- Name: Aidan Fay
- date of birth: 01/28/2014
- Date you started karate: November 2019
- Why you joined karate: I was getting bullied on the bus in Kindergarten .
- Date joined Team Kumite: June 2020
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected graduation Year/Class of:2032
- Who inspires you? Xander Eddy, Cam Klos
- What motivates you? Getting a little bit better everyday.
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Life’s been good so far!
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Karate Teacher
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Winning 1st place Team Kata Columbus OH (beating black belts)
- Toughest thing about karate: Sparring
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Weapons
- Favorite karate technique: Jumping Side Kick
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: A. Martinez
- Other sports or activities you play: Baseball, Golf
- Favorite Karate tournament: Summer Shia
- Future goals in karate: Getting my black belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Playing with my friends
- Major Tournament Wins: PKC Nationals, Summer Shiai, King Cobra, PKRA New Ken, Empire
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Hall of Fame (The Script)
- What would you do with a million dollars? IDK
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? Gross
Team Kumite
ROSTER
-
Aidan Fay
組手 Member Since 2020
-
Aiden Johnson
組手 Member Since 2022
-
Alexa Daly
組手 Member Since 2017
-
Audrina Cycak
-
Austin Haldek
-
Becca Nowalk
-
Bella Guardado
-
Brayden Penska
組手 Member Since 2022
-
Cameron Johnson
-
Cameron Klos
組手 Member Since 2008
-
Carter Crawford
-
Carter Griffith
組手 Member Since 2022
-
Daniel Barrett
-
Dax Carothers
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Diesel Kurkowski
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Dryce Davis
組手 Member Since 2021
-
Ella Cycak
-
Gabby Viola
組手 Member Since 2014
-
Gary Klos
組手 Member Since 2008
-
Gavin Shiner
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Haley Arbore
組手 Member Since 2022
-
Henry Dorn
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Jericho Brittingham
-
Josiah Parry
-
Kaelah Clement
-
Katelyn Regina
-
Katie Nowalk
-
Kenny Rugh
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Liam McConnell
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Lucy Lokay
-
Luke Lokay
-
Madison Bochicchio
-
Matt Nowalk
-
Max Crawford
-
Max Jurkiewicz
組手 Member Since 2020
-
Nicole Scherff
-
Noelle KRAVETZ
-
Remington Whatule
組手 Member Since 2020
-
Riley Evans
組手 Member Since 2015
-
River Pendergrass
組手 Member Since 2011
-
Rocky Whatule
組手 Member Since 1999
-
Sammy Pietrzyk
-
Sensei Bill Viola Jr.
組手 Member Since 1999
-
Sofia Stingi
組手 Member Since 2023
-
Will Viola
組手 Member Since 2022
-
Xander Eddy
Member
組手 Member Since
-
Zoey Bostard
組手 Member Since 2017
Aidan Fay
🏆 TITLES
Aiden Johnson
Aiden Johnson
- Nickname: AJ
- Date of birth: 2014
- Date you started karate: February 16, 2021
- Why you joined karate: To help me learn how to defend myself
- Date joined Team Kumite: February 22, 2022
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2032
- Who inspires you? Xander, Austin H, Cameron K, Sensei Bill
- What motivates you? To continuously improve and get world titles
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Fighting Xander, open-heart surgery, COVID, passing of my nana
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Black Belt job: police officer
- Most memorable karate moment so far: having a bloody nose at Christmas Kumite
- Toughest thing about karate: Groin kicks, fighting upper belts and the competition
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.): Kumite
- Favorite karate technique: Unsu jump
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Dominic (Decore), Cam, and Xander
- Other sports or activities you play: None
- Favorite Karate tournament: SMAC
- Future goals in karate: To be like Xander
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: VR games
- Major Tournament Wins: Summer Shiai Team Sparring for the rings and 1st place Kata. Qualified for Worlds in Detroit in continuous sparring
- Other Accomplishments: Good grades
- Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Pitt or Penn State etc. Do you have a favorite? And do you have a favorite player? Penguins. Crosby and Letang
- Favorite Sushi or Sushi is gross? Sushi is gross 🤢🤢🤢
