Team Kumite Community Service & Outreach
Team Kumite is more than a world-class martial arts team — it is a community-driven organization committed to service, charity, volunteerism, and giving back across Western Pennsylvania. For more than two decades, the team and its families have supported initiatives that benefit local heroes, children, medical research, and families in need. Since 1969, the Viola Karate Dojo has taken great pride to give back through community service.
Team Kumite’s major community-service pillars:
🎓 1. Scholarships & Martial Arts Education Support
Through Kumite International, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by the Viola family in collaboration with Western PA Police Athletic League and Eckert Seamans Law Firm, Team Kumite has helped provide over $50,000 in scholarship and educational support to young martial artists — historically the fist college scholarships based on competitive karate league.
Key initiatives include:
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Annual college scholarship awards recognizing academic excellence, leadership, volunteerism, and dojo service.
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Tournament-based scholarships awarded to national point champions to help offset training, travel, and educational costs.
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Support for students pursuing future roles as instructors, coaches, and leaders.
Team Kumite’s mission is to create opportunities for young martial artists to succeed both inside and outside the dojo.
🧠 2. PIND 5K & “Kick-a-Thon” — Fighting Parkinson’s
Team Kumite created the first “mobile” kick-a-thon in support of the Pittsburgh Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (PIND) through its participation in the annual PIND 5K Run/Walk and Kick-a-thon.
Students and families walk, run, or “kick” for a full mile to raise funds for research into:
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Parkinson’s Disease
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ALS
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Alzheimer’s
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Other neurodegenerative disorders
This initiative is deeply personal to the dojo, and over the years Team Kumite has helped raise over $20,000 thousands of dollars to support PIND’s research mission.
💜 3. Gabby Viola — Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Advocate & Champion of the Cause
Gabriella “Gabby” Viola is not only a decorated martial artist — she is also a proud advocate for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation and a champion for youth battling inflammatory bowel diseases.
Diagnosed young with a severe form of IBD, Gabby has:
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Undergone advanced treatments and infusions
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Continued to train and compete on the world stage
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Shared her story to raise awareness for pediatric IBD
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Become a voice of strength for other children facing chronic illness
Her advocacy inspires students throughout the dojo and broader community, spotlighting the struggles of invisible illnesses and promoting resilience, hope, and perseverance.
Gabby’s impact extends beyond martial arts — she represents courage and leadership for the entire Crohn’s & Colitis community. Our efforts include meetings with Senators and Congressman to lobby for IBD funding and research.
🚓 4. First-Responder Appreciation — Holiday Cookie Deliveries
Each holiday season, Team Kumite families prepare and hand-deliver homemade cookies, treats, and thank-you cards to:
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Local police departments
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Fire stations
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EMS responders
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911 dispatch centers
This annual tradition is a heartfelt way to honor and thank first responders for their service and sacrifice.
🎁 5. Toys for Tots — Supporting Local Families
The dojo participates yearly in the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program, organizing a month-long drive that gathers:
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New toys
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Books
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Games
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Gift cards
With help from Team Kumite students and families, hundreds of items are collected and distributed to children across Western Pennsylvania.
🛒 6. Western PA PAL “Stuff-A-Store” Program
Team Kumite also supports the Western PA Police Athletic League (PAL) through its holiday Stuff-A-Store project.
The team helps provide:
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Toys
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Clothing
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Essentials for underserved families
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Volunteers to assist with packing and distribution
PAL transforms these donations into a free holiday “shopping experience” for families who need support the most — and Team Kumite plays a key role in making that possible.
🛒 7. Muscular Dystrophy MDA Telethon
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MDA is a U.S. nonprofit dedicated to supporting people affected by muscular dystrophy, ALS, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and related neuromuscular disease
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The dojo has appeared on KDKA for the Official Jerry Lewis Telethon presenting donations over $20,000
- Team appeared with Pittsburgh Legend and Wresting Super Star Bruno Sammartino
The Bigger Purpose is providing a blueprint for our team members to be a “Black Belt in Life” ®
Team Kumite embodies the belief that martial arts is not only about winning titles — it’s about building leaders with compassion, character, and gratitude.
From scholarships to charity races, from IBD advocacy to holiday giving, the team serves Western Pennsylvania with pride and purpose.
