September 26, 2022 437 Comments

Pittsburgh’s world champion Gabby Viola is a martial artist that packs a fierce punch

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – They say good things come in small packages. But here in Pittsburgh, even small packages pack a punch.

“I am a seven-time state champion, a three-time national champion, and last year I won my world title,” Gabby Viola said as she laid out her impressive resume.

“The Viola karate legacy starts back in the 1960s with my father,” Bill Viola, Sr. said. “He was a pioneer of the martial arts. He opened his first dojo [Viola Karate] in 1969 here in western Pennsylvania. And throughout the seventies, eighties, and nineties, the dojo became a dominant force,” Viola added.

The Viola name became synonymous with champions in this region.

“As I came up through the ranks, I also became national champion, and lo and behold, I have my kids, and they become the third generation of Violas to represent the storied tradition of our school. And so now, my son, Will, and my daughter, Gabby, represent the dojo throughout North America,” the senior Viola said.

“Gabby competes in kata, kobudō, and kumite, those are the three levels,” Bill Viola added.

Gabby then laid out the differences between the fighting styles.

“Kata is empty-hand or an imaginary fight. Kobudō is when you use a weapon to do a form, kind of like kata. Kumite, or sparring, is when you actually fight someone,” Gabby said.

This October, Gabby will be competing internationally, traveling overseas to represent the country, and western Pennsylvania, in the world championships.

“I actually won my world title in kumite, but this year, I’m going to try and get the world title in kata, too,” Gabby said.

Gabby has been training at the dojo since the age of two. She trains by herself seven days a week and then takes additional classes five days a week as well.

She even passes on what she’s learned to those even younger than her, including her brother.

“I like teaching. It’s harder to teach my little brother,” Gabby said with a smile. “He doesn’t listen to me, but the rest of them do.”

Gabby’s father, Bill, told the Fan N’ATion crew how surreal this experience has been, seeing Gabby develop into a champion, because of the time he spent with his father. Now, the elder Viola is sharing his expertise and passing that down to his children.

“We call it a family. I don’t look at our students as clients that come through the door. They’ve become one with us. It’s embedded in our culture here,” Bill said.

“All my family has done it, and I really enjoy doing it. If I have a family one day, I would want them to do karate,” Gabby said.

Let’s wish her LUCK

空手#norwinninjas #pittsburgh #karatenerd #karate #pittsburghkarate #norwin #naska #martialarts #dojo #violakarate #shotokan #senseisays #karatefamily #karatelife #sensei #blackbelt #pittsburghmartialarts #sportkarate #kumiteclassic #sparring #karateka #karatedo #karatekid #pittsburghshotokan #teamkumite #cobrakai #kumiteclassic #alleghenyshotokan #commonsensei #toranome#zentensity

February 8, 2022 Bill Viola Jr. 23 Comments

Gabby Viola – Driven by Zentensity

“Zentensity” is a concept coined by Bill Viola Jr. that describes a profound connection between the body and mind, enabling an individual to surpass perceived limitations. It embodies the fusion of intense focus and Zen-like calm, facilitating exceptional achievements and personal growth. This mindset is particularly applicable in martial arts, where mental strength and physical prowess are equally important, but it’s also relevant to overcoming challenges in everyday life.

Gabby Viola is an inspiring young martial artist who embodies the term “zentensity,” a concept highlighting a powerful body-mind connection that pushes beyond perceived limits. This term was coined by her father, Bill Viola Jr., to describe the extraordinary focus and effort Gabby applies both in her life and in karate. Despite facing significant health challenges due to an incurable form of inflammatory bowel disease, she has achieved remarkable success in karate, becoming the youngest Black Belt at Allegheny Shotokan and earning recognition as a multi-time state champion, a national champion, and even securing a place on Team USA. Gabby’s journey in martial arts is a testament to her resilience, underpinned by a supportive family legacy in the sport that dates back to the 1960s. Her achievements include winning gold at the World Karate Commission National Championships and being ranked first in the North American Sport Karate Association for black belt sparring.

Gabby’s dedication and perseverance, despite her health struggles, offer a powerful message of strength and determination. Her story is not just about martial arts; it’s about overcoming obstacles and striving for excellence, making her an ambassador for the sport and an inspiration to others facing their own battles.

-By Joe Napsha

Tribune Review

Thursday, Feb. 3, 2022

A North Huntingdon girl has earned her first-degree black belt in karate at age 11, persevering through an inflammatory bowel disease that can be debilitating.

