NBL Super Grands

Pittsburgh was represented at the 23rd Sport Karate World Games aka the NBL National Black Belt League Super Grands by Team Kumite. Ali Viola claimed her 4th continuous sparring World Title and Championship in Buffalo New York over New Years.  She defeated international competitors from Canada, Guatemala and Mexico in the finals. Team Captain Billy Leader defeated Andres Garcia of Guatemala (the reigning 6-time World Champion) in the Men’s Light Middleweight Continuous Sparring division en route to an appearance to the main stage for the finals.  His brother Dominic also advanced to the finals to face Hugo Mendoza of Mexico.  The team sent six black belts to the competition and all six placed top three in the World and earned NBL title belt. Coach Bill Viola was very proud of his team stating, “This year our team had to face allot of adversity and injury.  Ali had bad hamstring injury and Bill could hardly walk let alone fight, but they found a way to persevere.  Each year they bring respect back to Pittsburgh.”

Black Belt Roster @ the Super Grands:

Billy Leader

Ali Viola

Dominic Leader

Bridgit Chase

Hope Chase

Bess Chase

Also representing the team in the SKIL Sport Karate International Games were Liz Leaseburg and Cameron Klos who fought up in the NBL Continuous divisions.

Inactive due to injury or sickness included:

Connor Burns:  ACL

Joe Powell:  Ribs

Raun Churchfield:  Pneumonia