- What would you do with a million dollars? Buy video games, Give money to homeless people. Give some to my family. And of course pay bills and taxes, Buy a Lambo and Tessla
🏆 TITLES
Alexa Daly
Alexa Daly
- Nickname: Lex
- Date of birth: 2008
- Date you started Karate: 8/3/15
- Date joined Team Kumite: 7/19/2017
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected Graduation Year: 2026
- Why you joined Karate: To be with my brother
- Who inspires you: my instructors and sanseis
- What motivates you: my teammates
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: pushing through my health issues
- What do you want to be when you grow up: a teacher
- Most memorable karate moment: competing with my teammates at nationals
- Toughest thing about Karate: the conditioning and training
- Fav part of Karate: teaching
- Fav karate technique: hook round
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Zoey
- Other sports or activities: violin/orchestra, girl scouts, school clubs ( fccla, global scholars, rising educators, big brothers’ big sisters )
- Fav Karate tournament: wkc nationals
- Future goals in karate: win a medal at wkc worlds
- Hobby/Passion outside karate: playing violin
- Major Tournament wins: 3rd place at wkc nationals
- Other Accomplishments: playing in the PMEA youth orchestra
🏆 TITLES
Audrina Cycak
Austin Haldek
Becca Nowalk
Bella Guardado
Brayden Penska
- Nickname: Hawk
- Date of birth: 2014
- Date you started karate:
- Why you joined karate: for fun and to become a black belt
- Date joined Team Kumite: 3/30/2022
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2033
- Who inspires you? Xander to make
- Me better at karate
- What motivates you? I want to win a World Title
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: I was afraid to get him when I initially joined the team
- What do you want to be when you grow up? A singer
- Most memorable karate moment so far: when I got my
- First trophy at March Maddness
- Toughest thing about karate: continuous sparring to join the team
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Kumite
- Favorite karate technique: blitzing
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Boy from Decore
- Other sports or activities you play: Flag football
- Favorite Karate tournament: Summer Shiai
- Future goals in karate: to be a black belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: football
- Major Tournament Wins: multiple
- Placements in local tournaments for sparring
- Other Accomplishments: Principal’s Award, 1st place at the science fair
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Sold Out by Hardy
- What would you do with a million dollars? Buy a lambo
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? Never tried it
Cameron Johnson
Cameron Klos
- Nickname: Cam
- Date Started Karate: August 8th 2005 (Maybe, the week after I turned 4)
- Why I joined karate: Because my parents wanted me to do some sort of sport and my dad did Aikido
- Date Joined Team Kumite: No clue, I was a blue belt though… August 23rd, 2008
- School District: Norwin School District followed by Saint Vincent College
- Graduated in 2019 from Highschool and 2023 from college
- Who Inspires me: My kata Coach Ariel Torres. Sure he’s an Olympian but I knew him and looked up to him 3 years before that. His dedication and passion for martial arts inspires me.
- What Motivates you: I want to be that person that everyone in. my division know and thinks “Oh Crap, Cam is here.” Like to be so good that I consistently dominate every time and be so undeniably good that the judges cannot not score me lower than first place.
- Any Obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Covid was rough. Not being able to go to the dojo and go to tournaments and see all these lifelong friends I made. Plus I couldn’t do what I love until I found a way to do it at home.
- What do you want to be when you grow up: Initially I wanted to be an astronaut, then an engineer, then something with Cybersecurity. Now I’m working with AJ doing construction.
- Most Memorable karate moment so far: Honestly, there are a few. Right now its beating Joey Castro at Diamonds last year. Winning my first WKC Gold Medal. Competing in my First Series A Event this past April
- Toughest Thing about karate: I think the toughest thing about karate is not getting your black belt, but is actually continuing on, learning, training, etc. after getting your black belt
- Favorite part about karate: Kata. Outside of that, the people you meet and bonds you create.
