For family, martial arts ‘in the DNA’

July 15, 2015 bill viola News, Pittsburgh Karate

Monday, Feb. 9, 2015, 12:12 a.m.

http://triblive.com/news/editorspicks/7736486-74/viola-arts-martial#axzz3fy9Inusm

Growing up in the world of martial arts and competing since she was 3, Ali Viola believes the self-confidence and discipline she has gained carries over into her pursuit of a professional career.

Viola, 22, is a Duquesne University law student and seven-time national Black Belt League world champion.

She works for a Pittsburgh law firm and is an assistant coach for Team Kumite, an all-star travel team founded by her brother, Bill Viola Jr., 37.

In December, she competed in the 2014 World Games, known as the “Super Grands.” She added two world titles to her resume: one for women’s middleweight sparring and one team title.

“I’m going to compete as long as I can. I fell in love with it. I’ll always be here. I’ll always be teaching,” Viola said.

She is one of five siblings whose father, Bill Viola Sr., founded martial arts training center Allegheny Shotokan Karate, based in North Huntingdon.

All five have earned black belts and remain involved in the sport.

“Everybody does it. It’s in the DNA,” her brother said.

Viola Jr. is the head coach and instructor at the family-run school.

“I was here before I could walk. This was legitimately my day care,” he said.

“Same story,” Ali Viola said.

A third generation is growing up at the school.

Several Viola grandchildren study martial arts under the instruction of their grandfather and adult family members.

Viola’s daughter, Gabby, 4, traveled to the December World Games competition in Buffalo, competing in the 4-and-under division.

“She was the youngest competitor throughout the season,” her father said.

Gabby came in fourth and earned an amateur international title.

More importantly, she is learning the character-building skills her family tries to pass on through martial arts, her father said.

The school’s motto is “Building Champions in Life.”

Ali Viola said martial arts has given her the confidence to speak before a crowd and to defend herself physically.

“I could get out (of a bad situation) alive,” she said.

The winner of multiple international karate championships, Bill Viola Jr. moved into producing and coaching full-time after a career-ending automobile accident in 1999.

“It was a blessing in disguise,” he said.

A book Viola Jr. wrote, “Godfathers of MMA,” to be published in a few months, details the journey of his father, credited as co-creator of the sport of mixed martial arts, and his business partner, Frank Caliguri.

Champions in the making are all about attitude, the siblings believe.

“A student has to want it. He has to be focused and driven. You can’t teach that,” Ali Viola said.

Competitions will depend on her class and work schedule.

“At this point in my life, school comes first,” she said.

Mary Pickels is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 724-836-5401 or mpickels@tribweb.com.