Category Archives: featured

Physical Thearpy

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IUP Professor and Team Kumite memeber José Rivera receives some much needed physical thearpy after the competition.

Professor José E. Rivera is the curriculum coordinator for the Athletic Training program at IUP. Mr. Rivera received a Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education and Athletic Training from the University of Pittsburgh in 1985 and a Master of Science in Athletic Training from Old Dominion University in 1987. Additionally, he has completed graduate studies in Orthopedic Physical Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Massage Therapy at the Muscular Therapy Institute in Boston, and Administration and Leadership Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Mr. Rivera has been a certified athletic trainer (ATC) since 1986 and a college professor since 1994. His professional experience included ten years of working with high school, college, and professional athletes before he became a college professor. His experience included serving as clinical athletic trainer for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Athletic Department; the Puerto Rico Olympic Training Center and the P.R. National Wrestling, Tae Kwon Do and Baseball teams; the Puerto Rico professional baseball league; and the Center for Sports Medicine of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; and company therapist for the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater.

Mr. Rivera has been an active participant and has been appointed to a variety of professional organizations/committees. Among them are Advisory Committee for the City of Pittsburgh Marathon; site visitor for the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs in Athletic Training; the NATA Board of Certification National Examination Development Committee and the Role Delineation Study Panel; and the Pennsylvania Athletic Trainers’ Society Ethics Committee. In addition, he has various published and unpublished papers/research and more than thirty professional presentations in local, regional, and national professional conferences (1990-2006).

Mr. Rivera is currently the IUP Athletic Training program curriculum coordinator and teaches courses in Human Structure and Function, Athletic Training (musculoskeletal pathophysiology, rehabilitation/therapeutic exercises, and clinical practicum courses), and Health and Wellness. In addition, he is a member of various departmental and university committees, including the IUP University Senate; advisor for approximately one-third of the students majoring in Athletic Training at IUP; and advisor for the IUP Martial Arts Club

Kumite Classic

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jason tankson bourelly

The Kumite Classic is Pittsburgh”s most prestigious Martial Arts Championship, an NBL National Black Belt League Can-Am National Tournament.

The Kumite Classic is one of the most diverse martial arts and fitness expos in the United States.  The annual show based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is held over Memorial Day Weekend.  The event hosts a full scale consumer expo surrounded by multiple championships and competitions that run simultaneously including sports such as; sport karate, natural bodybuilding, power lifting, strongman, Olympic weight lifting, dance, cheer, arm wrestling, grappling, jiu-jitsu, physical fitness challenges etc. The event also hosts concerts, talent showcases, model pageants, bikini pageants, and fitness pageants. The high energy atmosphere has created a unique fan base of sports and fitness enthusiasts. In May of 2005 Kumite Classic partnered with former Mr. World Dave Hawk and Olympic Champion/Professional Wrestler Kurt Angle to host the Ultimate Teen Challenge in Pittsburgh. The event has become an annual feature at the Kumite Classic.  On May 30th 2010 the Kumite Classic collaborated with CV Production Inc. to host “Caged Kumite,” a pro-am mixed martial arts promotion.  On May 28th 2011 Kumite Classic partnered with former NFL Professional player Franco Harris to host The World Teen Football Combine.  Jeannette High School standout Demetrious Cox won the first annual competition.  December 16th 2010, Kumite Classic promoter Bill Viola, was honored at the 35th Annual Willie Stargell Memorial Banquet with “Pittsburgh M.V.P. Award” for his work within the fitness and Martial Arts industry.  The 2012 Kumite Classic is scheduled for Memorial Day Weekend May 25-26th 2012 at the Monroeville Convention Center.

PSYCH

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Corbin Bersen, star of the popular detective comedy Psych as seen on the USA Network made a visit to the Kumite Classic with friend and Soap Oprea Star, Sean Kanan. Psych stars James Roday as Shawn Spencer, Dulé Hill.