Allegheny Shotokan Karate
| Also known as | Viola Karate |
|---|---|
| Date founded | 1969 |
| Country of origin |
 United States
|
| Founder | Bill Viola Sr. |
| Current head | Bill Viola Jr. |
| Arts taught | Shotokan • Mixed martial arts • Kickboxing • Kobudo • Jujutsu |
| Official website | www.alleghenyshotokan.com |
Allegheny Shotokan Karate is a Western Pennsylvania-based martial arts school established in 1969 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The dojo was founded by Bill Viola Sr., who the Heinz History Center references as a co-creator of the modern sport of mixed martial arts. The school is currently located in Irwin, Pennsylvania, North Huntingdon Township and operates under the name "Viola Karate."
The name "Allegheny" represents the school’s first location in Allegheny County (East Allegheny School District), located in the Greater Pittsburgh area. Shotokan is the base style of Japanese Karate taught with an emphasis on mixed martial arts and kickboxing. The dojo was founded on the traditional principles of the Japan Karate Association (JKA) and later became affiliated with Robert Trias and George Anderson under the United States Karate Association.
USA Karate team members Jack Bodell, Richard Sowash, Dustin Baldis, and Doug Selchan began their training at the school. Selchan went on the win a Gold Medal the 1999 Pan-American Games for the United States. Bodell later became a member of the United States Secret Service responsible for the protection of President Jimmy Carter.
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Wikipedia