Author archive: kumite
Viola Karate Legacy
The Viola Family, a name synonymous with karate excellence in the Pittsburgh region. Bill Viola Sr. has had the unique opportunity to teach all five of his children and promote all of them to Black Belt: Bill Viola Jr, Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, and Joce Viola. Now the next generation of Viola’s have begun training
DetailsTough Guy Contest
Feature: Battle of the Super Fighters Tough Guy Contest The real beginnings of MMA in America Tough Guy Contest By Richard Cartey, Fighters Only Magazine Mixed martial arts in the United States was not conceived by the Gracie family and Art Davie in 1993, it actually began life 14 years earlier in a Pennsylvanian diner. FO reveals the
DetailsFitness and martial-arts enthusiasts pack Monroeville Convention Center for Kumite Classic
Fitness and martial-arts enthusiasts pack Monroeville Convention Center for Kumite Classic By Michael Love Wednesday, May 30, 2012, 11:08 a.m. Brazil native Royce Gracie is an undisputed legend in the world of mixed martial arts. Gracie, with his foundation in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, dominated the early years of the Ultimate Fighting Championships. He won the first UFC tournament
DetailsPioneers of MMA
Golden Gloves It’s no surprise that Pittsburgh produced some of the nation’s grittiest fighters over the past 100 years. From light heavyweight Champion boxer Billy Conn to professional wrestling superstar Bruno Sammartino, visit the Sports Museum to spar with legends. Evolving from bare knuckles prizefighting, boxing blossomed in Pittsburgh, a city populated with people willing
DetailsPittsburgh the birthplace of MMA
Professional baseball, football, and hockey can all trace their early history to Western Pennsylvania. But most local sports fans will be surprised to learn that our region is also the birthplace of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The first “Battle of the Tough Guys” took place at the New Kensington Holiday Inn on March 19, 1980.
DetailsWestern Pennsylvania history | 8 fall 2011
western pennsylvania history | 8 f all 2011 Up Front Tough Guys It started with barroom boasting and has grown into a sport followed by millions on cable TV and in arenas nationwide. Frank Caliguri of Arnold, Pa.—a black belt in karate and owner of the Academy of Martial Arts—was motivated by the ribbing he
DetailsViola honored as Mixed Martial Arts innovator
Viola honored as Mixed Martial Arts innovator <style> .es-carousel ul{ display:block; } </style> By John Santa Monday, July 4, 2011 Bill Viola still can remember the meal like it was yesterday. For the former East Allegheny science teacher, who in 1979 was promoting local karate and kick boxing events with partner Frank Caliguri, it was
DetailsMMA roots were planted in New Kensington
MMA roots were planted in New Kensington June 24, 2011 12:00 AM By Sam Werner Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Thousands will file into Consol Energy Center to see Pittsburgh’s first Ultimate Fighting Championship event Sunday, but the history of mixed martial arts can be traced back 31 years to a Holiday Inn in New Kensington. The
DetailsCaliguri’s MMA history honored at Heinz
Caliguri’s MMA history honored at Heinz <style> .es-carousel ul{ display:block; } </style> By Paul Kogut Thursday, June 23, 2011 Lower Burrell’s Frank Caliguri sometimes wonders what might have been if mixed martial arts hadn’t become illegal in Pennsylvania soon after he helped organize what some consider to be the first such event in the United
DetailsUFC makes long-waited Pittsburgh debut
UFC makes long-waited Pittsburgh debut <style> .es-carousel ul{ display:block; } </style> By Dan Stefano Wednesday, June 22, 2011 The Ultimate Fighting Championship, the mixed martial arts juggernaut in its 18th year of operation, will at long last make its debut in Pittsburgh on Sunday night. And should Consol Energy Center-hosted “UFC Live on Versus 4”
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