” Explores Grassroots fighting Precursosr to MMA | Gables, Rick | TV Weekly Now |
| 9/8/2017 | New Showtime Doc Tough Guys Explores Origin of MMA | TV News Desk | Broadway World |
| 9/1/2017 | Tough Guys | Staff | Showtime |
| 8/29/2017 | Showtime to Air New ‘Tough Guys’ Documentary on Early Days of MMA | Golightly, Justin | BJPenn.com |
| 7/24/2017 | Team Kumite trio claims gold at North American Open | Karpen, Drew | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 7/17/2017 | WAKO North American Open | Corocan, John | MAIA |
| 7/8/2017 | Tough Guys’ documentary profiles local creators of MMA Viola, Caliguri | Whalen, William | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 7/2/2017 | Allegheny Shotokan named ‘top team’ at Kumite Classic | Staff | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 6/15/2017 | AFI Docs is your ticket to 3 world-premiere films | Kirby-Page, Kristen | Washington Post |
| 6/14/2017 | Morgan Spurlock producing MMA origins documentary Tough Guys | Brace, Samuel | Flickering Myth |
| 6/13/2017 | Morgan Spurlock to Exec Produce MMA Origins Documentary ‘Tough Guys’ (EXCLUSIVE) | Mcnary, Dave | Varitey |
| 6/13/2017 | Academy Award Nominated Morgan Spurlock Joins Academy Award Winner Ross Kauffman | New York (SPW) | SHOOT |
| 6/1/2017 | Wrong Place Wrong Time: The Real Birthplace of MMA | Stagliano, Matt | Skillset Magazine |
| 5/31/2017 | Photo Gallery: 18th annual Kumite Classic & Fitness Expo | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 5/24/2017 | Get pumped for annual Pittsburgh Fitness Expo | Trib Staff | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 5/12/2017 | AFI Doc Interviews: Tough Guys | AFI | American Film Institute |
| 5/12/2017 | AFI Docs Line Up Includes ‘Atomic Homefront,’ ‘Saving Brinton,’ ‘Tough Guys’ Premieres | Johnson, Ted | Varitey |
| 5/5/2017 | Pittsburgh Today Live | KDKA Staff | KDKA |
| 10/19/2016 | 40 Under 40: 2016 | Roddy, Dennis | Pittsburgh Magazine |
| 8/24/2016 | Book Review: Godfathers of MMA | Guerry, Matthew | Whirl Magazine |
| 7/9/2016 | Outstanding Performance | Staff | Trib-Norwin Star |
| 6/27/2016 | How Would Reebok Have Done As A Sponsor of MMA Between 1979-1983? | Madden, Dave | MMA Wreckage |
| 6/15/2016 | Alumni News | Staff | University of Pittsburgh |
| 5/12/2016 | Pittsburgh-The Birthplace of Mixed Martial Arts Matches | Staff | Popular Pittsburgh |
| 5/6/2016 | Documentary to feature Milton’s Mixed Martial Arts forefather | Little, Aaron | Santa Rosa Press Gazeette |
| 5/1/2016 | An ‘Exponential’ Love of Fitness | Holtschlag, Heather | In Community |
| 5/1/2016 | The Evolution of Karate: 2020 Olympics | Viola, Bill | Sport Karate Illustrated |
| 2/25/2016 | Martial Art of the Month: MMA | Bulger, Jake | Kung-Fu Kingdom |
| 2/24/2016 | From the First Days in Pittsburgh, MMA has Become the Fastest Growing Sport | Pro MMA Staff | Pro MMA Now |
| 2/19/2016 | From Pittsburgh roots, MMA, UFC have grown to staggering heights | Bloom, Elizabeth | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 2/14/2016 | Jacquet Bazemore / Top kickboxer, sparring partner for Muhammad Ali | Ove, Torsten | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 2/14/2016 | RIP Jacquet Bazemore | Viola, Bill | MMAhistory.org |
| 1/14/2016 | SFLC PODCAST EPISODE 89: BILL VIOLA SR., BILL VIOLA JR. & SERENA DEJESUS | Kowal, Eric | MY MMA News |
| 1/1/2016 | Ali vs Inoki – The Forgotten Fight that Inspired MMA | Gross, Josh | BenBella Books |
| 9/15/2015 | Tough Man Contest Mike Murray Dave Jones | Staff | Steel Nation Magazine |