Gabriella “Gabby” Viola, 11, the daughter of Jennifer and William Viola Jr., became the youngest holder of a black belt among those who have trained at Allegheny Shotokan Viola Karate Dojo, a North Huntingdon karate school operated by her father, Bill Viola Jr., and founded in 1969 by her grandfather, Bill Viola Sr. She earned her black belt on Aug. 17, which was her birthday.

“Gabby has what I call ‘zentensity,’ a body-mind connection that pushes past what you thought was possible,” her father said.

Having a black belt runs in the family. Both her father and grandfather have their black belts, as well as four of her aunts — Addie, Jacque, Ali and Joce Viola. Fewer than 100 people who have trained at Allegheny Shotokan over the past 50 years have earned a black belt, her father said.

“I wanted to be like my dad. My black belt is better than any trophy,” said Gabby, who shared the honor with six teammates who also took the test.

The youngster, a fifth grade student at Norwin’s Hillcrest Intermediate School, has been “kicking before she could walk,” her father said.

“She literally grew up in the dojo,” said her mother, Jennifer, of the karate school. “It was like her playground.”

Gabby, who trains three or four times a week, said she underwent a six-hour test in which her skills were judged to earn her black belt. She had gone through a four-month process which involves learning the history of martial arts, Japanese terms, hundreds of techniques, endless combinations, self-defense maneuvers and physical endurance.

Gabby has accomplished this while suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, her father said. It is an incurable form of colitis, an autoimmune condition that attacks the healthy tissue in the intestine. She has dealt with bouts of severe bleeding, dehydration, abdominal pain, cramping and joint and skin inflammation, her father said. She has had to endure a number of setbacks and emergency room visits.

“Martial arts teaches perseverance, and she decided that nothing would stop her from earning her black belt,” her father said.

She undergoes monthly infusions of medication at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh as part of the treatment regime that includes medical trials, diets, medication, steroids, tests and therapy.

Despite the risk of having a flareup of major symptoms after a period of remission, Gabby has competed nationally. She won a gold medal at a World Karate Commission National Championships for martial arts in 2019 and earned a spot on Team USA. She has been recognized as a five-time state champion and ranked first in the North American Sport Karate Association for black belt sparring in 2020.

As for earning her second-degree black belt, Gabby said she must wait until she is 16 to take that test.

She is joined in her family’s love of the sport by her 4-year-old brother, William Viola IV, who trains in the “Nursery Ninja” program and holds a yellow stripe belt.

Gabby is an ambassador for the sport, promoting it to other youngsters.

“They should try it. It is fun, and it is good exercise,” Gabby said.

“Zentensity” is a phrase coined by her father and author Bill Viola Jr. Zentensity is a manifestation of mind over matter, pushing someone to new levels of achievement. Read more in the book CommonSensei

November 6, 2020 16,068 Comments

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Night of Steel

Night of Steel featured speakers – The Viola Family.

Gabby Viola was a featured “Impact Speaker” the Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia chapter of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation for our third annual Night of Steel, a virtual celebration of all things Pittsburgh!

In 2018, Gabby was diagnosed with bowel disease, an incurable inflammatory form of colitis. You’d never know she is sick on the outside, but on the inside, it is killing her: severe bleeding, dehydration, abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, inflammation of joints, skin and eyes, and a swelling colon just off the top of my head. She was only seven years old; no family history of the illness! Why oh why?! Long story short, we continue to do what we have to do: Specialists, naturopathic and holistic experts, trials, infusions, diets, meds, steroids, tests, and therapy — the works. All you can do is pray for remission.

She has made it her goal to “fight” to find a cure and is an advocate for the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

The fundraiser was presented by UPMC and the UPMC Health Plan. The evening featured a craft cocktail experience with the Cocktail Guru and standup comedy from well-known comedian, Casey Balsham.

Please join us on our mission to find cures for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and provide care and resources to patients and their caregivers. With your support, the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has invested over $350 million to fund critical research for treatments and cures.

Chapter Information: www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/wpawv

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation is a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cures for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. It was founded in 1967 by Irwin M. and Suzanne Rosenthal, William D. and Shelby Modell, and Henry D. Janowitz, M.D. in New York City. The Western Pennsylvania/West Virginia Chapter is headquartered in Pittsburgh and serves the Western PA region including Altoona, Erie, and State College. We also serve the entire state of West Virginia.

