In 1979 Viola co-founded CV Productions, Inc. with his partner Frank Caliguri.[1][8] In 1980, the company introduced a new sport, the first regulated mixed martial arts competitions in the United States.[6] Viola helped write the first codified set of mixed martial arts rules for mainstream competition[5][8] and in 1980 created and promoted organized mixed martial arts competition over a decade before the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[9][10]
In 2003, the USA Karate Federation inducted Viola into the Hall of Fame, honoring him with a lifetime achievement award and naming him Man of the Year.[12]
CV Productions Inc.’s mixed martial arts league was honored by the Heinz History Center, an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution.[13] The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum unveiled an exhibit in 2011 to document Viola's mixed martial arts roots.[1][10][14] As a result of Viola and Caliguri's developments, Pittsburgh is considered the birthplace of modern mixed martial arts as a sport in the United States.[1][6][8][14]
The City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania named September 23rd 2019 as "Sensei Viola Day" in region to celebrate the 50-year anniversary of Allegheny Shotokan Karate.[17][18]
Bill Viola Sr. was recognized with the Illustrious Californian Award (2020) by California University of Pennsylvania Alumni Association.[19][20]
Personal life
Viola has instructed all five of his children to the rank of black belt: Bill Viola Jr., Addie Viola, Jacque Viola, Ali Viola, and Joce Viola.[21] In 1999, his son, Bill Viola, Jr., established the Kumite Classic.[22]
References
^ abcdeSanta, John. “Viola honored as Mixed Martial Arts innovator”. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review 4 July 2011