- Favorite Karate Technique: In fighting, the lead backfist
- Toughest Opponent you’ve faced: Bailey Murphy at KTOC when I was a junior
- Other Sports or Activities: Used to play Baseball and Basketball.
- Favorite Karate Tournament: That’s hard. Top 3, Kumite Classic, Supergrands and Battle of Atlanta
- Future Karate Goals: To get the opportunity to compete in a Premier League
- Hobby/Passion outside of Martial Arts: Lifting Weights
- Major Tournament Wins: Kata at Diamonds 2022, PanAmerican Internationals Forms Grands 2022, WKC Worlds 2021, Pan-American Internationals Fighting Grands 2019, KTOC Adidas Challenge 2022
- Other Accomplishments: Senate Honors Award, House of Reps Achievements, Westmoreland County Commissioners Award. Computer Science Honors Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society
- Favorite Sushi would definitely be the Ninja Roll from Disney Springs
Carter Crawford
Carter Griffith
- Nickname: Mini Xander
- Date of birth: 2012
- Date you started karate: September 2017
- Why you joined karate: something to try, and ended up loving it
- Date joined Team Kumite: September 2022
- School District you attend: Penn Trafford
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2030
- Who inspires you? Xander & Cameron
- What motivates you? urger to learn something new
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Pandemic/COVID
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Sensei with my own dojo
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Hide & Seek @ away karate tournaments
- Toughest thing about karate: conditioning
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.): Kumite
- Favorite karate technique: roundhouse kick
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: TBA
- Other sports or activities you play: Karate and more karate
- Favorite Karate tournament: Classic Cup
- Future goals in karate: World Champion
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: reading
- Major Tournament Wins: Summer Shiai Sweep all 1st place.
- Other Accomplishments: Teaching younger students
- Favorite Sushi or Sushi is gross? Shrimp
- What would you do with a million dollars? Invest and buy a lot of karate gi
Skills
Daniel Barrett
Dax Carothers
Nickname: Daximus
Date of birth: 2016
Date you started karate: 1/2023
Why you joined karate: I love everything karate related and want to be a “real life” ninja and Power Ranger
Date joined Team Kumite: 9/2023
School District you attend: Norwin
Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2035
Who inspires you?
What motivates you? Love, respect, and fun
Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: I grew up as a foster child for over half of my life so far. I lived in different homes and finally found one I can call my own!
What do you want to be when you grow up? A scientist, artist, or black belt
Most memorable karate moment so far: Passing the test for my yellow belt
Toughest thing about karate: Learning the vocabulary
Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Everything! But I love practicing my Kata!
Favorite karate technique: Kicks
Toughest opponent you’ve faced:
Other sports or activities you play: T-ball
Favorite Karate tournament: Summer Shiai
Future goals in karate: Become a black belt!
Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Swimming, Arts/Crafts
Major Tournament Wins:
Other Accomplishments:
What would be your walk out/theme song? “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
What would you do with a million dollars? Help my foster parents have everything they want and have them adopt more kids.
Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? GROSS!