May 20, 2020 22,050 Comments

Day on the Hill

Gabby and I are advocates for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation and this May we were supposed to visit Washington, DC to lobby at the annual “Day on the Hill.”

Well the Pandemic changed the original plan, so today we are meeting with the Congressman and Senators virtually. Our goal has not changed… we are dedicated to helping push along two important bills that would be game changers for patients of IBD. Wish us luck!

Legislative Issues:

Now for the fun part! We are homing in on two legislative issues this year: step therapy reform, and medical nutrition access. Please see the attached/linked below handouts for more detailed information. There will be plenty of opportunities to discuss these issues further during our two training webinars, and you are welcome to reach out to me individually with any questions. Below is a brief overview of each of the issues:

Handout – S2546/HR2279 Safe Step Act (also attached)
Handout – HR2501 Medical Nutrition Equity Act (also attached)

Step therapy reform: Step therapy is when a health insurer requires patients to try and fail on one or more medications before the insurer agrees to cover the treatment initially selected by the patient and provider. Insurance-mandated step therapy does not always follow clinical guidelines and can lead to a delay in the appropriate treatment, as well as worse health outcomes. The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has joined with several other patient and provider organizations to pass S2546/HR2279, the Safe Step Act, which would require employer-based health plans to establish a streamlined appeals process so that patients can bypass an inappropriate step therapy protocol and gain access to the right treatment in a timely manner.
- Federal vs. State step therapy initiatives: You may have noticed that we are supporting step therapy reform bills on both the state and federal level. This is because the nation has a patchwork of health insurance plans, and state bills impact state-regulated plans (ie, plans on the individual and small group market, and fully-insured plans), while the federal bill impacts federally-regulated plans (ie, self-insured plans, usually large employers). Therefore, we need all federal and state bills to pass to support the entire private market. See www.crohnscolitisfoundation.org/steptherapy for more on our state efforts (led by Jake Johnson).

Re-post from Facebook: Republicans and Democrats read: Today Gabby and I embark on an important mission… We’re advocates for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation by participating in the annual Day on the Hill. and will lobbying for bipartisan support of two important bills to help patients who suffer from these terrible inflammatory 🔥chronic diseases. THERE IS NO CURE. On our agenda is meetings with Senator Robert Casey, Rep. Connor Lamb, Rep. Mike Doyle, and Senator Pat Toomey. We can all put aside our political affiliations and agree that our DOCTORS not INSURANCE companies should make decisions on what treatment we get. Gabby was denied a certain medication her Dr. wanted and was told it would be $900 for 3 pills 💊… or she can simply take a approved drug that her Dr. doesn’t recommend because it followed their
“steps”😡Some of the infusions are 5K or more per treatment and you pay out of pocket if you can’t get whats approved. NO WAY. Step therapy needs amended… That is what we are fighting for today… millions of patients are given drugs that insurance companies push instead of individual care. This is unacceptable on so many levels. When you life and health is on the line, you should be able to get the BEST possible treatment, not your 2nd or 3rd choice. Insurance doesn’t know you pain, your sickness, your symptoms…only your Dr. does. Give them the power to decide, not some pencil pusher who’s never lived a day with your disease! We need to hold the big $$$$ accountable. Many of you don’t know I was a Political Science major top of my class at Pitt. I interned with a Federal Congressman and was prepped to enter the world of politics. Well I broke my neck, had a stomach surgery, moved to Hollywood, and founded the Kumite Classic instead LOL. My calling was a Sensei all along but everything happens for a reason, and now I’m putting my degree to use as a lobbyist. Stay tuned. #findacure

IBD Issues and COVID-19

Existing access barriers are exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic due to increased health risks and challenges reaching a provider during the lockdowns. Stable patients, without co-morbidities, have a positive prognosis if they contract COVID-19. Stable patients should maintain their treatment.

Step Therapy

Insurance-mandated step therapy remains prevalent
Patients on steroids have worse outcomes if they contract COVID-19
Steroids are often insurer-preferred treatments in step therapy protocols

Medical Nutrition

Patients on nutritional therapy are faring just as well as patients on biologics

May 6, 2020 9,901 Comments

Gabby Viola “Fighter”

‘Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter”

-Christina Aguilera

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrqqCAcdwwo

Meet My Daughter, Gabby Viola—An Inspiration

Gabby has a song she listens to when she needs a reminder—to keep her hands up, to stay ready, to keep fighting. Some days are good. Some days are really hard. And when her disease flares, I look her in the eye and tell her the truth: you are a fighter. What she carries is scary, but what she’s made of is stronger than fear. Inside her is the grit of a hundred kids. I saw it clearly that day in Detroit.

