Student of Harry G. Smith
G E O R G E I B E
R L
Born September 1, 1936 in Germany.
George Iberl began his martial arts training at the
age of nine in Germany.
In 1950 Iberl began studying savate kickboxing and continued until
1955 when he won the Middleweight Division Championship in
Nurenberg, Germany. In 1956 Iberl joined the army and after two
years was discharged.
In 1958 Iberl decided to move to the United States
and settled in Millersburg, PA. After a short time, he met Ralph
Lindquist and they immediately found they had a common interest in
the martial arts. Mr. Lindquist then introduced Iberl to Chief
Instructor Harry G. Smith and Iberl immediately signed up as a
student. Iberl went with his instructor Harry G. Smith to the first
and only World Karate Championship in 1963, held by Robert Trias in
Chicago. This event gathered many prominent martial arts persons
from the United States and around the world. Here Iberl first met
Dr. Maung Gyi who remains a friend and colleague. In 1964 and 1966,
Iberl worked with Tatsuo Shimabuku during his visits to the U.S. in
Pittsburgh and New York.
In 1964, job responsibilities led Iberl to a move
to Washington, DC. Shortly after his move, Iberl met Rick Niemira
and opened the first of two schools they would operate together in
Washington, DC and later in Annapolis, Maryland. In 1967 Iberl and
Niemira sponsored their first tournament at the Annapolis National
Guard Armory. This event attracted nearly 600 competitors. Iberl
competed extensively during the 60's, 70's and 80's in the eastern
part of the U.S., most recently in 1994.
In 1967, Iberl met Angi Uezu on his first trip to
the United States as Master Shimabuku's representative. Iberl and
others made a contract with Sensei Uezu to teach and travel,
visiting Master Shimabuku's U.S. students and he stayed for a period
of one year. This initial meeting would be the beginning of a
31-year friendship and working relationship between the two. Of
Master Uezu, Iberl says "He's the heart of Isshinryu."
In 1969, Iberl moved back to Pennsylvania, to York
where he opened a school that he has operated ever since. He
currently also operates a school in York, PA. Sensei Iberl continues
to teach 6 days a week, from beginner's classes to his most advanced
students, some that have been with him for almost 30 years. The
study and teaching of Isshinryu are at the center of his very
essence.
 Personal
observations from HGS
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