Diesel Kurkowski
Dryce Davis
Name: Dryce DavisNickname: Dingus 2Date of birth: 5/26/2010Date you started karate:1/8/2019Why you joined karate:I initially just wanted to try it out but then I discovered that I enjoyed itDate joined Team Kumite: October 2021School District you attendNorwinExpected graduation Year/Class of 2029Who inspires you?My family and my instructors and senseisWhat motivates you? Other competitors and my teammatesAny obstacles you’ve faced or overcome:Training during covidWhat do you want to be when you grow up? A financial advisor or a business ownerMost memorable karate moment so far:Making team USA and qualifying for worlds in continuous and point sparringToughest thing about karate:Memorizing all of the katasFavorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.)KumiteFavorite karate technique:Round house kick or side kickToughest opponent you’ve faced: I don’t knowOther sports or activities you play: I have played football, baseball, and basketball but now I only do karate and trackFavorite Karate tournament:WKC nationals or Capitol ClassicFuture goals in karate: Medaling at WKC worlds and continuing to win other world and national championshipsHobby/Passion outside martial arts: Going to camp, fishing and riding bikesMajor Tournament Wins:1st and 2nd places at WKC nationalsOther Accomplishments:Maintaining good grades and honor rollFun optional:Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Pitt or Penn State etc. Do you have a favorite? And do you have a favorite player? Penn stateFavorite Sushi or Sushi is gross?I don’t really have a favorite but I like volcano rollsWhat would you do with a million dollars?Save and invest part and spend a little bit
🏆 TITLES
Ella Cycak
Gabby Viola
- Nickname: Gabby
- Date of birth: August 2010
- Date you started karate: December 12,2012
- Why you joined karate: My whole family did it
- Date joined Team Kumite: august 2014
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2029
- Who inspires you? Sandra Sanchez
- What motivates you? Tournaments/new katas
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Covid
- What do you want to be when you grow up? A pediatric orthopedic doctor
- Most memorable karate moment so far: WKC and my black belt test
- Toughest thing about karate: my black belt test
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.): Kata
- Favorite karate technique: Axe Kick
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Kata: Xander Sparring: Naska fighters
- Other sports or activities you play: Piano/tumbling
- Favorite Karate tournament: Kumite classic
- Future goals in karate: second degree black belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: drawing, piano, tumbling
- Major Tournament Wins: 2021 WKC world champion in point fighting and 2018 Naska world champion, 10 grand champions
- Other Accomplishments: Honor roll
- Favorite Sushi or Sushi is gross? anything salmon
- What would you do with a million dollars? invest and travel
Team Kumite
Gabby has been a fixture at the largest events in sport karate and won titles in NASKA, WAKO, WKC, AAU, and USANKF. Gabby is a third generation Viola to earn her black belt and win national honors. She began her training at just two years old and has been a consistent champion since she debuted at the Kumite Classic. She is a member of Team USA, and defending Gold Medalist from the WKC Nationals Championships.
Gabby is an inspiration to her to other girls as she’s battling bowel disease. At 7-years-old, she was diagnosed with chronic inflammation and ulcerative colitis. While there is no cure for the condition, she is fighting for remission every day and proving that nothing can stop her karate dreams. She is currently treated with infusions at UPMC Children’s hospital.
When she’s not competing, she loves playing piano, tumbling, videography, and teaching her little brother karate.
Gabby’s Most recent achievements:
🏆 2024 WAKO World Championships: 🥉Bronze Medal Female Older Cadet -50kg. Budapest, Hungary 🇭🇺
🏆 2024 WKC Team USA Trials: 🥇🥇🥇🥇 Detroit, Michigan 🇺🇸
🏆 2024 WAKO Team USA Trials: 🥇 Orlando, Florida 🇺🇸
🏆 2023 WKC NATIONAL TITLES: 🥇🥇🥇🥇🥇 World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. Gold in the 12-year-old (-45kg) sparring, Classical Kata, Traditional Kata, and Team Forms. 🇺🇸
🏆 2022 WKC World Title: 🥈Killarney, Ireland 🇮🇪
🏆 POWER AWARD: Gabby Viola was nominated as “Competitor of the Year” by Point Fighter Live. The honor, dubbed as “Power Awards” was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America. After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote getter of the show. She was presented her award in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.
🏆 2021 WKC WORLD TITLE: 🥇 World Karate and Kickboxing Commission (WKC) hosted the 2021 World Championships November, 23rd -30th in Orlando, Florida. The weeklong event hosted the world’s best in WKC Tatami-style martial arts competition. Pittsburgh based Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo” member Gabby Viola won Gold in the 11-year-old (-40kg) sparring.
TITLES
Gary Klos
- Date of birth: 1971
- Date you started karate: 2006
- Why you joined karate: I previously practiced Aikido, then we had Cameron an he was doing Karate so I figured I would do it.
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Not sure yet 🙂
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Cameron winning Grands at WKC Worlds.
- Toughest thing about karate: Getting older and still being able to do everything as well as I used to.