Here’s why her story matters.

In 2018, our world shifted without warning. Gabby was just seven years old when she was diagnosed with an incurable inflammatory bowel disease, a severe form of colitis. There was no family history, no warning signs, no explanation. On the outside, she looked like a normal kid. On the inside, her body was at war—bleeding, dehydration, constant abdominal pain, exhaustion, joint and eye inflammation, skin issues, and a swollen colon. It was overwhelming. It still is.

Since then, our lives have been shaped by doctors’ offices and treatment plans—specialists, infusions, medications, steroids, strict diets, tests, therapy, and every holistic or naturopathic option we could explore. You learn quickly that control is an illusion. You do the work, and you pray for remission.

Through all of it, Gabby never wanted to quit karate.

Karate was her safe place. Her structure. Her calm. With her doctor’s approval, she kept training—and in July 2019, she stepped onto the floor at the World Karate Commission Team Trials in Detroit, Michigan. The stakes were enormous: place at the top, and you earn a spot on Team USA for the World Championships.

Gabby was one of the youngest competitors there. She was still a brown belt, facing divisions filled with experienced black belts. The trials were grueling, spread over multiple rounds. On the first day, things didn’t go her way. I could see the disappointment flooding her face, her lip trembling as she tried to hold it together. I couldn’t fix it—but I could remind her who she was.

I told her, “It’s time to unleash the tiger. No matter what happens, show your spirit.”

That weekend, we carried something symbolic with us—a battered brown belt more than 55 years old. It had been worn by my father. Then by me. Then by my sister Addie. And now, by Gabby. It wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t new. But it carried generations of sweat, struggle, and perseverance. She understood that history. All she had to do was add her own chapter.

And she did.

When Gabby stepped back onto the mat, everything changed. Her focus sharpened. Her presence was undeniable. She showed tora no me—the eye of the tiger. She performed with heart, precision, and fire, delivering a kata that stopped the room. She didn’t just recover—she rose. Gold medal.

I’ve won titles. I’ve experienced victories. None of them compare to watching my daughter conquer doubt, pain, and fear in that moment.

Gabby doesn’t just fight in the ring. She fights every day. And she wins—one brave step at a time.

Understanding inflammatory type diseases: Inflammation is the body’s response to fighting off harmful things. It could be an injury, infection, or something toxic. In Gabby’s case, she is always on

Her body is confused. This is called IBD or (Inflammatory bowel disease) not to be confused with the very common IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) which is not an inflammatory condition/disease. IBD is an umbrella covering both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Both Crohn’s and colitis are characterized by chronic inflammation of the GI (gastrointestinal) tract. IBD is a “ninja” of sorts, because the symptoms often stealth like to the outside world. Patients often look totally normal to friends and family, but behind the scenes they are struggling with abdominal pain, fatigue, rectal bleeding, bloody stools, and persistent uncontrollable trips to the bathroom. Its cause is unknown, but Doctors do know it’s the result of a defective immune system. Essentially Gabby’s immune system is attacking itself causing the inflammation .

A New Chapter, Defined by Purpose and Hope

There is no cure—yet. So we focus on helping Gabby live as comfortably and fully as possible, while holding onto the belief that a cure will be discovered in her lifetime. Hope isn’t passive in our house; it’s something we work toward every day.

Those closest to our family know how profoundly Gabby’s diagnosis reshaped our lives. For two decades, the Kumite Classic was a 24/7, year-round mission—one of the largest and most respected independent martial arts tournaments in North America. It was part of my identity, but it never defined who I am. Family comes first. I made the decision to step away from promoting the Kumite Classic until Gabby reaches remission. One day, I hope she’ll choose to reignite that torch in her own way. For now, I coach, teach, and travel when her health allows. It’s a new chapter in a very long book.

Today, Gabby receives regular biologic infusions at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Her doctors are compassionate, skilled, and deeply committed to her care. Each treatment takes three to four hours, often requiring her to miss school. The infusions are physically draining and mentally exhausting—but she shows up every time.

From Patient to Advocate

Living with IBD doesn’t end with medical treatment. Insurance hurdles, red tape, and staggering costs place an enormous burden on families. The annual price of Gabby’s medication can reach tens of thousands of dollars, depending on frequency. It’s frustrating, and it’s wrong. Instead of accepting the status quo, we chose to fight back—constructively.

