Fourteen members of the Viola Allegheny Shotokan Karate dojo earned top honors and secured a spot on the prestigious Team USA Karate Kickboxing team after their performances last month in Detroit.
The martial artists competed at the World Karate and Kickboxing Commission’s national championships and team trials June 8-9.
“In years past, you are lucky to qualify a few kids for the world championships,” coach Bill Viola Jr. said.
“This year we went full force and qualified 14 of 18 students. It’s unprecedented success for our region. We are proud to represent the Norwin and Pittsburgh area on a global scale.
“These kids are a testament of hard work and determination.”
The nation’s best converged to compete in WKC Tatami-style martial arts divisions.
Top-ranked athletes competed in continuous contact (kickboxing) and speed fighting after qualifying at regional events across the country.
Only athletes who medaled during the three-day, double elimination competition could make the team roster.
Fourteen Norwin School District students will join Viola Jr. at the world championships to be held in Niagara Falls, N.Y., in November.
The group includes Cameron Klos, Luke Lokay, Brady Johnson, Austin Hladek, Xander Eddy, Sammy Pietrzyk, Lucy Lokay, Rayden Galley, Gabby Viola, Taylor Provence, Riley Evans, Alexander Marrero, Zoey Bostard and Nicole Scherff.
All team members began as “Norwin Ninjas,” the dojo’s sister program, and graduated to “Team Kumite,” a Pennsylvania-based all-star team that trains out of the Viola dojo.
The team also will compete at the U.S. Open in Orlando, as well as the Irish Open in Dublin and will travel to Tokyo to visit the 2020 Olympic Games.
This summer, Allegheny Shotokan is celebrating its 50-year anniversary (1969-2019).
