Angelo Marziale began his journey in martial arts competition more than 40 years ago, and, since those early days, the 50-year-old Creighton resident and fifth-degree Shorin Ryu black belt has captured many championships near and far.

A former student of Lower Burrell martial arts legend Frank Caliguri, Marziale continues to give back as an instructor through his school in Sarver as well as a promoter of those hoping to move up the black belt ranks.

Marziale’s passion for competition led him to begin his Battle of Pennsylvania open martial arts tournament last year.

Its 2022 debut, he said, was a success, and excitement has built for its return engagement.

Battle of Pennsylvania – Episode II is Saturday at the Chippewa UMC Community Center in Beaver Falls.

“We had about 170 competitors last year, and we filled the place,” Marziale said.

“It was my first-ever tournament, and it was decent. We came out of it really excited for what was to come. My students who competed were excited and also a little nervous, but they did great.”

Marziale said he chose the location for the tournament so as not to step on anyone’s toes connected with Caliguri’s Pittsburgh Karate Championships, which is April 22 at Quality Inn in New Kensington.

“I got the tournament competition bug back in 1982 when I was around 10 years old,” Marziale said.

“It was at one of Frank’s tournaments. I won my first trophy there. I was excited. I kept competing at every level and kept trying to improve myself and my abilities. Frank would push me, and my mother also helped me a lot. She would always say that, even if I lost, I was still learning. I was always benefiting from each experience.”

Marziale took those early lessons and fashioned a career which included tournament titles in Shorin Ryu and advancement to his black-belt status.

He started his school in Monroeville six years ago and shared a gym with boxing promoter Gloria Cvetic from the Western Pennsylvania Police Athletic League.

Most of Marziale’s 18 students are local to the Alle-Kiski Valley, residing in locales such as Lower Burrell, Creighton, Natrona Heights and Sarver.

Those students will be among more than 250 competitors from seven states at Saturday’s tournament. Teams from Canada also are making the trip to compete.

“I am so excited to see all of the talented martial artists compete and test themselves,” Marziale said.

A good friend of Marziale, Bill Viola Jr., owner of Allegheny Shotokan ‘Viola’ Karate in North Huntingdon, founder of the successful Kumite Classic martial arts competition and fitness expo, and historian at Pittsburgh MMA, is bringing 52 of his students to compete in Saturday’s tournament.

“Bill really did a lot to help me get my tournaments together,” Marziale said.

“He’s my chief referee Saturday. There are a lot of people who have been instrumental in making this possible.”

Marziale said he loves the judging aspect of tournaments.

“I just went to a tournament run by (taekwon-do Grand Master) Robert Zang, and I helped him judge and had a great time. He’s bringing some of his students to the tournament.”

Kelly Lecocq, a lifelong Lower Burrell resident and graduate of St. Joseph High School and the University of Pittsburgh, is a second-degree Shorin Ryu black belt with nearly two decades of karate experience.

She has trained under Marziale and instructs students at his school in Sarver.

Lecocq said she’s excited to see all of the competitors go for top honors at Saturday’s event.

“Angelo is truly a great instructor,” she said.

“He has trained me for about 19 years, and I am truly proud to be one of his black belts. He has a passion for the art and especially for training children. Over the years, he has earned many titles and much respect from many martial artists. I can’t say enough about this man, his program and his accomplishments.”

There will be more than 135 divisions across five events in Saturday’s open tournament. First through fourth place will be awarded in sparring, kata, weapons, self-defense and chanbara.

Five black belt adult open weight divisions will be available with a $100 cash prize for first place.

The event is a Professional Karate Commission double national points tournament with regional points on the line, as well.

Doors open and day-of registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with tournament competition set to start at 10.

For more information on Saturday’s event, contact Marziale at 724-681-7831 and dreamwarrior424@gmail.com or co-director Steve Fickes at 330-719-3039 and e.fite@sbcglobal.net.

Additional information can be found at https://pkc4.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Episode-II-MAIL.pdf

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