Student of Harry G. Smith
GEORGE IBERL
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