| 9/13/2015 | Before MMA, Tough Guys wowed fans in A-K Valley, throughout state | Steele, Jerin | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 7/30/2015 | Dana Double Day | Viola, Bill | MMAhistory.org |
| 7/11/2015 | Mixed Martial Arts come to Meadows | Mathurin, Desiree | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 7/9/2015 | Outstanding Team | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 6/25/2015 | Godfathers of MMA | Viola, Bill | Amazon |
| 6/25/2015 | Godfather of MMA – Amazon | Viola, Bill | Amazon |
| 5/19/2015 | Pittsburgh Fitness Expo returning to Monroeville | Love, Mike | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 4/14/2015 | Godfathers of MMA – Birth of an American Sport | Etheridge, Pagie | Osu Magazine |
| 3/17/2015 | Family Traditions | Jones, Rachel | Whirl Magazine |
| 3/1/2015 | Lord of the Ring – World Champion Ali Viola | Q & A | Sport Karate Illustrated |
| 2/12/2015 | Karate kids: Viola family keeps kicking at World Games | Zuchowski, Dave | Pittburgh Post-Gazette |
| 2/10/2015 | Law student succeeds at Sport Karate World Games | Cardone, Jenn | Duquesne Duke |
| 2/9/2015 | For family, martial arts ‘in the DNA’ | Pickels, Mary | Trib Live |
| 2/8/2015 | Duquesne University law student adds world martial arts titles to resume | Pickels, Mary | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 1/30/2015 | Big Muscle in Steel City | Hawk, Dave | Muscle & Body |
| 1/14/2015 | Penn-Trafford sophomore World Karate Tournament | Smith, Nathan | Trib Live |
| 5/1/2014 | 15th Annual Pittsburgh Fitness Expo | Staff | Western PA Guide to Good Health |
| 1/22/2014 | Mt. Pleasant author helps examine mixed martial arts | Panian, A.J. | Mount Plesant Journal |
| 1/16/2014 | Team Kumite has ‘unprecedented’ success | Gulasy, Doug | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 11/7/2013 | Godfather’s Of MMA | Staff | Strength Figther |
| 11/1/2013 | MMA’s Forgotten Forefathers | Cartey, Richard | Fighters Only Magazine |
| 9/13/2013 | CHAMPIONS GATHER | Neal, Bill | PGH Courier |
| 7/10/2013 | Martial arts workout touted as packing a punch | Gulasy, Doug | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 5/22/2013 | Kumite Classic Kicks it up a Notch | Schrecengost, Dave | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 4/20/2013 | Former Steelers wide receiver Ward honors local high school athletes | Price, Karen | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 1/25/2013 | Leader earns top karate honor | Adamski, Chris | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 10/24/2012 | The Martial Chronicles: Before Fighting Was Ultimate It Was Super | Nash, John | SB Nation |
| 10/1/2012 | Hines Ward Show | Ward, Hines | WPXI |
| 8/23/2012 | Battle of Superfighters (Tough Guys the Real Beginings of MMA in America | Cartey, Richard | Fighters Only |
| 5/30/2012 | Fitness and martial-arts enthusiasts pack Convention Center for Kumite Classic | Love, Michael | Trib Live |
| 5/29/2012 | 2012 Kumite Classic with Antonio Brown | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 5/23/2012 | The Martial Chronicles: Before Fighting Was Ultimate It Was Super | Nash, John | Bloody Elbow |
| 5/9/2012 | Norwin’s Leader, Kemp pull down Positive Athlete Awards | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 4/29/2012 | Norwin junior seeks karate championship | Harvath, Les | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 4/21/2012 | 26 Honored At Western Pa. Positive Athlete Awards | KDKA Staff | KDKA |
| 3/1/2012 | 2012 Positive Athletes | Ward, Hines | Positive Athlete |
| 1/1/2012 | Exhibit Must-Sees | Madarasz, Ann | Western PA Sports Museum |
| 12/20/2011 | Pioneers of MMA | Madarasz, Ann | Heinz History Center |
