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.