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.). Kumite has always been my favorite but as I get older I appreciate and enjoy practicing kata.
- Favorite karate technique: Ridge hand to the body
- Other sports or activities you play: Basketball
- Favorite Karate tournament: Aside from Kumite Classic, SMAC
- Future goals in karate: Just keep learning
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Racing RC Cars
- What would you do with a million dollars? Quit working and host a martial arts tournament. Maybe buy a corvette.
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? – GROSS
Gavin Shiner
- Nickname: Shiner
- Date of birth: 2012
- Date you started karate: November 2018
- Why you joined karate: I wanted to be a black belt
- Date joined Team Kumite: 9/20/23
- School District you attend: Norwin School District
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2030
- Who inspires you? My Grandfathers
- What motivates you? Getting a trophy
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: I took my Green belt test on a broken big toe
- What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be a famous You Tuber
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Winning Grand Champion at the Christmas Kumite
- Toughest thing about karate: When you have to fight kids who are bigger than you
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Kata
- Favorite karate technique: Back Fist
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Someone from a different dojo at the Summer Shiai 2023
- Other sports or activities you play: Baseball, Golf, Flag Football
- Favorite Karate tournament: Christmas Kumite
- Future goals in karate: Black Belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: music, video gaming, reading, hanging out with friends
- Major Tournament Wins: Grand Champion Intermediate Forms Christmas Kumite 2021
- Other Accomplishments: Baseball tournament MVP, 2nd place WIU Knex Competition, 3rd place Geography Bowl representing Norwin School District
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Imagine Dragons – Thunder
- What would you do with a million dollars? Buy a mansion
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? I’ve never had it
Haley Arbore
- Name: Haley Arbore
- Nickname: Sakura/Hales
- Date of birth: 2001
- Date you started karate: originally sometime in 2004/2005; re-started in October 2018
- Why you joined karate: I wanted to improve my physical and mental health as well as learn how to defend myself.
- Date joined Team Kumite: 5/11/2022
- School District you attend: Graduate of University of Pittsburgh and Norwin High School (current PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine)
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: PhD- class of 2028ish; Undergraduate- class of 2023; High School- class of 2018.
- Who inspires you? Sakura Kokumai
- What motivates you? The pursuit of knowledge and constant self-improvement
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: mental health challenges
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Research Scientist
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Getting to coach younger team members
- Toughest thing about karate: Having to mentally overcome your physical limits
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Yes (I love all three!)
- Favorite karate technique: Axe kick
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: all of my teammates
- Other sports or activities you play: MMA/BJJ; I also play several musical instruments.
- Favorite Karate tournament: Christmas Kumite
- Future goals in karate: Earn my black belt; qualify for WKC Team USA
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Learning languages, traveling, crocheting
- Major Tournament Wins: winning 1st place as the only woman in my weapons division (PA Karate Championships 2022)
- Other Accomplishments: 2023 PKRA State Champion in Kata, Kumite, and Weapons
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Hells Bells by AC/DC
- What would you do with a million dollars? Pay off my student loan debt
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? Veggie sushi!
