ICO International Combat Organization World Champions
Viola Karate Dominates the ICO World Championships in Wales
Pittsburgh’s Premier Dojo Continues Its Global Legacy of Excellence
Swansea, Wales — October 15–19, 2025 — The Allegheny Shotokan Viola Karate Dojo, based in North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, has once again proven why it is regarded as one of the most accomplished martial arts programs in the world. Competing at the International Combat Organization (ICO) World Championships, Team USA athletes representing Viola Karate delivered one of the most commanding performances in tournament history.
More than 20 nations sent their best fighters, but it was the Pittsburgh-born team that stole the spotlight—earning world titles, Grand Champion awards, and establishing themselves as the most decorated American team at the event.
🥋 Historic Results for Team USA – Powered by Viola Karate
Led by Sensei Bill Viola Jr., the dojo produced medalists across every major discipline of kickboxing, including point fighting, continuous sparring, forms/kata, and weapons. Their performance was nothing short of extraordinary:
🏅 Medal Count Highlights
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Gabriella “Gabby” Viola: 9 Gold • 3 Silver • 2 Bronze — Overall Fighting Grand Champion & Most Decorated Athlete of the World Championships
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Cameron Klos: 8 Gold • 1 Bronze
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Xander Eddy: 8 Gold — Overall Fighting Grand Champion (Division)
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Carter Griffith: 6 Gold — Overall Kata Grand Champion
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Will Viola: 1 Gold • 1 Silver — Youngest medalist from Team USA
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Riley Evans: Bronze
The team’s collective success placed Western Pennsylvania firmly on the global martial arts map and showcased decades of technical mastery rooted in the Viola family tradition.
🌍 A Legacy More Than 50 Years in the Making
Founded in 1969 by martial arts pioneer Grandmaster Bill Viola Sr., Allegheny Shotokan has produced generations of champions, coaches, and leaders. The dojo’s unique blend of Shotokan karate, modern competition training, and character-building philosophy continues to shape national-caliber athletes.
Under Sensei Bill Viola Jr.’s leadership, the dojo has evolved into a powerhouse program aligned with Team USA, the U.S. Army Fight Team, and major Olympic-pathway organizations.
🇺🇸 Inspiring the Next Generation of American Martial Artists
The success in Wales is more than a medal count—it’s a testament to the dojo’s culture:
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Discipline over talent
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Courage over comfort
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Perseverance over perfection
These athletes trained year-round, balancing school, work, and family commitments to perform on the biggest stage of their lives. Their achievements inspire young martial artists across Pittsburgh and the entire United States.
🏆 What’s Next for Team Viola?
With eyes already set on future international events—including the ICO 4 Nations Series, WAKO USA competition circuit, and the 2026 World Championships in Abu Dhabi—Viola Karate continues to raise the bar for American martial arts excellence.
The future is bright for this Pittsburgh powerhouse.
🔥 About Allegheny Shotokan – Viola Karate
Allegheny Shotokan is the region’s longest-running martial arts school, home to national and international champions, bestselling authors, and leaders in the global martial arts community. With programs for children, teens, and adults, Viola Karate is the gold standard for martial-arts education in Western Pennsylvania.