| 12/5/2011 | Viola Honored for role with early MMA | Grubba, Matt | Trib Live |
| 12/1/2011 | Pittsburgh MVP | Staff | Champions Association |
| 10/1/2011 | Tough Guys | Madarasz, Ann | Western Pennsylvania History: Fall 2011, 8-9 |
| 10/1/2011 | New Sports Museum Display Explores Local Roots of Mixed Martial Arts | Madarasz, Ann | Senator John Heinz History Center Newsletter |
| 10/1/2011 | Local karate students compete in Ohio | Trib staff | Norwin Star |
| 7/4/2011 | Viola Honored As Mixed Martial Arts Innovator | Santa, John | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 6/24/2011 | MMA roots were planted in New Kensington | Werner, Sam | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 6/23/2011 | Caliguri and Viola history honored | Kogut, Paul | Trib Live |
| 6/22/2011 | UFC makes long-waited Pittsburgh debut | Stefano, Dan | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 1/14/2011 | Norwin junior claims a sport karate world title | Trib Staff | Trib Live |
| 1/6/2011 | Karate coach Bill Viola recognized by peers | Hartlep, Bill | Trib Live |
| 12/29/2010 | Christmas Kumite | Trib Staff | Norwin Star |
| 8/24/2010 | The Zuffa Myth and UFC auteur theory | Rossen, Jake | ESPN |
| 5/27/2010 | MMA Trailblazers to be honored at Caged Kumite | Hartlep, Bill | Trib-Norwin Star |
| 5/25/2009 | Kumite Karate Klassic celebrates 10 years | Neal, Bill | New Pittsburgh Courier |
| 3/26/2009 | Viola’s Bring MMA Back to Pittsburgh | Hartlep, Bill | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 1/15/2009 | Illness doesn’t deter karate champion | Dudurich, Mike | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 12/26/2007 | 1997 Sports Champions | NGB Reports | Slam sports |
| 5/15/2007 | Festival puts emphasis on physical fitness | Kelly, Jack | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 5/25/2005 | North Huntingdon Twp. Promoter heads Pittsburgh Sports and Fitness Festival | Cloonan, Patrick | Daily News |
| 6/13/2002 | Karate instructor passionate about foundation | Dopirak, Dustin | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 7/22/2001 | Viola poised to provide karate scholarships to youth | Hunger, Brian | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 11/4/2000 | North Huntingdon Township man hopes to hit it big in Tinsel Town | Wertz, Marjorie | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 11/1/2000 | Former Karate Champion Makes Transition to Music Video | Schofield, Melissa | Pittburgh Post-Gazette |
| 8/15/1999 | Karate duo’s dreams crash before nationals | Iovino, Jim | Pittsburgh Tribune-Review |
| 8/9/1999 | U.S. Karate Team Caputres Gold in Kumite | Staff | USOC Press |
| 3/4/1998 | Fivesome May Kick its Way to Title | MacGregor, Adam | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 2/23/1997 | Schwarzenegger Selects Irwin Karate School for Festival | Robertson, Scott | Pittsburgh Post-Gazette |
| 4/1/1993 | Laurel State Champions | Staff | Standard Observer |
| 5/5/1987 | Norwin’s Karate Kid is Making Mark in World | Haky, Mike | Daily News |
| 4/9/1987 | Norwin Student Gets a Kick from Karate | Ove, Torsten | Pittsburgh Press |
| 4/5/1987 | Karate Kid Alive and Well in North Huntingdon | Junker, Guy | WTAE |
| 6/13/1980 | No Holds Barred as Super Brawlers Take Over the Civice Center | Blinebury, Fran | Philadelphia Journal |
| 6/13/1980 | It was a Super Idea | Blinebury, Fran | Philadelphia Journal |
| 6/13/1980 | Turnabout Has a Ring to It | Philadelphia Daily News | |
| 4/23/1980 | Battle of the Brawlers | Durian, Dave | KDKA |
| 4/8/1980 | Tough Guys: When they get into the Ring, Almost Anything Goes | Butler, Ann | Pittsburgh Press |