🏆 TITLES
Henry Dorn
Jericho Brittingham
Josiah Parry
Kaelah Clement
Katelyn Regina
Katie Nowalk
Kenny Rugh
- Nickname: Kenny
- Date of birth: 3/22/11
- Date you started karate: 8/9/21
- Why you joined karate: I wanted to try something new
- Date joined Team Kumite: 9/21/23
- School District you attend: Commonwealth Charter Academy
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2029
- Who inspires you? My Mom and Dad, Tombo, and Sensei Bill
- What motivates you? Learning and achieving new goals
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Trying something new like karate
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Not sure yet
- Most memorable karate moment so far: My first tournament
- Toughest thing about karate: push-ups
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Weapons and Kata
- Favorite karate technique: manji uke
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: Zander in class
- Other sports or activities you play: n/a
- Favorite Karate tournament: March Madness
- Future goals in karate: Earn my black belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Riding my bike
- Major Tournament Wins: 3rd place in weapons
- Other Accomplishments:
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Not afraid- Eminem
- What would you do with a million dollars? Invest most of it and spend some on an at home dojo
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? Sushi is gross
Liam McConnell
- DOB: 2013
- Date joined karate: Nov. 2020
- Why joined karate: self-defense
- Date joined Team Kumite: March 2023
- School: Norwin
- Grad class: 2031
- What motivates you: Sensei Bill
- Any obstacles: I was afraid to go to team tryouts in fear of getting beat, but it turned out to be a good experience
- What do you want to do when you grow up: Computer Software Engineer
- Most memorable karate moment: 2022 Summer Shiai
- Toughest thing about karate: fighter the higher ranks and memorizing kata
- Favorite part of karate: Wheel Days
- Future goals in karate: Black Belt
- Other activities: computers, gaming, clarinet
- Walkout song: Freebird
- What would you do with a million dollars: Give some to parents and buy game currency
- Favorite sushi: California rolls
Lucy Lokay
Luke Lokay
Madison Bochicchio
Max Crawford
Max Jurkiewicz
- Hammer (tombo gave it to him)
- 2012
- 05/16/2017
- Aaron G’s demonstration at Sheridan Terrace talent show.
- 02/12/2020
- Norwin
- 2031
- The Black Belts
- His competitors
- Broken bones
- A comedian
- Won both events in first tournament
- Conditioning
- Kumite
- Pump kick into blitz
- Danny (DeCore kid)
- Football, fishing
- Smac
- Obtain black belt; continue to higher degrees
- Church fishing football
- Smac, Christmas Kumite, back to back at Angelo’s
- Starting to place in kata now
- “All I do is win” DJ Khaled
- Buffalo Bills
- Stephon Diggs
- Buy a car, buy a house in Buffalo, invest the rest
Nicole Scherff
Noelle KRAVETZ
Riley Evans
Name: Riley Evans
Nickname: Ri, Riles, Bulldog
Date of Birth: 11/24
Date You Started Karate: September of 2012 (5 years old)
Why You joined Karate: I am a “small”, shy girl. My parents wanted me to learn martial arts so I could
defend myself if necessary as well as build my confidence.
Date Joined Karate team: I joined in 2015. (8 years old) I was so excited to join the team! I loved the
black sparring uniforms.
School District Attend: I attend a private school called Westmoreland Christian Academy. I live in the
Hempfield School District
Expected Graduation Year: I will graduate in 2026…Yay!!
Who Inspires You: A lot of people inspire me…all my sensei’s, my teammates, the kids I teach lessons to.
To me, I consider everyone my extended family.
Who motivates you: A lot of people motivate me especially my Sensei’s. But if I must pick one person it
would be Sensei Mark Lucotch. He has taught me private lessons since I started karate. He knows me so
well and puts up with a lot. Sensei Mark stood by me, told me the hard truth at times, he pushed me
when I needed pushed. If it wasn’t for Sensei Mark encouraging me, I wouldn’t have gotten my black
belt. Thank you, Sensei Mark!
Obstacles faced and overcome: My biggest obstacle is my size. It has affected me both in competing in
karate as well as making friends. Because I have always been so small, many people made fun of me,
and it has been hard to make and keep friends. With karate, as I’ve grown up from a 5-year-old to a 16-
year-old, many of the kids have grown much taller and I’ve stayed small. So, competing against girls
much bigger than me in sparring has been challenging. I continue to work on overcoming how my size
affects my self-esteem as well as my courage to fight girls bigger than me.
What do I want to be when I grow up: For years, I’ve wanted to be a family law judge to help kids like
me who need adopted into good homes. Now, I’m starting to think about becoming a cancer researcher.
Several family members have been affected by or died of cancer and I’d like to do my part to help cure
this horrible disease. I could end up somewhere completely different, but for now that’s where my heart
is.