Gabby has been invited to join a national advocacy effort to raise awareness and push for change. Beginning this spring, she will lobby on behalf of pediatric IBD patients who face limited access to life-saving treatments. She’ll share her story in Washington, D.C., meeting with legislators to urge stronger support for research, access, and policy reform. As part of this effort, she will attend the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation “Day on the Hill,” participating in advocacy training, policy forums, and direct meetings with members of Congress. Her goal is simple but powerful: be part of the solution.

Turning Adversity into Action

As a family, we decided early on to turn this diagnosis into a teaching moment. We don’t ignore the hardship—we transform it. We approach IBD the same way we train in the dojo: with discipline, grit, and relentless determination. Gabby fights every day, and in doing so, she inspires others to fight too. This disease will not define her dreams or limit her goals. There will be setbacks—but setbacks create comebacks.

Over the years, we’ve made countless emergency trips to hospitals and urgent care facilities. She was even hospitalized during a major national championship after nearly collapsing during a severe flare. That moment cost her results—but it didn’t cost her resolve. She chose not to spiral. She doubled down. Soon after, she returned to competition and victory.

But wins aren’t the point.

What matters is showing up—again and again—when it would be easier to quit. Progress isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s quiet, incremental, and hard-earned. We call it Kaizen (改善): continuous improvement. One percent better every day. That’s our philosophy. That’s our path forward.

Often times people associate martial arts as a rough-and-tumble sport dominated by male competitors, but Gabby Viola is shattering the stereotype. 9-year-old Gabby was recently honored by the national karate media and their peers with nationwide “People’s Choice Awards.” Point Fighter Live is one the most popular media outlets in North America for the sport and recognized the top athletes.

Gabby Viola was nominated as “Competitor of the Year” by Point Fighter Live. The honor, dubbed as a “Power Award” was voted on by coaches, competitors, and promoters from across North America. After a nationwide poll, Viola not only won her category (edging out a talented competitor from El Paso, Texas) but was the highest vote total of the show. The physical award will be presented this April in Warwick, Rhode Island at the Ocean State Grand Nationals.

When asked about the recognition Gabby said,

“I’m really happy. I hope this helps get me to Japan!”

Gabby

She’s on a mission to fund raise to watch her Idol Sandra Sanchez from Spain compete for a gold medal at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. *UPDATE (now that the Pandemic has cancelled the Olympics, we hope to attend in 2020) Gabby had the opportunity to train with Sanchez in Orlando, Florida this past July. When she’s not competing, she loves playing piano, dance, and teaching her 2-year-old brother karate.

Throughout the long season, Gabby traveled to Illinois, California, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, New York, West Virginia, Ohio, New Jersey and Canada to compete. The honors are based on an entire year’s body of work.

Gabby Viola is a member of Allegheny Shotokan “Viola” Karate Dojo which recently celebrated its 50-Year Anniversary. The Dojo was honored with a proclamation from County Executive Rich Fitzgerald who recognized “Sensei Viola Day” on September 23^rd 2019 for the Pittsburgh region. Sensei Bill Viola Sr. has 4 daughters, all of whom have earned their black belts. His Granddaughter Gabby and all the up and coming Senpai and Sensei (Lucy, Sammy, Taylor, Zoey, Haley, Abby, Riley) carry on the tradition of strong inspiring ladies from the dojo!

he team is gearing up for the 2020 WKC World Championships held in Madrid, Spain and fundraising to visit Tokyo, Japan and attend the 2020 Olympics . For more information visit www.alleghenyshotokan.com

FYI

Gabby Viola began training at just 2-years-old and was the inspiration of the Nursery Ninjas program at Allegheny Shotokan Karate. She made her competition debut at the 2013 Kumite Classic and has since competed in over 100 tournaments across North America. In 2015 she won her first Grand Champion, and later that year was the youngest competitor at the World Games. She is a multiple time PKRA State Champion, USKA National Champion, WKC National Champion, and consistent champion on the NASKA World Tour. She is a 3rd generation Viola to carry on the family legacy. Gabby is committed to community service, and has been a top fundraiser to “Kick Parkinson’s Disease” a charity her father helped establish in memory of their Grandmother.

Gabby would also like to send this positive vibes and energy out to her Allegheny Shotokan dojo brothers who also suffer from GI complications: Sensei Conor Burns, Sensei Dave Zezza, and Senpai Mike Pietrzyk

gabby viola