Most memorable karate moment: There are so many memorable moments through the 11 years I’ve
been in karate. There are 2 that stand out for me. The first was the day I got my black belt. That test is
no joke, but I endured and made it through. I was never so proud of myself! The second one was
making onto the WKC USA Team 5 times. In 2022, we traveled to Killarney Ireland to complete on Team
USA. I won a silver and gold medal in my sparring divisions.
Toughest Thing about karate: The toughest thing about karate is keeping my confidence up and
knowing I have what it takes to be a winner. Oh, and did I mention that blackbelt test is no joke!!!
Favorite part of Karate: I used to love sparring when I was little. Sensei Bill would call me the Bull Dog.
But as I got older, I started to love kata. I love learning new kata’s and working to refine my technique.
Favorite Karate Technique: Hook Round Kick.
Future Goals in karate: I’m working towards my Nidan Dan. I’d also like to win a gold medal and become
a world champion.
Hobby/Passion outside of karate: I have many hobbies outside of karate. I love to draw and read in my
spare time. I’m learning to crochet and love to participate in my theater and youth groups.
Major Tournament Wins: I have won Grand Champion 2 years in a row at a Beaver Co. tournament. I
was so excited! I have won silver and bronze medals in every WKC World Championship I have competed
in. I’m still trying to win that Gold.
Other accomplishments: I earned my blackbelt at the age of 13 years old. I have qualified to compete
on the WKC World Championship-Team USA 6 times. 2018 (Niagra Falls, NY), 2019 (Orlanda, FL), 2021
(Orlando, Fl), 2022 (Killarney, Ireland), 2023 (Orlando FL). I also qualified in 2020, but the World
Championships were canceled due to COVID-I was so upset because they were going to be held in Spain.
I have won 2 Grand Championships, 2 years in a row at the same tournament. I couldn’t believe it!
What would be your walk out theme song? “Hail to the King” by Avenged Sevenfold. (The musical part
in the beginning )
Fun/Optional-Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Pitt or Penn State-Favorite? And do you have a favorite
player? I don’t have a favorite player, but I do like Pittsburgh Sports teams. Hail to Pitt!!!
What would I do with a million dollars? I would donate some to charity, I would help my family and I
would save money for school. (I’d also love to go back over to Europe and see the beautiful countries)
River Pendergrass
- Nickname: RivDog
- Date of birth: 2011
- Date you started karate: 8/26/2020
- Why you joined karate: I heard about Norwin Ninjas and wanted to do a trial lesson. After the first class, I was hooked.
- Date joined Team Kumite: 3/15/2023
- School District you attend: Norwin
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2030
- Who inspires you? My teammate, Xander
- What motivates you? Earning a black belt
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: Learning to be confident at tournaments
- What do you want to be when you grow up? A Video Game Developer
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Receiving my first 1st place in a tournament (Pittsburgh Karate Championships 2023)
- Toughest thing about karate: Competing in large divisions in kata
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.): Sparring
- Favorite karate technique: Back Fist
- Other sports or activities you play: Trombone, 5th/6th Grade Jazz Band
- Favorite Karate tournament: Summer Shiai
- Future goals in karate: joining Team USA
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: Band, gaming, traveling
- Major Tournament Wins: 2023 Summer Shiai (1st place Sparring, 1st place Tag Team Sparring, 2nd place Kata)
- What would be your walk out/theme song:
- Can’t Hold Us (1 minute 24 seconds to 1 minute 52 seconds)
- Fun optional:
- Pirates, Penguins, Steelers, Pitt or Penn State etc. Do you have a favorite? And do you have a favorite player? Most favorite would be the Penguins. Evgeni Malkin
- Favorite Sushi or Sushi is gross? Shrimp Tempura Roll
- What would you do with a million dollars? Buy a house and a car (Tahoe)… maybe start a business?
Rocky Whatule
Sammy Pietrzyk
Sensei Bill Viola Jr.
- Nickname: Kumite
- DOB: 1977
- Started karate: 1979
- Why joined karate: duh, haha.
- Who inspires you: Recently, David Goggins
- Who motivates you: my family
- Obstacles faced: Here is my story
- I’m doing what i wanted to do when I grew up
- Most memorable moment: Gabby getting her black belt
- Toughest thing about karate: kaizen
- Favorite part about karate: kaizen
- Favorite technique: Gyaku Zuki, Enkei
- Toughest Opponent: the mirror
- Other sports: I played basketball in middle school to emulate Michael Jordan… didn’t make it very far 🙂
- Favorite Karate tournament: the only one that matters… Kumite Classic lol
- Favorite karate wins: USAKF National Champ, All-American Athlete, Arnold Classic My first Grand Champion as a blue belt
- Future goals: write more books, develop an kaizen app, travel the world
- What would i do with a million dollars: invest and travel off the interest with my family
- Favorite Sushi: salmon!!
- Accomplishments: I have 3 federal trademarks and love the work that goes along with them: Sensei Says ®, CommonSensei ®, and Black Belt in Life ®. My book Godfathers of MMA was adapted to the SHOWTIME Film Tough Guys, and 20 years of running the largest martial arts and fitness event in Pittsburgh.
Sofia Stingi
- Nick Name: Stingray
- date of birth: 2014
- Date you started karate: 2/16/17
- Why you joined karate: my dad
- Date joined Team Kumite: 2023
- School District you attend: Queen of Angels
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2032
- Who inspires you? My family
- What motivates you? dad and mom
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: sparring, it was unknown
- What do you want to be when you grow up? police officer
- Most memorable karate moment so far: earning brown belt
- Toughest thing about karate: time commitment
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) sparring
- Favorite karate technique: round house kick
- Toughest opponent you’ve faced: the black belts
- Other sports or activities you play: soccer, grappling
- Favorite Karate tournament: Christmas Kumite
- Future goals in karate: earn black belt
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: soccer
- Major Tournament Wins: u9 soccer challenger cup champ / ran a marathon when i was 4
- What would be your walk out/theme song? Wake up – Rage Against the Machine
- Sushi is gross!
Will Viola
- Nickname: Willzi, Mini Sensei, CartWill
- Date of birth: 2017
- Date started Karate: 2018
- Why joined karate: my family
- School: Norwin / 2035
- Who inspires you? Papa Sensei
- What motivates you? Friends
- Obstacles: allergic to everything
- What do you want to be when you grow up: Dentist
- Most memorable moment: My first tournaments Summer Shiai/Christmas Kumite
- Toughest thing about karate: Weapons
- Favorite part of karate: KUMITE
- Favorite technique: 20-ft blitz, spin kick, and cartwheel
- Toughest opponent: tall people
- Other sports: Football, Wrestling
- Favorite tournament: Daddy’s
- Hobby/passion: Football/WWE Wrestling
- Major tournament wins: PKRA Champion. Only lost 1 sparring match (by face contact) so far at competition
- Walk out song: Lighting & Thunder
- What would you do with million dollars: Buy WWE figures
- Favorite sushi: can’t eat sushi, so…chicken habachi
🏆 TITLES
Zoey Bostard
- Nickname – Zohan
- date of birth: 2006
- Date you started karate: March 2015
- Why you joined karate: I wanted to be a ninja!
- Date joined Team Kumite: November 2017
- School District you attend: Woodland Hills
- Expected graduation Year/Class of: 2027
- Any obstacles you’ve faced or overcome: I’m almost always injured.
- What do you want to be when you grow up? Wildlife Rehabilitator
- Most memorable karate moment so far: Winning Taking my black belt test on April 23, 2023
- Toughest thing about karate: Staying involved when you are hurting or injured.
- Favorite part of karate (kata, kumite, weapons, etc.) Kumite
- Favorite karate technique:
- Other sports or activities you play: N/A
- Favorite Karate tournament: Diamonds Nationals
- Hobby/Passion outside martial arts: I love to read.
- Major Tournament Wins: Making it to WKC Worlds 3 years in a row.
- What would be your walk out/theme song? War by Edwin Star
- What would you do with a million dollars? Buy a mini highland cow!
- Favorite Sushi OR Sushi is gross? Crab rolls
